Modifying 262 Stainless Arch to Fold

[goodtime262]

I have a 2006 262 with the stainless arch with built in bimini. Wondering if anyone has (or seen anyone) modify the arch so it can fold forward for storage? Love the boat but storage is an issue as it takes 9'9" on trailer to clear an overhead door. I've never tried to remove it, but it looks like you could possibly add a plate below the arch hinged to the base plate? Any help would be great!

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[akorcovelos]

To do it properly the whole thing needs to be removed, cut, pivot ends welded in, and the whole thing will either need to be re-chromed or painted. Probably be cheaper to remove it, sell it, and buy a folding tower from Arial or Big Air and have a competent fiberglass shop install it. Either way you're talking big $$$.

[AsLan7]

I have a 2006 262 with the stainless arch with built in bimini. Wondering if anyone has (or seen anyone) modify the arch so it can fold forward for storage? Love the boat but storage is an issue as it takes 9'9" on trailer to clear an overhead door. I've never tried to remove it, but it looks like you could possibly add a plate below the arch hinged to the base plate? Any help would be great!IMG_5728.PNG

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Beeeeeaauuuutiful boat gt262!

Never heard of anyone modifying that beast of an arch to fold. Don't ask BigBlockPower how to do it.

My advice.....build a bigger garage.

You would certainly need some type of counterweight system.

If you did take it off, I'm sure you would be able to sell it to folks. It is a highly desired option and built like a tank.
I see you have the extra extended swim platform too. Now all you need is the 425 horse with captain's call, trim tabs, transom remotes, aft filler cushions and cockpit heat for the royal flush. Or maybe you have that! Please, more pics.

So glad you found us my friend. And welcome aboard mate!
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[Big Block Power]

Mine folded easy. Just hit the garage harder
You sure you just don't want to cut it in half. We had great discussions on how to do that. Do you need to fit under any bridges? Ohhhh Matt please no drinking and typing

[goodtime262]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like it’ll be easier to build a bigger shed. I’ll get some more pics up soon. And yes, 496 HO, CC exhaust AND all filler cushions.

[Ytmsn]

Man that is a pretty boat!

So you choices? Flatten your tires.
Raise your roof.
Dig out your driveway.
Sell me your boat.

Seriously, I have a little experience at arch installation, and it is a chore. Removing one is easy (with a sawsall)
Taking that bad boy off to put a hinge on the bottom will be a huge pain. Then getting it locked down structurally will be a nightmare and even worse.

Build a taller shed!

[cmattj]

Did someone say Arch remo.... uhh nevermind.

Beautiful 262. !!

Yearly Storage? Unbolt it and lay her down forward ( you and 2 friends that don’t judge).

Daily storage? Sell that arch and go to Samson. As they do some OE for Cobalt. Once you modify your current one, it will only be a glamorous Bimini.
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Here’s a link.
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https://samsonsports.com/portfolio-post ... rd-towers/

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Now that we have the appropriate responses here? I’ll check in later after a lemonade or 3

[goodtime262]

Never thought about going after market. That arch looks a lot like the Cobalt Daggar. Any thoughts what my factory one would be worth to someone without height constraints?

[Big Block Power]

I'm sure you could get a few grand for your tower. I'm not the unicorn specialist. Yt a little help on that?
But I bet this company could make a hinge for you. I know mine is very heavy and that's what I hate about it. If I could switch to a new style I would all day long. Yours doesn't look like it would have to come down too far. You will need something to support the frt for when it comes down. How high is your windshield on your trailer. Has to be close to 8 feet from the grd. What size garage door are you trying to get it in to? I Tried to make my garage door taller but it didn't work. Stainless is strong but not that strong. Just saying. Lol
http://nehinge.com/Slip.html#section1

[AsLan7]

Never thought about going after market. That arch looks a lot like the Cobalt Daggar. Any thoughts what my factory one would be worth to someone without height constraints?

The stainless arch upgrade is a $10 k option so you’ll get a pretty penny. Built like a tank.

[goodtime262]

Anyone have pics of a Sampson Blade Arch on a 262? My question is, can it be mounted using the mounting points from the factory arch already on the boat?

[ajcampen]

Anyone have pics of a Sampson Blade Arch on a 262? My question is, can it be mounted using the mounting points from the factory arch already on the boat?

No, you’ll have to have them customize it. Give them a call. Great company. I love my tower from them

[Ytmsn]

Actually I think it could. You have steel plate reinforcements at your mounting points that run from the rear of your windscreen to the transom. . But there will be 5 big ass holes to address once your tower is removed. Sampson could probably fabricate a cover plate or something.

And yes, an arch like that hardly ever comes up for sale. It should fetch between 3 to 4 grand, but it'll be a pain to deal with. Shipping is almost out of the question. Storing it would be a pain until a buyer comes along. If you are looking at a DIY project PM me and I'll share my experience so you know what your getting into.

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viewtopic.php?f=44&t=975&hilit=Unicorn

[ajcampen]

Actually I think it could. You have steel plate reinforcements at your mounting points that run from the rear of your windscreen to the transom. . But there will be 5 big ass holes to address once your tower is removed. Sampson could probably fabricate a cover plate or something.

And yes, an arch like that hardly ever comes up for sale. It should fetch between 3 to 4 grand, but it'll be a pain to deal with. Shipping is almost out of the question. Storing it would be a pain until a buyer comes along. If you are looking at a DIY project PM me and I'll share my experience so you know what your getting into.
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viewtopic.php?f=44&t=975&hilit=Unicorn

What I meant to say was that the new towers base are much smaller than the tower on the boat. So custom plate or something would be needed or repair of the gelcoat

[akorcovelos]

Did you needlepoint that picture or what??