An arch
assembly 10 for pivotably mounting on a boat 12, its method of manufacture, and deployment in use. The
assembly 10 has an arch 14 with a generally
inverted U-shaped configuration, a forward
edge region 16 and an aft
edge region 18, a laterally extending top portion 20 generally spanning the width of the boat 12 and a pair of downwardly extending leg portions 22, 24 for connection to the boat 12. Each leg portion 22, 24 has a lower basal edge 26, 28. A
knuckle joint 30, 32 is provided adjacent to an
edge region of the basal edge 26, 28 about which the arch
assembly 10 may pivot from a secured upright position through intermediate positions 36 to an extended lower position 38 through a number (R) degrees of arcuate displacement. An anchoring subassembly 40, 41 provided adjacent to another region of the basal edge 26, 28 for releasably securing the arch assembly 10 to the boat 12. Means for influencing 42 pivotable movement 43 of the arch assembly 10 as it moves arcuately are also provided.