Installing arch on Beneteau Oceanis 411

[Peter]

I hope to be the proud owner of a Beneteau Oceanis 411 in the near future. I'm looking for ideas on how to go about installing an arch whose purpose would be to provide a mounting surface for 2 or 3 solar panels. For example, do you recommend a custom design or store bought one from Beneteau? If from Beneteau what kind of mods are required? If anyone has pics they would be greatly appreciated. If the cost of an arch is too great we may go with a simple pole and wind generator. Thanks

Pete

[Mike Brown]

Based on what I've seen advertised an arch from an aftermarket dealer is going to run somewhere in the $7-8K range. Not sure what Beneteau would charge for one but worth checking with them. As a comparison a radar pole will be well under $1K. Of course the pole isn't going to support the installation of solar panels like an arch will. Nor will you be able to use it as a dinghy lift. Try doing a search on the web for both the arch and pole. I know that Kato based in Annapolis, MD has a list of boats, along with pictures, of boats they've outfitted an arch on. They do a very nice job of building it to match the lines of the boat, bimini, etc. Good luck.

[Pat S/V Ciao!]

I agree with Mike that a arch can be pricely. Poles from manufacters like Scanstrut,Edison or Seaview might be a better choice.It not ideal but a hardtop dodger can also carry some solar panels,just a idea.Take care and good luck with the 411!

[Peter]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't believe in dinghy davits so that will not be a consideration. We store our dinghy on the foredeck when offshore. An advantage of an arch, as proven on my last boat a Wauquiez Hood 38, is that it can support both solar panels and a wind generator mast. I read on some thread that Beneteau charged $3600 for an arch for some model other than the 411. I'll pursue that a bit more

Pete

[Mark and Karen]

We have found a design we like, but the fabricator is so busy it looks like we will be waiting for quite a long time. I didn't know that Benni offered arches - is that for specific models (ours is a Oceanis 43), any information appriciated