Lowering the Arch on a 400ss
 

I just purchased a 400ss and the boat needs some paint work. After memorial day I am bringing the boat to Mitcher T for the paint, unfortunately he does not have the overhead clearance to get us into his shop so I need to lower the arch down to gain the foot or so to clear the door. Has anybody had to do this and what is involved.

Thanks, Steve

PM Selpel, he might know. I think they are transported from the factory off the boat. What kind of paint job you doing?

like most arches it should be bolted so you just need to get up in there and take them out. Remember you'll also have wiring for anything mounted up top

Congrats on the boat purchase.....


I have never had mine off (Thank God) but it is bolted on as the arch is Aluminum.... I ran wires up the arch a few years ago when we mounted the XM antenna on top.

Thanks Guys! As far as paint I am staying with the factory look but changing the color to Saphire Blue metallic and may update it to the newer design.

This job can be a bi-ch. I did this 10yrs ago and the 5200
will not be easily overcome. Take out the bolts the carefully try to cut the 5200 a little at a time with a razor without touching the gelcoat. Be patient,be patient.
Good Luck it can be done

Curious. Was looking into having my 400 repainted and was looking at local pricing. What are the charging to repaint the boat. Pm me if you do not want it public. Thanks.

Congrats on the boat Steve...couldn't have picked a better one myself! :)

I removed the arch off of my 38 Fountain EC (I also own a 419 fastec for the record!!!). and sonicss42 is correct, the 5200 can be a ***** kitty. If you want to invest in a Fein multi-master, that will slide between the arch and boat and cut the 5200 like butter. It comes with a special blade for doing just what you need to do. I ended up fabricating a hinge for mine so I can load it in the my garage. Good luck.

I dont believe there is any 5200 holding the arch on because there is a gasket between the arch and the deck. My concern is all the wiring there is for everything on the arch and is there enough leeway to lay it down on the windshield.

Thanks Mark looking forward to see you with a 400 next year or sooner.

The biggest ordeal is getting every thing unhooked. But it should have plugs so no big deal, don`t for get the air horn hose needs to taken off the compressor. I believe there are 6 bolts that need remove but make sure you have help as the arch is still heavy.......Capt. Steve:cool-smiley-026:

Local painter took one off of a 35ss and had one hell of a time getting it back on. Only time I ever heard of someone removing one

Possibly another option:
Are you able to lower the trailer. Not sure if you have enough clearance to make a difference.
Just throwing this out there. Get a hold of 6 steel wheels. Leave the rubber off. Roll it in, do the job and roll it out.

Possibly another option:
Are you able to lower the trailer. Not sure if you have enough clearance to make a difference.
Just throwing this out there. Get a hold of 6 steel wheels. Leave the rubber off. Roll it in, do the job and roll it out


Thanks, I did consider it and that would save alot of time but I dont think that would get me down the 14" I need.