Minimum, reasonal space for a 20' double chine plywood sailboat?

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by DC Landis, Jan 11, 2016.

  1. DC Landis
    Joined: Jan 2016
    Posts: 16
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    Location: PNW

    DC Landis Junior Member

    I have fit two 18' boats with trailer tongues protruding directly for and aft in my garage and the garage doors shut and locked.

    I am now considering building a performance 20' chine hulled racing sailboat. The boat will physically fit in the garage, but moving, turning, flipping boat as needed could be a problem. Boat should not have to be lofted as design will be downloaded to templates.

    Any thoughts from a builder, power or sail that has wrestled with a similar situation?

    Thanks to all, DC Landis
     
  2. LP
    Joined: Jul 2005
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    Location: 26 36.9 N, 82 07.3 W

    LP Flying Boatman

    I'm building a 24' trailerable, shallow draft sailboat with minimal space available for for building. I have a total of 4-5 feet free for both sides. Typically, it is pushed against one wall to give max space on the other side for doing floor work (sawing, etc.). If I need room to work on the other side, I can push it away from the wall. It is on a cradle with free swiveling castors. I do have extra length in the garage and have roughly a 12' x 12' work area at the end of the boat. The beam of the boat is 8' and I was able to roll it over with only the 4-5 feet of excess width. If I truly needed more space, I could roll the other boat out of the garage. This is probably to minimum width to work with. Any less and my frustration level would rise rapidly due to a lack of space.

    The general rule is 3' all the way around your boat. On top of that are areas to do bench work and maybe a place for your floor saw if working with wood. Summer time is great because your shop can be as big as the great outdoors. Wintertime, I get a little more claustrophobic.
     
  3. DC Landis
    Joined: Jan 2016
    Posts: 16
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    Location: PNW

    DC Landis Junior Member

    Thanks LP, I enjoy hearing from an actual boat builder in a similar situation that I could find myself in shortly. I'm hoping that placing the boat diagonally in my garage will provide adequate space. The cradle with swiveling castors is a great idea. I think I can deal with slightly tight quarters in return for walking directly into my garage to build my boat. Cheers all!
     
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