1974 F32 Beam at Waterline? How wide?

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:12 pm

Hello All,

I am the proud owner of a 1974 F32 and I'm in the process of finding it a new home on the water here in CA.

It's currently in an end-tie slip so width is not an issue, but I know this boat has a beam of 13', so it's wider than most boats its length.

What I need to know is what is the width of a 1974 F32 at the waterline?

I'm finding 12' wide slips and I have a feeling that would be a tight fit. If anyone could provide some info, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance, and red skies!

Kev

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:32 pm

Can't help with precise measurements but I think you are cutting it too close.
What about the top of the slip/dock, how high is that above the water? What about wave/swell/wake movement on the boat?
My guess is 12' is not enough to allow for lack of risk..... how are you going to get it in with say only 3" clearance each side?
Also if you have a swim platform and bow pulpit you will be 3/4' longer than 32'

Lawman · Post by **Lawman** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:43 pm

-- WELCOME ABOARD --

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 3:32 pm

Welcome aboard.

Question: Are they floating docks or fixed? That would make a heap of a difference

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:45 pm

Welcome Aboard

jav · Post by **jav** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:47 pm

Welcome-

fellow 1974 F-32 owner here. While I can't give you a definitive answer, I can tell you that inside the engine room, the measurement between the hull sides is about 103 inches.

I can't remember if this was to the fiberglass hull sides or the vertical wood supports (my drawing was done in 2003). Even if it was to the wood, that would put the outside hull width around 9.5 feet at the chines (which would be below the waterline). I would gather that 10-10.5 feet would be a reasonable waterline width estimate.

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:58 pm

Torcan wrote:Welcome aboard.

Question: Are they floating docks or fixed? That would make a heap of a difference

Floating docks, dock height about 8-12" above the waterline.

Most marinas around here allow 3' overhang so a 30' slip should just fit lengthwise, but I probably need to go with a 32' or 35' slip to get enough width.

I will go measure the boat over the weekend. Was just hoping someone else had a similar situation and had already taken some measurements.

Thanks Again,
Kev

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:26 pm

I would not want to be in a 30 foot slip anyway , 35" would be a better chose . I keep my F36 in a 40' slip and I would not go smaller .

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 10:50 am

F32 water line length is about 29' and swim platform adds 2', plus you need at least 12-18" of clearance between the stern and the dock. Then you don't want your pulpit to stick out 5' (hazard to other boats passing by), so a 30' slip is not enough.

35' minimum.

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 11:44 am

jav wrote:Welcome-

fellow 1974 F-32 owner here. While I can't give you a definitive answer, I can tell you that inside the engine room, the measurement between the hull sides is about 103 inches.

I can't remember if this was to the fiberglass hull sides or the vertical wood supports (my drawing was done in 2003). Even if it was to the wood, that would put the outside hull width around 9.5 feet at the chines (which would be below the waterline). I would gather that 10-10.5 feet would be a reasonable waterline width estimate.

The widest part of the hull is well forward of the engine room area, so even if Jav's measurements are accurate the numbers may be too small. Personally, I look at it his way... the beam is 13' at the rub rail. Unless you want the boat 'hanging out' over the dock, you need at least 13' width in the slip (or be side by side with someone else who only has an 8-9' beam).

Also, you will want to be able to fit fenders in there too. Typical fender size for an F32 would be 8"x20" or bigger, so you need 16" for fenders. THEN you want to be able to get in and out without having to use a show horn or Vaseline. Getting out of a tight slip is a lot easier than trying to get back into one, unless you can expect to always have hands on the dock to help push and pull you exactly where you need to be.

I would be looking for minimum 14' wide slip.