Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

[Don S]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Most people would have problems parking a 102" car in a garage with a 105" door. And a car has good breaks, good steering and sticks to the ground quite well in a cross wind.

Now think about a boat, especially a pontoon, the are hard to steer at no speed (docking speed), steer from the back and don't always go the way you want, no breaks, the wind pushes them wherever it wants when at almost 0 speed, and you also have people yelling and pointing while you are trying to thread the needle.

What could possibly go wrong. :facepalm:

You need at least a foot on each side of your boat. For maneuvering and fenders.

 

[QC]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Like always we have given you bunch of contradictory advice, and we really don't even know what lake size and type of boating you are going to do. I assume the other people who share the boat house have the same size door opening? What boats do they run? If we could see what it is like outside the door, I may be in favor of 8'6" and use boat hooks or even pull her in by hand. Can you step off before the door and not go for a swim?

Don is one of the most experienced boater's on here, but I think he just suggested less than 7 foot beam which means canoe to tinny to some very narrow classic mahogany rides. I don't think any of those are on your radar...

 

[Don S]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

but I think he just suggested less than 7 foot beam which means canoe to tinny to some very narrow classic mahogany rides. I don't think any of those are on your radar...

If you have to ask the question to start with, then you need a foot on each side of the boat until you are experienced enough to know what you can deal with.
Just my outlook on the situation.

 

[QC]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

OK, I concede ^^^^^^ without some experience this is going to be a steep learning curve no matter what.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Like always we have given you bunch of contradictory advice, and we really don't even know what lake size and type of boating you are going to do. I assume the other people who share the boat house have the same size door opening? What boats do they run? If we could see what it is like outside the door, I may be in favor of 8'6" and use boat hooks or even pull her in by hand. Can you step off before the door and not go for a swim?

Don is one of the most experienced boater's on here, but I think he just suggested less than 7 foot beam which means canoe to tinny to some very narrow classic mahogany rides. I don't think any of those are on your radar...

QC,

Yes, you are correct, there is a good bit of contradictory advice, but I very much appreciate all of the comments. I am taking in each person's perspective, so none of it has gone on deaf ears. You yourself kinda hit on something with your question about whether I can "step off without taking a swim", and the answer is "No". That is my challenge - - - nosing the boat through that doorway opening. Once I get inside, I can easily step off and guide the boat.

The other boats in my boathouse are mostly smaller fishing/runabout boats. However, I need to make a trip a little bit "down the way". I have found out that one of my neighbors has a 26.5' Sea-Ray with a 102" beam - - - and it is parked in what I am thinking is an identical slip to mine. He has offered to show me his dock bumpers, but he wasn't 100% sure we have the same width.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Bayliner's 2013 Model 190 19 ft deck boat has a beam of 97".

Jestor,

Thanks for that Bayliner suggestion. The 190 Deck Boat does offer a lot of what I am hoping to find in a boat. Dare I ask people's opinions on Bayliner? :facepalm:

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

If you have to ask the question to start with, then you need a foot on each side of the boat until you are experienced enough to know what you can deal with.
Just my outlook on the situation.

Thanks, Don. Point taken.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

I can only speak from experience. It's been 3 seasons docking a pontoon boat at a dock in a no wake, rare wind bay, with a dock on the starboard side only.. I approach the dock slowly and rarely get it tight to the dock. The thought of "threading the needle" everytime I docked would certainly take the fun out of it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Campy, I like your idea of coming in without power. The depth of the water on the boathouse will vary between 4 feet and 10 feet, depending on the lake level. I could use a telescoping push pole from the front platform when trying to enter between the front opening of the slip.

Using a shove pole to dock a pontoon/deck boat is not an option, and impossible in 10' of water. And about impossible in 4'. (I do a lot of shove poling, including on a 19' boat that is like sail in a slight breeze). Maybe a rope/pulley system to haul yourself in and out.

Or set up 4 obverse trolling motors for bow and stern thrusters.

What you really need to do, is borrow a boat and try some of these methods that you have thought up or that others are suggesting--and do it in the worst condtions you might face. When judging boats and mooring, what one can do in perfect conditions is irrelevant.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Using a shove pole to dock a pontoon/deck boat is not an option, and impossible in 10' of water. And about impossible in 4'. (I do a lot of shove poling, including on a 19' boat that is like sail in a slight breeze). Maybe a rope/pulley system to haul yourself in and out.

Or set up 4 obverse trolling motors for bow and stern thrusters.

What you really need to do, is borrow a boat and try some of these methods that you have thought up or that others are suggesting--and do it in the worst condtions you might face. When judging boats and mooring, what one can do in perfect conditions is irrelevant.

Good luck "borrowing a boat" for this lol otherwise I agree

Look, go out and pick up a CHEAP smaller boat and get some experience... LEARN first hand what you are faced with... When you can bring your smaller boat in 1-2" from one side every time you are ready to sell it and get your bigger newer "dream boat".

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Good luck "borrowing a boat" for this lol otherwise I agree

Look, go out and pick up a CHEAP smaller boat and get some experience... LEARN first hand what you are faced with... When you can bring your smaller boat in 1-2" from one side every time you are ready to sell it and get your bigger newer "dream boat".

good advice about starting small with a "learner."

By "borrow" I didn't necessarily mean literally (although I could do it, easy, where I live and among my friends) but the point is, go out on other people's boats (with their company and permission) and see what suits, or observe others in your marina and what works and doesn't, or go down to the docks and talk to the other boaters. There's no substitute for local knowledge and first-hand observation.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

good advice about starting small with a "learner."

By "borrow" I didn't necessarily mean literally (although I could do it, easy, where I live and among my friends) but the point is, go out on other people's boats (with their company and permission) and see what suits, or observe others in your marina and what works and doesn't, or go down to the docks and talk to the other boaters. There's no substitute for local knowledge and first-hand observation.

Yeah, as soon as I get a chance, I will practice parking a somewhat smaller fishing rig in the slip. But the New Boat Salesman told me I needed to buy first, and worry about where I am going to dock it later. j/k

Thanks for the advice. There are a lot of local boats for sale on C****slist and some of the other sites. Not as much fun as shopping for a new boat, but definitely more affordable.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

or set up 4 obverse trolling motors for bow and stern thrusters.

i love this idea!!!

 

[Ned L]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

I'm going to "forget about you" for a moment and say that if I ended up with the slip next to you and your boat was that tight a fit I would be (we'll just say... less than happy). Unless there is a fingerpier on both sides of you and then I'd say enjoy your frustrations. I think you'll find a foot on either side to be more than frustrating enough at times. - While we're here, "beam width" is redundant, the term is "beam".

 

[JoLin]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Been casually following this thread... I know nothing of boat houses... but have you considered padding the entrance to the house?

Dock Side Bumpers - iboats

 

[briangcc]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Jestor,

Thanks for that Bayliner suggestion. The 190 Deck Boat does offer a lot of what I am hoping to find in a boat. Dare I ask people's opinions on Bayliner? :facepalm:

I owned a '99 Bayliner Capri 1800LS. It originally came with a 120HP Force outboard engine (mine was junk). I repowered with a 115HP Honda - wonderful engine, highly recommend it. Boat was constructed well and I had no issues with the hull. Only reason I don't own it still is that my family grew so I needed something bigger.

They're a good entry level boat. Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles that are included on higher priced boats - Larson, Four Winns, Glastron, Searay, Caravelle, etc.

BTW: I see that you haven't mentioned your boating experience. Have you owned boats before so that docking a boat into tight quarters is something you are familiar with? If so, a wider boat to fit your boat house might be a slam dunk for you. If you've yet to be behind the helm, then a narrower boat that gives you a cushion for error is in order. Once you answer that, I bet these guys can steer you towards some other options.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

I owned a '99 Bayliner Capri 1800LS. It originally came with a 120HP Force outboard engine (mine was junk). I repowered with a 115HP Honda - wonderful engine, highly recommend it. Boat was constructed well and I had no issues with the hull. Only reason I don't own it still is that my family grew so I needed something bigger.

They're a good entry level boat. Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles that are included on higher priced boats - Larson, Four Winns, Glastron, Searay, Caravelle, etc.

BTW: I see that you haven't mentioned your boating experience. Have you owned boats before so that docking a boat into tight quarters is something you are familiar with? If so, a wider boat to fit your boat house might be a slam dunk for you. If you've yet to be behind the helm, then a narrower boat that gives you a cushion for error is in order. Once you answer that, I bet these guys can steer you towards some other options.

Brian,

Thanks for info on your Bayliner experience. And I have been around bass boats all my life, but I know I will have some growing pains with the bigger boat. Please keep the feedback coming, as I value the wisdom of others.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Been casually following this thread... I know nothing of boat houses... but have you considered padding the entrance to the house?

Dock Side Bumpers - iboats

JoLin, Thanks for that link... Lots of useful supplies found there.

 

[Forest Gump]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

While we're here, "beam width" is redundant, the term is "beam".

Learn something new every day . . . but I do kinda, sorta, usually, sometimes talk in redundancies. :jaded:

 

[NYBo]

Re: Beam Width? How tight can I squeeze?

Dare I ask people's opinions on Bayliner? :facepalm:

Probably best not to. :redface: