My project for the winter is going to be removing the arch on my 35ss..

Has anyone ever done this and any suggestions??

What should I use to cover the holes where the arch used to be??

Diffulcult or easy to remove??

I did. I'll PM with details. Covered holes with step pads.

What kind of step pads did you use???

Any pics?? Before and After??

Unbolt it, unwire it, then get some of the biggest friends you have to break it loose from the 5200 holding it in place then carefully lower from boat to ground.

As far as the holes. Either step plates which I have not really seen any that look all that good OR fill the holes and regel or repaint to match boat. Mine was filled and painted as were two other friends boats that removed their arches also.

it is alot heavier than you think!

You ARE correct about that.
Even more so if antennas and spotlight are on it.

Yes it is!

Reminds me of a freinds 42 sonic, he hooked a crane to the arch to support and lift it off. Unbolted the arch and proceeded to lift the arch, the back of the boat was off the trailer and the arch still wouldn't come off.

Me and my son took mine off. Liked to broke our backs! I would definately recomend some type of lift to get it off.

I will be taking it off at my marina and I am sure they will help me if I need the forklift.

It is heavy and it is stuck on with a really strong adhesive. It took a few of us to remove it. I filled the holes and painted the boat, I think it looks a million times better.