Close to a deal on a used R7 -- arch questions

[scottst]

I did a quick search and didn't find anything. Please point me in the right direction if I missed it.

We're close to a deal on a used R7. Great spec but the one thing I'd probably do differently if I was ordering is add an arch. It has a bimini, and I like teh versatility of biminis but we *may* do some wakeboarding at some point.

My core question is: has anyone retrofitted an arch on a used boat? Possible? Prohibitively expensive?

Thanks. Will reply back later assuming we end up with the boat. Getting it up in the air this afternoon to inspect hull

[tgrace98]

Honestly if you want a boat with an arch find one that has one. it will be cheaper in the long run. You will have to fill the holes from the bimini then purchase the tower from cobalt.

[scottst]

I'm honestly torn -- I see the benefits of both configurations. Just checking if this is one of those "impossible to do later" things. Thanks!

[dustinm]

I see another person is selling a bimini off their new R series for the same reason, so I guess its doable. You would just need to figure if a new "retailed priced" arch is cost effective for this R7. What other options does this one have? What others are missing that you want?

[ajcampen]

You can see the price of an arch on the website. Prob pay full amount plus shipping (maybe they just ship it on a truck going to cobalt. They are mfg by Samson sport. You boat has the backing plates for it. I guess $10k easy for it. I love my arch but I would prob get a boat with it. Someone was looking into replacing their fixed arch. You could buy theirs.

Samson will make you a factory arch with cobalt permission. But expect to pay retail price. You can buy a much cheaper Samson arch if you like their designs. I personally think cobalt arch is amazing. I would go with as much chrome as possible vs paint

Feel bad for all the ruined paint in Texas this week

[scottst]

Thanks all. Looks like it might be possible but of course pricey. My guess is we will be happier with the Bimini but it is good to know there may be a way to throw money at it down the line if somehow my daughter becomes a hard core wakeboarder. We did the inspection of the hull this evening and have a closing if Tuesday. Will post pics assuming all goes ahead.

[tgrace98]

You can see the price of an arch on the website. Prob pay full amount plus shipping (maybe they just ship it on a truck going to cobalt. They are mfg by Samson sport. You boat has the backing plates for it. I guess $10k easy for it. I love my arch but I would prob get a boat with it. Someone was looking into replacing their fixed arch. You could buy theirs.

Samson will make you a factory arch with cobalt permission. But expect to pay retail price. You can buy a much cheaper Samson arch if you like their designs. I personally think cobalt arch is amazing. I would go with as much chrome as possible vs paint

Feel bad for all the ruined paint in Texas this week

Yep I learned the hard way this winter that those 25% off options is only at time Of original purchase. Inquired about the dinette table for my R7 this winter and am still picking my jaw up from the floor.

[mdadgar]

Some thoughts, since I am in the middle of trying to replace the factory bimini with an arch on my A25:

1) Cobalt may still have factory arches for your model boat, but they no longer do for mine.

2) Samson makes the factory OEM arches. They are easy to deal with.

3) Samson is running 10 MONTHS out for arch orders right now, due to COVID and demand. So if you order one now, you can expect in December or maybe January 2022. Not kidding.

4) No one, including Cobalt dealers, in my area will install an arch for liability reasons. This includes Cobalt dealers installing an OEM arch. I'll be towing my boat 12 hours each way to Samson's facility in Portland to have it done, assuming they can ever get me an arch in the first place. If you want to add an arch, make sure someone near you will install it.

5) The OEM arch style for recent boats is the Samson Dagger arch, which they do not make anymore but can maybe still produce one-offs for if they still have the right parts sitting around in inventory. I am waiting to hear back on my A25 fitment.

6) If you use the factory mooring cover, which is awesome, it will no longer fit once your arch is installed. You can either buy a new one designed for the arch, or have your current one modified to fit. Samson will modify covers and told me they will modify mine the same day they install the arch.

It's a fun process.

I would say that if you can find a boat with an arch, go buy that instead.

- Mark

[Big Block Power]

I don't know if they will fit but it's worth a measure.
https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/catal ... balt+tower+

[tbully]

Congrats on your (possible) new boat. Obviously this comes down to your use of the boat and personal desires but I'll tell my story anyway.

My first R7 had the bimini. My second R7 (long story) built "my way" has the tiling tower. In my experience knowing what I know now, I would think a lot on whether or not I'd get the tower. The bimini is really well-built and easy to deploy. My boat is trailered for now. It takes a few swear words (with kids nearby) and several minutes to deploy the canopy on my current R7. Just not the greatest design - not that I have many better idea.

Just my two cents.... Good luck!

[Elkhunter2372]

Thanks all. Looks like it might be possible but of course pricey. My guess is we will be happier with the Bimini but it is good to know there may be a way to throw money at it down the line if somehow my daughter becomes a hard core wakeboarder. We did the inspection of the hull this evening and have a closing if Tuesday. Will post pics assuming all goes ahead.

Hey Scott...my kids all learned to wakeboard WITHOUT a tower. I didn't have one on my previous boat. We attached the rope to the tow eye on the back and dealt with it. It worked fine, they didn't know any better and we used it for the two previous summers that way. What we did learn is that WITH the tower, since it pulls "up" rather than "straight" they have all stated it is easier to get up and quicker with less strain on leg muscles, etc. Your current situation will work fine...towers have been around a long time but not always!

[scottst]

Thanks all. Looks like it might be possible but of course pricey. My guess is we will be happier with the Bimini but it is good to know there may be a way to throw money at it down the line if somehow my daughter becomes a hard core wakeboarder. We did the inspection of the hull this evening and have a closing if Tuesday. Will post pics assuming all goes ahead.

Hey Scott...my kids all learned to wakeboard WITHOUT a tower. I didn't have one on my previous boat. We attached the rope to the tow eye on the back and dealt with it. It worked fine, they didn't know any better and we used it for the two previous summers that way. What we did learn is that WITH the tower, since it pulls "up" rather than "straight" they have all stated it is easier to get up and quicker with less strain on leg muscles, etc. Your current situation will work fine...towers have been around a long time but not always!

Oh yeah, I know it's not a necessity for sure. In fact I'm not even sure my boat would fit in the rack storage i'll be keeping it in initially w/a tower.

I grew up as a bit of a sound rat round the Puget Sound in a little aluminum boat with a 10hp. Early "wakeboarding" was with a rope and a salvaged ironing board. The kids aren't "roughing it" behind the R7 with a ski pylon

[Big Block Power]

Yea I know tank says he would want to put his binimi up everytime on his tower it sucks. If you put the tower up and leave the binimi up your all good.

[scottst]

The hull inspection looked good yesterday, so I'm out of excuses and we're closing on it Tuesday

R7, VP380, Black sides w/white stripe, white and gray interior, elect head, sink, anchor, table, etc. And most importantly, underwater disco lights.

[tbully]

Congrats! You'll love her! Sounds like it is well-equipped! Welcome to the club!