T&T: Is my size a problem?

[TK Allen]

My wife and I are approaching retirement age and are seriously considering
doing what many on this list have done  buy a boat and spend an extended
amount of time cruising.  One thing I am particular concerned about is my
size.  I am a BIG guy  nearly 6'7" tall and about 275 lbs.  Our
circumstances (financial and otherwise) will probably limit us to a vessel
of no more than 44' and perhaps as small as 36'.  I have been aboard several
boats in this size range.  Most of these boats have enough headroom for me
to stand up straight inside.  I don't have as much elbow room as I would
like but I think I can live with that.



What I am especially concerned about is being able to reach equipment in the
engine compartment to perform necessary maintenance chores.  I was recently
in the engine room of a twin diesel Albin 42' and it was VERY cramped for me
between the engines, especially if I tried to reach areas away from the
hatches where I had to be under the salon floor.  Single engine boats are
better but not by a whole lot.  However, I have very little experience with
boats like this and, therefore, don't really know how big a problem this
might be.



I am very interested to know if there is anyone on this list (or perhaps you
know someone) who is approximately my size who has extended cruising and
engine maintenance experience.  I would very much like to know if your
physical size has been a problem and, if so, to what extent and in what
ways.  How did you deal with this issue?



Thank you all for any and all feedback.