Height of garage doors

F

forrest

Member
I'm planning on either buying a 22' C-Dory Cruiser or a 22' Arima with a hard top in 3 years. This spring I will be building my boathouse/shop. I was wondering if any of you could tell me the minimum height door that I will need. I would like to use 11 foot high doors if possible. My new boat will have radar and rocket launcher on it. I know it depends on the trailer also but if you could just give me the height of your boat on the trailer I would have a place to start.
Forrest
 
forrest":1hfppgle said:
I would like to use 11 foot high doors if possible. My new boat will have radar and rocket launcher on it. I know it depends on the trailer also but if you could just give me the height of your boat on the trailer I would have a place to start.
Forrest
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Hi Forrest,
The height of "Sea Shift" on her tandem axle King (roller) Trailer is 10' 6". This measurement is from the highest point of the radome to the ground. I do know of at least one 22' C Dory that has a radar arch that is taller than mine, so dependent on your "arch height" an 11' high door could be marginal. Since you mentioned that you are planning to build the structure, I'd go with a 12' high door and never have to worry about height clearances again (or wish in the future that you had gone higher).
 
As an RV'er, I echo the 12' garage door recommendation. You may, at some time in your life, try RV'ing and the majority will squeak through a 12 footer but not an 11 foot door. Should you ever sell the place, it would very much appeal to RV'ers. Especially since it's gonna be over the standard length if you're intending to stuff a C-Dory and trailer in there.
 
On Da Nag, the height to the top of the cabin is about 8'2". Add another 18" for the arch and radome. So technically, I could fit in a 10' opening. I'm sitting on a tandem Pacific bunk trailer with 14" tires, with a standard top, and my arch is lower than most.

However...

There are so many variables involved, both when you buy the boat, and more importantly down the road when you decide to add or replace something:

- Tall top or standard?

- Height of arch/radome/fixed antennas?

- Height of trailer bunks/rollers. It's even different between manufacturers of the same trailer type - my Pacific bunks sit much lower than King bunks. Some trailers use 14", some 15" tires.

Given the above, I'd also opt for 12' - it's one of those "far cheaper up front" decisions. I'd think the additional cost would be relatively minimal, and would give much more peace of mind...
 
I would add on to what Sneaks stated, if you ever decide to get an RV (say a 5th wheel trailer) I would even go further than 12'. If you go to a high profile 5th it is going to be over 12'. My high profile 5th is 13'3" so I would need a 14' door. It will also make it more saleable if you should ever decide to sell and move.

Just some more input for you.
 
Hi! I've got a 25' x 40' long RV building in my backyard with one 12' tall by 12 & 1/2 ' wide roll up door and another 10' tall by 9' wide roll up door and they are a Godsend for storing any workable combination of the following: My 9' 6" CD-22, my 24' pontoon boat, my small motorhome (22'), my 5 x 8 utility trailer, 2 kayacks, a 12 ft Gregor aluminum skiff, my spare van, etc. Wish it was twice as big! My only regret is that the last owner build a 8 ft wide storage shelf in the rear that stops me from getting my 38 foot motorhome in there when I want too. The realtor told us that it would cost about $75 k to replace the building, and I'm not sure that I'd do it from scratch if it didn't come with the house, but my advice is to build it as big and as all encompassing as possible because it will be far more flexible as your needs change and will be a great selling point if you ever sell your home. Joe.
 
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