How long (max) of a hammock for a 5x9 tarp.

[tammons]

Going to build a new gathered end hammock this weekend.

[grich9860]

i would thiink no longer than 7 ft. hammock.

[Doctari]

Hammock length isn't that important, that is how long the fabric is, what is important is how long the hammock is when hung. My Grand trunk HAMMOCK is (I think) 11' long, but when set up with a comfortable amount of sag, it is about 8' long. So in answer to your question: The hammock ridgeline should be a foot or 2 shorter than your tarp ridgeline. IMHO a 10' ridge on the tarp should mean no longer than a 9' ridge on the hammock. This would allow 6" overlap of the tarp at each end of the hammock. For me, as I will hike in any weather, 1' overlap at each end of my hammock is the minimum I'm comfortable with. So for my 9' long Warbonnet that means a tarp minimum length is 12'.
Also: As you have 2.5' of tarp per side coverage, your maximum sag is limited if in a windy location, during rain you may end up with a soggy bottom. This can be fixed with something like a weather shield though.

[oldgringo]

The Ogee tarp, by Gargoyle, can be closed up tight on both ends...you can get by with a much shorter ridgeline for any given hammock.