Recommended Width of Slip for 9'1" Beam???

Joel73 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

We are having several pilings replaced on our 30yo pier. Currently the slip we keep the boat in is too small but we have been making it work. It is 14' wide and 31' long... meant for a different boat. Our 1987 Pearson 27 has the following specs: LOA 26.9, LWL 22.5 & Beam 9.1.

What would you recommend for the width? The length will stay at 31'.

Thanks!

blt2ski · #2 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008

I keep a 10.5' boat in a 13.5' slip, no issues! So how is your slip too small in the width dept? or is the boat next to you, too wide for its slip?

Marty

T37Chef · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

In my expert opinion...more than 9.1 wide and/or not less than 9.1 wide

Personally, I prefer about 1' or less on each side of the boat, which allows for less slack in the lines. With excessive width, I think it puts unnecessary shock on cleats, dock hardware, lines, etc. due to the amount of slack needed in the lines. If the boat is able to move around a lot in the slip, is that a good thing? Lines will stretch much more than one may think, so even just a little slack is all thats needed IMO, considering I have only dealt with 1'-2' tidal differences (in most cases

If you were to tow a car with a rope, chain, nylon tow strap, etc. you wouldn't just take off, you go ahead slowly, otherwise...

My logic anyway

Joel73 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I keep a 10.5' boat in a 13.5' slip, no issues! So how is your slip too small in the width dept? or is the boat next to you, too wide for its slip?

Marty

I'm not sure that it is... just thought it might be better to have a wider slip. No boats next to us... we are on the outside of a 4 slip pier. We keep our 22 on the other side... and our 12 in the garage.

Joel73 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by T37Chef

In my expert opinion...more than 9.1 wide and/or not less than 9.1 wide

Personally, I prefer about 1' or less on each side of the boat, which allows for less slack in the lines. With excessive width, I think it puts unnecessary shock on cleats, dock hardware, lines, etc. due to the amount of slack needed in the lines. If the boat is able to move around a lot in the slip, is that a good thing? Lines will stretch much more than one may think, so even just a little slack is all thats needed IMO.

If you were to tow a car with a rope, chain, nylon tow strap, etc. you wouldn't just take off, you go ahead slowly, otherwise...

My logic anyway

Hmm... never thought of it that way.

I guess i just wanted more flexibility with tides and having a narrow width means tighter lines which also means less up and down possibility. Really, this is only a concern with NE winds and hurricanes though... and considering i'm about to install the mooring system (finally) this spring, maybe i should keep the slip tight.

PBzeer · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

A lot depends on the future use of the slip. You can do it just to fit the boat you have, or for other boats as well.

jackytdunaway · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Are you in a tidal area with out a floating pier to tie to? That's what I seem to remember. Do you have a way for the lines to ride up and down the pylons? Is that why you might need the slack?

sailortjk1 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

No tides in my area, but we have a 15' slip with 12'6" beam.
I would think you should have plenty of room, I would leave it as is.

Quote:

maybe i should keep the slip tight.

I would not consider 2.5' on either side tight.
You are very fortunate to have that much room.
Most marinas try and pack 'em in as close as possible so that they can get more slips in.

Did you see the photo of Alex and his dock neighbor in the "Neighbor from Hell" thread? They can step from boat to boat.

xtatico1404 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

14' wide slip with a 9.1' beam, I would call that plenty of space, not tight at all. IMHO, an absolute minimum of 1' to each side, preferrably between 1.5'-2'. I used to be on a really tight slip, with about 0.5' on each side, and we had to wrestle with the boat in order to put fenders on both sides, plus the fender on the side with the pilying kept slipping off. Now moved to one that is perfect with about 2' on each side.

Too big of a slip can also be problematic. You have to keep the lines tight, especially the spring lines, if there is wind or the boat will be constantly moving a lot.

xtatico1404 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortjk1

Did you see the photo of Alex and his dock neighbor in the "Neighbor from Hell" thread? They can step from boat to boat.

sailortjk, Alex's slip is in Portugal (if I am not mistaken), so they have the typical European style slips...real tight, just like you said, you can step from one boat tot he next.