Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

[pdurfee]

I'm in the market for a bass boat to fit in my garage. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any idea what the shortest trailer is that will fit? I'm thinking a 16'-17' boat but the additional length of the prop and trailer tongue worry me. Please help! Thanks.

 

[javsam]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

take the tongue off when you park it.<br />javsam

 

[pdurfee]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Can that be done? I've heard of the swing-away tongues but wasn't sure how much additional length I would save?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Some tongues are just bolted on (I know because I had to replace one once). NOw, it might not be convenient to put on and off, but it might be doable. Good luck.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Good luck...tongue sticks out in front (removable/foldable on some), but also don't forget how far the motor sticks out in back. Sometimes parking on an angle helps, but 18.5' is probably the shallowest garage I've ever heard of in my life.<br /><br />You're just gonna have to take your tape measure with you while you're shopping and try to figure it out. I'm thinking you're gonna be parking it outside...or you'll have to find indoor storage elsewhere....or leave all cars outside and turn the sucker sideways in there (assuming you have a 2 car garage). Happy boat shopping!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

If its only a few feet that need to be gained, I've seen a small bump-out with a simple shed-style roof added to the back of the garage so the engine tucks into that extra space. I've also seen a hole cut in the back of the garage where the boat can be pushed in tongue first and the tongue allowed to protrude out the back. Neither are the best solutions but its cheap and it apparently works.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

My Garage is ~20' and my 16 1/2 footer won't fit, much less the 19'. I ended up buying a 2 car carport for them. May not work in your situation, but may be a possibility.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Originally posted by Small Fish:<br /> Can that be done? I've heard of the swing-away tongues but wasn't sure how much additional length I would save?

Most swing away tongues I have seen, are 2-3 feet of the tongue. Usually puts the front of the trailer, about even with the bow.

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

My new 18 foot Stingray 180RX with swing tongue is 20 feet 2 inches long with trailer and volvo drive swung to the side.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Originally posted by Upinsmoke:<br /> If its only a few feet that need to be gained, I've seen a small bump-out with a simple shed-style roof added to the back of the garage so the engine tucks into that extra space. I've also seen a hole cut in the back of the garage where the boat can be pushed in tongue first and the tongue allowed to protrude out the back. Neither are the best solutions but its cheap and it apparently works.

I vote for this approach. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to find a boat/trailer to fit in that space.

 

[murphini]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Have you considered dry lot storage (either outside or inside) at the lake you boat most frequently?<br /><br />If you don't want to pay marina charges, look within a few miles of your lake for rental space. Near our lake are the Ustore it type storage garages you can rent monthly. Who says the boat has to be in your garage? <br /><br />Besides, your wife will appreciate not seeing the equivalent of a "trip to disneyland...new diamond...new drapes" sitting in her garage. Or if Small Fish is a woman who wants the bass boat, does she have any sisters?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Just buy a good cover and get the boat you want.<br /><br />Or buy a jon boat.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Small 18.5' deep garage. Now what?

Tear down the garage, you'll eventually want a bigger boat most likely. Might as well go ahead and get it over with now!!! You'll be happier in the long run. Also, you can build a room above your new, larger garage. You can put a fridge and a pool table up there. Think of the possibilities!