Is 55 ft too big?

[Mark Peiffer]

Hi,
I have followed boatbuilding forums for a few years and this is just the best. One of the more interesting threads I followed was a discusion of the implications of wide boats fitting into the slips and other facilities. I currently own a 25 foot sloop and my brother owns a 45 foot ketch.
We have been discussing sharing a larger boat. I think we could handle a 55 ft ketch. We usually sail out of Tampa, and head for the keys. I was wondering from more experienced sailors, is the length of concern? I have no problems with a 25 or 45 ft. But a greater concern may be the beam of 15 ft. Would this be hard to find a slip for in carrebean destinations?

[BVI Jon]

Mark,

I run a 65' x 16' x 7' Sloop out if the Virgin Islands, and have had it in marinas from Puerto Rico to Trinidad. I have never had a problem with finding or fitting into a slip. The biggest concern would be cost, as dockage rates are charged per foot of length.

Jon.

[Mark Peiffer]

Thanks Jon,

I think this subject was addressed as a forum of multi versus mono hulls. I would think that a 24 foot beam would make a bigger difference than a 15-18 foot beam. But it's nice to know from someone with experience. I still hoped to hear from somebody who cruised the east coast. I met one man who claimed that anything over 10 feet would be a big problem around Maine. But he also said he would never travel the carribean because of pirates. Do you get many pirates in the spanish main there ?
Mark