Beam: Whaddya think?

[NiceAft]

Art,

There are two types who look for a trailerable sailboat. Those who know what to look for, and those who don't. I believe that when I was first interested in getting a larger sailboat (my previous boat was a 14' Phantom), I knew nothing about what to look for. I did my due diligence, and came up with the Mac. The only consideration I thought about on the subject of width, was was it trailerable without permits. I did not know anything about the relationship of beam to sailability. I believe most people, not all people, but most people who are in the market for a sailboat the size of the Mac, are like I was when shopping five years ago. I don't think it is a factor. People to whom it would be a factor, are not looking for an X or an M Hey I could be wrong

Ray

[AWKIII]

Laurie,

Pretty funny stuff!

Interesting comments so far.

Remember, we are not discussing the price or the weight of the boat. Simply what you feel should be the maximum beam on a trailerable sailboat in relation to current legal limits.

Art

[Snyds]

ART,

How hot and how affordable!????? Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve! As for a Littletenion I would be ok for a larger beam, 8'6" is a great number though, those few inches that turn it to 9 really pushes the limits of making towing "comfortable, legal, and fun" even with a great tow vehicle... I'd rather look forward a bit more than keep my eyes on the mirrors! Sounds like your decision is already made, cant wait to see it!

Steve

[Kelly Hanson East]

When I bought my Mac from the other Art (RIP) he didnt make a big deal about the beam and downplayed Roger's hype.
If I had a better performing and put-together boat with a 9 foot beam that I could trailer around New England, I wouldnt mind getting a permit and confining my self to major highways,etc.

Cast my vote for 'doesnt matter'

[delevi]

so Art, What's the price tag and what does it weigh? J/K couldn't resist.
The more beam the better. Bring it on!

[Rick Westlake]

Keep Highlander off this thread - the beam-wise stretch might become his next mod, right after the Transat-style narwhal bowsprit!

[bscott]

Not a deal killer for me as long as it does not exceed 8'6" total width---some RV storage yards have extremely narrow parking spots. 28' with an 8'6" beam, 75-90 E-tec w/CB, self tacking jib and a Muscle head main with 3 reefing points.

bscott

[AWKIII]

Okay.

I think we can wrap this one up.

For what it's worth, beam is pretty important on a new boat from my point of view.

It provides:

1. A much larger cockpit.

2. More cabin space and the potentially more headroom.

3. A more stable boat in general.

On to the next question!

[ralphk]

Like many others; to me, wider beam is a positive.
I'm told permits in Ontario are easy to acquire.

As far as the additional weight, my brother-in-law says, "It's a good time to buy a new truck".

Please stop though, when you get to 10,000 lbs

[Love MACs]

Okay.

On to the next question!

And the next question is

Allan

[Gazmn]

I Trailered my down to Key Largo, Fl from Metro, NYC area. I have a tandem axle galvanized trailer & 1500 Chevy diesel pickup with a "check engine" light that Never goes off

I did it by myself & preferred driving at night so I couldn't see this monstrosity swaying behind me


Oh did I mention I drove it back up after a 10" snow storm

What mattered was once I got there - & also once the trip was through the ability to relax in comfort -not the white knuckle drive [ & believe me this is hard for me ]

But in for a trailering penny, in for a pound .
& I don't care how much I pi$$ off my neighbors parking the monstrosity in MY driveway.

Go BIG : 9'W 32'L - or 30' Either is okay.

Wish I could buy one - but I have a lot invested in Ms. Ollie & it would have to be one Hull of a deal...

[Billy]

10' wide boats in NC have been legal for over a year now. No problems. Big fishing tournaments & manufacturers persuaded the legislature to overturn the governor's veto. Of course most of the tournament participates weren't getting permits anyway. So go for a 10 foot beam and 36' long trailable, shoal draft, powersailer (350 hp). Yeah. Then we could have it all!

I really am serious.

[AKCoastie]

10' wide boats in NC have been legal for over a year now. No problems. Big fishing tournaments & manufacturers persuaded the legislature to overturn the governor's veto. Of course most of the tournament participates weren't getting permits anyway. So go for a 10 foot beam and 36' long trailable, shoal draft, powersailer (350 hp). Yeah. Then we could have it all!

I really am serious.

Yeah, don't forget to beef up the transom. It will save some of us the hassle of cutting aluminum plates.

[daydreamerbob]

wider is better - the M is too narrow for a variety of application

[Newell]

When I was looking at used trailerable sailboats that could do it all, live-aboard for extended periods being my main criteria, beam and price were the 2 limits or impediments. I looked at a new Hunter 27, used Catalina 320 and the Beneteau 331 I mentioned on the Length post. The beam of the Cat was 11'6" I believe, no way for me to tow it. Didn't like the Hunter and the wife nixed on the Bene, she didn't like the cabin and the condition of the boat.

Have since decided to keep things truely trailerable, will travel by RV, pulling my Mac on a special trailer that includes a Smart Car. There will be an issue with overall length but will do whatever is necessary to make it work.

Newell
Fast Sunday 96X Windancer 89D