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Definition of trawler

Examples of trawler in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trawler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near trawler

trawl board

Cite this Entry

“Trawler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trawler. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.

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Kids definition of trawler, more from merriam-webster on trawler.

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Boating Beast

A Complete Guide to Trawler Boats: All You Need to Know!

John Sampson

If you’re looking for a dedicated fishing vessel for use at sea, the trawler is your best option. This vessel suits ocean-going fishing experiences thanks to its longer length, powerful motors, and deep hull. The trawler is similar to the motor yacht, with a shorter length and a design catering to anglers.

These models are ideal for spending days or weeks out on the water, giving you everything you need for the longest fishing trips. These models come with plenty of storage space for all your gear and room for plenty of fish.

Traditionally, the trawler is a working vessel used by fisheries. However, in recent years, boat manufacturers started producing designs suitable for the private market. Many models come with luxury fittings and living areas aboard the vessel, allowing you to live the life aquatic with all your creature comforts.

Many modern trawlers feature a full-displacement hull with a weighted keel, while others utilize a semi-displacement hull variation. The full-displacement model is ideal for moving through the water rather than on top of the surface. They make seaworthy vessels, but they are slower than the semi-displacement models.

The semi-displacement hull design also provides a low riding position on the water compared to other fishing boats . However, they rely on planning through the water rather than pushing through it. One design element that links both full and semi-displacement models is the distinctive look of the boat.

What Is a Trawler?

A Trawler is an ocean-going fishing boat provides a full or semi-displacement hull ideal with a ballasted design offering you excellent economy as the boat planes through the water.

As a result, they are suitable for long trips, spending days or weeks out on the water between refueling.

The trawler is ideal for slow cursing along the coastline, and it has the capability to reach deepwater offshore. As a result, it’s a great choice for deep-sea fishing, with all the accessories, including fighting chairs, to land large game fish.

The trawler provides the passengers with accommodations in the lower deck, with v-berths extending through the vessel’s bow. The quality of the berth depends on the price tag of the boat. Some trawler models come with fittings and accommodations that are similar to high-end motor yachts, offering a luxurious time out on the water.

Other models may have fewer luxury finishes, but they offer generous spaces for sleeping. The type of finishes and fittings in these boats determine the price tag. Models can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1-million, depending on the size of the vessel and the quality of the customizations made to the boat.

Since these boats are large, they don’t suit trailering, and if you need to remove them from the water, you’re going to have to hire a professional transportation service to take the boat to the shipyard for repairs or to other launch areas on the coastline.

Some models may also have the capability to launch a small dinghy to reach the shore, allowing you to leave the boat on the water, anchored in place. There are cranes on board the boat to launch the tender into the water.

The trawler comes in a range of sizes, with 50-foot models being the most common choice. Boats smaller than 50-feet in length won’t offer you the same level of stability as the larger models, and the semi-displacement hull may cause smaller models to bounce up and down on the water –  not ideal if you’re sensitive to seas sickness.

Benefits of Trawlers

The trawler has several benefits as a fishing boat. Here are the top reasons for investing in one of these fishing vessels.

The longer models with full-displacement hulls offer you exceptional stability in the water, even in rough swell conditions. The hull displaces the water, allowing the boat to plane through the water at lower speeds.

Extended Range

The trawler boat is the ideal choice for reaching remote fishing locations and for extended fishing trips where you want to stay out on the ocean for days or weeks at a time. They have a fantastic range, with large fuel tanks and diesel engines providing excellent economy for longer trips at sea.

Live Aboard Accommodations

Trawlers are large boats, and they offer you plenty of room. All models come with liveaboard accommodations for fishing crews. These boats have enough space for up to 12-people or more, depending on the size of the vessel.

The type of accommodations can vary widely depending on the size of the boat, the manufacturing brand, and the price tag of the boat. Some models are like floating hotels, offering you the same luxury accommodations you would expect to find on a high-end motor yacht .

Full Amenities

Most models come with complete kitchens, full bathrooms, and several sleeping quarters. You get luxuries like microwaves and refrigerators for storing your food and perishables. Most models will have four-burner stoves featuring gas-powered operation and onboard gas tanks for power or trickle battery chargers to ensure you never run out of power at sea.

The trawler is second only to the motor yacht in terms of its luxury liveaboard accommodations. Cabin cruisers and some pontoon boats are close competitors, but you don’t get the extended range and offshore capabilities that you get with a trawler.

Nordhavn Trawler Cabin

Plenty of Customizations

The customizations and accessories are huge for trawlers, and you could end up spending as much as 40% of the sticker price on the customizations and fittings you make to your boat. Make sure you enquire about the costs of the customizations with your sales agent. Look for boats offering you the best range of standard customizations to avoid breaking your budget.

Many models come with split-level designs featuring triple stories with captain’s decks on the top, lounge areas in the mezzanine deck, and sleeping accommodations at the bottom of the vessel. The hull will typically also cater to large fish storage areas with ice machines and cold rooms.

Good Fuel Economy

The trawler operates on diesel motors, allowing for better economy and longer trips at sea. The range on these boats is excellent, allowing you to take long seafaring journeys to remote fishing spots.

Sealed Cockpits and Air-Conditioning

You get a captain’s deck positioned high on the boat for a better view of the water and the horizon. Some models come with sealed cockpits, including air conditioning to keep you cool on hot, humid days. All the sleeping quarters will usually include air conditioning units for a comfortable night’s rest out at sea.

Walk-Around Decks

The trawler allows you to reach all sides of the boat, and they come with a walk-around design that’s easy for the angler to navigate as they fight fish swimming under the boat .

Fishing Capabilities

Trawlers come with all the bells and whistles you need for your fishing trips. You get full electronics setups, including GPS and fish finders , as well as communications for reaching the coast guard and other vessels on the water.

These vessels also include fighting chairs, rod holders, rod racks, and plenty of storage for your gear all over the boat.

Disadvantages of Trawlers

The trawler is a fantastic boat for offshore fishing, but it comes with a few limitations some people may see as drawbacks.

No Watersports Capability

The trawler is a purpose-built design for fishing, and you don’t have any options for watersports with this model. Some boats may come with jet skis for reaching land and enjoying water sports or spearfishing out on the open ocean or at reef atolls.

Limited Speed and Handling

The trawler is a slow-moving boat designed for economy and cruising, not performance. The handling is good and smooth in the water. However, don’t expect to make any high-performance turns or reach high speeds with this model.

Not Trailerable

The sheer size of these vessels makes them unsuitable for trailering. You’ll have to organize a slip at your local marina for storing your boat when not in use, which adds to the vessel’s running costs. The motors are also expensive to repair since they have an internally mounted design.

Expensive to Maintain

The maintenance costs for your trawler can get expensive, especially in the luxury models with larger motors. As mentioned, you’ll have extra costs to consider, such as slip fees, when purchasing one of these boats.

Top Trawler Brands and Models

There are dozens of boat manufacturing brands and trawler models to choose from when selecting your boat. Here are our top picks for the best trawlers available.

Grand Banks

Grand Banks is one of the most established brands in the world for fishing trawlers. This company started building boats back in 1956, and they have a huge following in the commercial and private markets. The company was the first to introduce the cruising trawler back in the early 60s, with two of the most popular models of all time, the Chantyman and GB42 coming from its shipyard.

Grand Banks 42

Grand Banks builds its boats in Singapore, and its trawlers offer you semi-displacement hulls, with excellent finishes and quality with the fittings for the vessel. We love the use of teak wood throughout the boat, giving it a premium, classy look.

Grand Banks offers you a range of models with classic styling and excellent performance out on the water when deep-sea fishing. This company has over 70-years of building some of the best trawler boats in the world.

Beneteau Swift

The Beneteau Swift is a top-rated model from one of the world’s best trawler, sailboat, and powerboat brands.

Beneteau Swift

This trawler model includes a semi-displacement hull for better stability and smoother operation at sea, and you get plenty of spacious accommodations on the lower deck and mezzanine level of the boat . Beneteau takes incredible attention to detail with their vessels, giving you a model that’s luxurious and versatile.

Kadey Krogen

This Florida manufacturer has a reputation for building some of the best trawler models in the United States. You get a classic trawler style with modern upgrades to the vessel for a professional fishing experience out on the open ocean.

Kadey Krogen

Kadey Krogen is well-known for its Pure Displacement Hulls (PHD) technology, incorporating it in their designs for the last 40-years. You get a boat offering you superior stability at sea, no rocking, and clean, smooth planning through all water conditions.

Nordhavn

This manufacturing brand has its headquarter in Dana Point, California. They are the premier shipbuilder on the west coast when it comes to making top-quality fishing trawlers that offer you everything you need for deep-sea fishing trips. The company builds its yachts in Taiwan, and they have a reputation for endurance on the open ocean.

Nordhavn builds its boats to cross entire oceans, allowing for the longest fishing trips. Hop in the boat in California and take it to Hawaii or Tahiti on a single trip. Nordhavn has a reputation for building technically perfect vessels, focusing on excellent engineering and design.

The Selene is another fantastic choice for your trawler. The company has its headquarters in China, but don’t let that fool you – these boats are functional, with high-quality design and materials. The Selene is available in a range of lengths from 42′ to 92′, with nine models available.

Selene

You get excellent standard features with this boat, including stern and bow thrusters, a lightweight fiberglass design, and easy maintenance.

Wrapping Up

The trawler is a great choice for dedicated anglers looking for an offshore model. Due to the price of these boats, many private owners choose to opt for smaller models like cabin cruisers . You get the same functionality as the trawler with better handling and a much lower price tag.

The trawler is a good choice if you’re thinking about starting an offshore deep seas fishing company where you take people out onto the water for fishing trips. The trawler is the ideal model for these excursions, allowing tour operators to accommodate as many people as possible for a profitable fishing trip.

However, if you’re a private owner, you can use the trawler for a range of activities, from deep-sea fishing to cruising between islands in the Caribbean or the Keys.

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John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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What is a Trawler Boat? Here is Answer!

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

what is a trawler boat

If you spend a long time around most modern boats, you’ll likely come across the term “trawler”. So what is a trawler boat, exactly? These vessels were originally meant for “trawling”, which is the act of pulling a net either to catch fish or search for an object.

However, in today’s time, there are cruising trawlers used for recreation and even as long-term liveaboards. After all, these big-hulled watercrafts offer plenty of stability, space, and comfort that boost their versatility.

Table of Contents

Overview of What a Trawler Boat is

History of trawler boats, types of trawler boats, design and features, benefits of owning a trawler boat.

modern-trawler-and-yachts

The modern trawler definition has become more complex since there’s now a clear divide in opinions about what an actual trawler boat is.

  • Some boaters still stick to the original definition of a fishing vessel that drags a net on the water for the daily catch (aka a dragger).
  • Others argue that as long as any vessel is used for that purpose, it can be considered a trawler.

The net is not used solely for fishing, though, as it continues to see robust application in marine research. Such research often connotes collecting marine organisms that would have been difficult to catch without the appropriate tools.

But is a sizable boat with a trawling net all it takes to be classified as a trawler? Not exactly.

In fact, gone are the days when people readily associate a trawler with a huge fishing boat. This is especially true if the subject is cruising.

Cruising trawlers rival yachts in the amenities they can provide to make your long-distance cruising experience in the open seas much more enjoyable. In fact, manufacturers have since married the two, as evidenced by any pleasurecraft trawler yacht you chance upon in your local docks and marinas.

Based on the facts that I’ve gathered above, here are the defining qualities of the modern trawler:

  • Fairly huge and spans at least 26 feet up to 50 feet.
  • Built with efficiency in mind.
  • Typically equipped with a full displacement hull, which is ideal for sea-going vessels.
  • Capable of spending extended periods on the water.

Such a trawler vessel can either be for fishing or cruising (or both).

History-of-Trawler-Boats

The concept of pulling a net behind a boat to fish has been applied for centuries by fishermen. However, the modern trawler boats we know didn’t make their debut until the late 19th century.

The first workboats were mostly sail-powered and were used to catch bottom-dwelling fish and seafood. However, it didn’t take long for innovators like Benjamin Beneteau to introduce a gas-powered trawler, which proved more efficient and, hence, profitable.

Diesel engines were inevitably developed for the standard commercial trawler for more efficiency. Before long, cruising boat manufacturers, ever on the lookout for opportunities to stand out, adopted the trawler style, banking on the universal appeal of these hardy, highly practical watercraft.  

As such fishing trawlers that didn’t see regular use were converted to recreational trawlers, especially toward the mid-20th century, cruising trawlers were born.

From there, improvements in hull construction material, specifically a shift to mainly fiberglass, occurred in the 1970s. This paved the way for the development of the modern trawler for ocean crossing, cruising, and fishing we all know and love.

Types-of-Trawler-Boats

While I did say that trawler boats can be mainly categorized as either cruising trawlers or fishing trawlers, they both have other, numerous sub-types. Your standard fishing trawler boat can be classified based on the type of fish they catch and store or the manner of catching fish, for example.

The most important categories for fishing trawlers include:

  • Stern Trawler – Trawl nets dragged over the stern using tools like winches and net drums. This replaced the standard side trailer and became the norm since its introduction.
  • Side Trawler – The trawl nets are deployed over the watercraft’s sides. These are the more traditional trawlers used to catch bottom-dwelling fish (and the ones usually being swarmed by seagulls expecting a free sardine or two).
  • Outrigger Trawler – Also known as beam trawlers, these trawlers rely on two long poles called booms that extend from each side of the boat, which support the heavy fishing nets being pulled behind the boat. Most shrimp boats fall under this category.
  • Wet-fish Trawler – This can be any trawler with a feature that allows it to keep its catch fresh. The storage place is typically insulated and house ice packs to keep the fish fresh.
  • Freezer Trawler – Trawlers with freezers to keep their fish fresh after catching fall under this type.
  • Factory Trawler – one of the largest fishing vessels available, factory trawlers not only catch fish but also have all the tools and equipment to process and pack them (think of your local canned sardines undergoing this).

As for cruising trawlers, they can fall into either of these categories:

  • Recreational Trawler or Trawler Yacht – most cruising trawlers fall under this type because there’s a clear focus on imparting luxury, comfort, and amenity suitable for long open-sea expeditions. Fishing only becomes a secondary feature, if it is at all available.
  • Liveaboard Trawler – as their name readily suggests, these recreational trawlers can function like a home. As such, it should have enough room and amenities to make it appropriate for living aboard for an indefinite period.

Design-and-Features-of-Trawler-Boats

The features you can expect from a trawler depend on its type. What’s sure is that a purpose-built trawler will likely prioritize practicality above everything. Luxury arguably becomes secondary, which makes a trawler yacht different from your average swanky boat.

  • A trawler yacht will be designed with more versatility and self-sufficiency in mind, especially since it’s expected to last a long while at sea. As such, it prioritizes comfortable accommodations, space for supplies, fuel, water, and other essentials. 
  • On the other hand, a fishing trawler will naturally be more inclined to integrate dedicated fishing docks and positions – besides the myriad fishing equipment, devices, and tools necessary for catching.

Most trawlers obviously overlap in their design, though. As said above, most trawlers use a displacement hull with wide side decks, an upper deck, a comfy interior, and ample storage capacity.

Benefits-of-Owning-a-Trawler-Boat

Many people can argue that owning any type of boat is always a plus. Still, trawlers undoubtedly bring more value to the table as proven by the following facts:

  • You get to enjoy the versatility of these vessels, especially when making cruising and open-sea crossings.
  • They’re highly accessible, safe, and stable boats compared to others.
  • The fact that they’re slow can be a plus, especially if you’re the type of boater who wants to enjoy the ride rather than the destination.
  • There are a lot of customizations and options to choose from as far as models go.
  • Most can be used for both cruising and fishing. Considering all the space it offers, what’s stopping you from converting a trawler into a hybrid that accommodates both?

So summing up what we’ve discussed while answering, “What is a trawler boat?”, it’s typically a large, salty vessel that the boater-at-heart considers one of the most well-designed to ever sail the open seas. We owe that sentiment a lot to their sheer adaptability and efficiency when fulfilling their purpose (usually still fishing).

Is it any surprise that they were able to smoothly transition to being cruising watercraft, now that we think about it?

trawler yacht definition

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Chandlery Yacht Sales Santa Barbara

What is a Trawler

what is a trawler

What is a Trawler?

Traditionally, trawlers were known as a working man’s boat. They had deep hulls for icing down/storing fish and got their name from what they did… drag a trawl net to catch fish. (AKA trawling).

Many of today’s pleasure trawlers have full displacement hulls with weighted keels while some have moved to a semi-displacement hull type.

Full displacement designs are known to move through the water, rather than on top of it, and are considered very seaworthy and rather slow. Semi-displacement hulls also ride low in the water yet are able to plane versus push through the water.

The common theme of the trawler is its look. They have a heft to them, ride deep in the water and often have hoists for a tender. What makes a trawler a popular choice for many boating enthusiasts?

what is a trawler santa barbara

  • Stable at sea.
  • Range to reach remote anchorages.
  • Lots of living room and accommodations.
  • Good to great fuel economy.
  • Ability to carry and launch a tender. (Not all craft can accommodate this)
  • Room to serve as a live-aboard vessel.
  • Walk-around Decks.
  • Larger engine rooms.

We’ve found that many trawler owners are seasoned powerboat owners who love the idea of long-distance cruising with comfort. Many boats have larger than normal staterooms and under-decks living area. It is not uncommon to find full-size refrigerators or washer and dryers.

Let’s read what a couple trawler owners say about their boats.

What is the trawler lifestyle? Quite simply, it is the sailors cruising lifestyle in a power boat. What is the definition of a trawler? It is a power vessel that accommodates the cruising lifestyle. What a trawler isn’t is a fast powerboat, especially those with full-displacement hulls. They are designed for cruising, often at 8-10 knots.

Some of the semi-displacement hulls like Beneteau’s Swift Trawlers double that speed or more. That said, most trawlers are more tortoise than hare as they travel from port to port.

What are some of the more popular trawlers on the Central Coast?

There are more than 25 manufactures of trawlers. Some, like Nordhavn, stick to the classic style while others are utilizing new building practices to get the needed space from a semi-displacement hull with twin powerplants. This shift has created quite a stir from traditionalists who feel a real trawler has a full displacement hull, and typically one engine.

what is a trawler grand banks

Since 1956, Grand Banks has been building yachts. They are credited with introducing cruising Trawlers to the yacht world back in the early 1960’s with the introduction of the Chantyman and are best known for the ever popular GB42. Grand Banks trawlers, built in Singapore, have changed over the years offering semi-displacement hull options and fine workmanship. One tell-tale of a Grand Banks is the use of exterior teak. While this adds cosmetic heritage to the boats, it also comes with brightwork maintenance.

Kenny Kieding, the owner of The Chandlery Yacht Sales in Santa Barbara, has a soft spot for these classic boats. Perhaps it is the fact Grand Banks is a legacy builder with 60+ years in the business and The Chandlery recently celebrated 70 years of service on the Central Coast. Legacy companies are a rare and wonderful thing.

what is a trawler beneteau swift

Beneteau has a strong following for both their sail and powerboat lines. The Swift Trawler blends the engineering of both to create what boat owners call “wonderful.” Their modern boatbuilding capabilities have allowed Beneteau to create a semi-displacement trawler with both speed (25-knot max) and spaciousness.

Like with everything Beneteau does, attention to detail is paramount. This could explain why many seasoned yacht owners choose the Swift. There are so many niceties in their design that add comfort to long distance cruising and the live-aboard lifestyle.

what is a trawler kadey krogen

Kadey Krogen, out of Florida, is another popular trawler manufacturer. They are considered a classic style builder who believes their full displacement hulls are the best in the business. Since they’ve been engineering their patented Pure Displacement Hulls (PHD) for over 40 years they may have a point.

Kadey Krogen is known for building a very stable boat with timeless design features. Much of this is obvious when you step aboard one of their richly appointed craft. The salon has a home-like feel often lost aboard many boats. This might explain the cult-like following they enjoy.

what is a trawler nordhaven

Any list of Trawlers has to include Nordhavn. Nordhavn is based out of Dana Point California and builds their yachts in Taiwan. If you ask a seasoned yachtsman what the name Nordavn signifies, most will say endurance. Their boats are built to cross oceans and have done so for decades. They are also known for being a technically well-engineered craft with design ideas not seen on many of their competitor’s boats.

what is a trawler selene

Built by Jet Tern Marine in China, the Selene line of trawlers is vast with offerings in 42’, 45’, 49’, 54’, 60’, 62’ 66’, 78’ and 92’ sizes. Selene’s slogan is Grace and Strength and her name comes from the Greek goddess of the moon. They are known to come with more standard equipment than most of their competitors including bow and stern thrusters. As an all fiberglass boat, maintenance may be a bit easier too.

What is a Trawler – Conclusions

Purchasing a cruising trawler is not for everyone, yet for many, it is a perfect choice. If comfort, storage, and low fuel costs matter more than speed, you just may find them the perfect boat.

Naturally, we did not cover all the trawlers available on the new or resale market. It would have made for a very long article. Others such as Nordic Tug, Defever, Tollycraft, Albin and more are found in marinas up and down the west coast.

Kenny is quite knowledgeable about trawlers and is here to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs. Give him a call 805-965-4538.

What Is A Trawler – Let’s Look at Some Videos

Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Trawler or Powerboat

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Trawlers are a very distinct type of powerboat, designed for long-distance cruising and in many cases, living aboard for significant stretches of time. The origin of trawlers can be traced back to commercial fishing trawler boats.

In this day and age, most trawlers have all the comforts of home—and there are plenty of trawler yachts that place you squarely in the lap of luxury.

trawler yacht definition

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Activities with Trawlers

GREAT FOR Overnight Cruising  • Day Cruising

Trawlers are intended for cruising, and many people spend extended vacations taking a trawler boat from port to port. There are also a lot of people who search high and low for the best trawler to live on, and then move aboard. 

Long-distance cruising at a leisurely pace

Because trawlers are designed with private staterooms, full kitchens (though we call them the “galley,” aboard a boat), and spacious living rooms (the nautical name for them is “saloon”), trawlers are ideal for people who believe that when it comes to long-distance cruising, half the fun is getting there. Most are designed to cruise in a slow and economical way, so you can enjoy the ride from start to finish.

Cruising the intercoastal waterway

The trawler design is very popular among “snow-birds” who take their boats south down the intercoastal waterway in the winter, then cruise back up it for the summer months. Many people (often retirees) make this trip season after season.

Consuming less fuel—providing exception range

Since the best trawlers for slow and steady voyages need to be fuel-efficient, many builders design them with relatively small powerplants and displacement hulls (boat bottoms which merely slice through the water, rather than using lots of power to break free of the water and skim across the surface at high speed). This gives them exceptional range and if you want a real super trawler, it’s even possible to find some with ocean-crossing abilities. However, if you want the ability to get where you’re going in short order there’s also more than one fast trawler manufacturer out there. Though there’s always a trade-off between speed and efficiency, even a fast trawler often has better fuel economy than many other types of powerboats.

Spacious interior layouts for a great weekend escape

Since trawlers are designed for spending lots of time aboard, even a small trawler usually has the maximum amount of cabin space possible for its size. Some have “aft cabins” built under the rear of the boat, and larger models often have multiple deck levels.

Ownership Costs of Trawlers

The size of the trawler you buy will be the biggest determining factor, when it comes to ownership cost. Remember that the larger the boat is, the more it will cost to rent or lease a slip, too. Finding the best trawler for the money really depends on your personal budget, and how much room you feel you need to live comfortably. Visit our Boat Loan Calculator to learn more about the costs of ownership fitting with into your budget.

Since trawlers tend to get used extensively and sometimes continually, they may have slightly higher maintenance costs than some other types of boats. They also have many of the same systems a house would (like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC). However, these systems are smaller and more contained than those of a house. So, in the long run, maintenance costs likely to be far less than they would with an abode you live in on dry land.

Thanks to their efficiency, unlike many types of powerboats fuel costs associated with a trawler are usually minimal. Instead, the main operation cost is general living expenses – things like food and drink supplies – since so many people spend extended periods of time aboard. In addition, you should also plan in insurance costs (see Insuring Your Boat for more info).

Trawler Boat Technology/Materials/Features

You might guess that their traditional design and heritage means that trawlers haven’t changed much over the years, but that would be a mistake. New hull designs developed an entire genre of trawler dubbed the “slow-fast,” which has the ability to cruise at slow speeds with relatively good fuel efficiency, but can also jump on plane (when most of the boat rises out of the water and skims on the surface), when and if necessary. In other cases, advancements in construction materials has allowed trawler manufacturers to reduce a boat’s weight, without giving up one bit of strength. Modern lighter weight construction techniques have also made it possible to build trailerable trawlers that may be relatively small, but still have all the comforts of home and can be towed by many pick-up trucks and SUVs.

Explore Similar Boat Types

trawler yacht definition

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Best Trawler Yacht Brands for Bluewater Adventures

16th nov 2023 by samantha wilson.

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The rise of the trawler yacht is one of the most exciting developments in the boating industry in decades. It has opened the world of long-range travel to those who don’t care to sail and whose budget doesn’t run to a superyacht or explorer yacht. It has actually filled a gap that we didn’t even realize we desperately needed. Imagine being able to cruise the world in comfort on a yacht under 60 feet, or even under 40 feet. Or being able to cruise across blue water, with several guests staying aboard, to far-flung destinations on a yacht the size of a cabin cruiser. 

Trawler yachts are almost an oxymoron—the idea of a sturdy and functional fishing trawler being a luxury yacht would once have been laughable. But today that’s exactly what these robust, spacious, and elegant long-range cruisers are. Here we take a look at our pick of some of the best trawler yacht brands on the market;

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

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More from: Samantha Wilson

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Meaning of trawler in English

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  • bottom trawling
  • factory ship
  • fishing lure
  • fishing net
  • lobster pot

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trawler | Intermediate English

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Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Chapter 1 is a trawler yacht for you.

Captain Robert Beebe first launched his purpose-designed and -built long-range yacht, Passagemaker , in 1967. Then, some eight years later, he published his ground-breaking book on crossing oceans in small, low-powered vessels, Voyaging Under Power .

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Until that time, transoceanic crossings by yachtsmen in small vessels were pretty much the exclusive preserve of sailing yachts. But in the decade following the appearance of Beebe's widely-read book, the idea you could cross oceans in reasonable safety and comfort in small powered yachts took hold in the world of yachting.

Since then, the growing fascination with long-range cruising in power vessels has spawned terms like 'trawler yacht' and 'expedition yacht' which are used to designate relatively low-speed small pleasure craft intended to cruise both alongshore, between islands such as those of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and even across oceans.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Along the way, the term 'trawler yacht' gained ground in referring to yachts built for long-range cruising. The term originally referred to a form of commercial fishing vessel that pulled a "trawl" - a large conically-shaped net that is dragged along the sea bottom in gathering fish or other marine life. Commercial trawlers collected huge amounts of fish for their size and so needed to have a large load-carrying capacity. Consequently, they were characterized by voluminous underwater volume relative to their waterline length. Indeed, a true trawler has a full-displacement hull form that exhibits a displacement to length ratio (D/L) greater than 500 - where D/L = displacement in long tons / (.01 x LWL)3.

Early in the history of voyaging under power, a few true commercial trawlers were converted into yachts. And some builders of true commercial trawlers, for example, Delta Marine of Seattle, turned to building yachts on the same hulls as their commercial trawlers. But it quickly became clear to even amateur naval architects and yachtsmen that pushing around the huge underwater volume of a true trawler made little sense for pleasure cruising. For even if filled with enough fuel, water, and stores to cross the Atlantic, a yacht conversion on a true trawler hull generally required additional deadweight ballast just to get the hull down onto her intended lines. Which is a ridiculously inefficient course to follow. Consequently, there soon emerged in the yachting sector pleasure vessels with profiles, superstructures, and overall looks that were reminiscent of commercial trawlers but with more power-efficient hulls with lower D/L ratios. This genre became known as "trawler-yachts", of which the most well-known brands were Grand Banks , Alaskan , Kadey-Krogen , Fleming , American Tug , De Fever , Marlow , Nordhavn Yachts , Nordic Tug , Ocean Alexander , Outer Reef , and Selene Yachts .

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Of course, a prime law of marketing is that no accurate description of a product shall be left intact if it can be if it can be stretched and distorted to attract a broader cross-section of the market. Hence, over the last three or so decades, marketing and sales arms of many yacht builders have jumped onto the "trawler" bandwagon, until today, all manner of pleasure craft, from semi-displacement motor yachts to full-powered planning types are tagged with monikers like "Fast Trawler", "Swift Trawler", and - I guess - "Euro-Moderno Bateau". Just kidding on this last one.

The point is most of these contemporary "trawlers" have little if anything in common with genuine trawlers or even, for that matter, trawler-yachts. Therefore, the first step in searching for a trawler yacht is to get as clear as possible on what you're looking for in a yacht in general, then determine if the trawler-yacht genre satisfies more of your needs and requirements than any other type you might purchase.

Requirement = want + high priority...

Keep in mind, though, that needs are not the same as wants and requirements. For example, on a long-range cruising power yacht you need substantial tankage for fuel. But although you may require active fin-type stabilizers, you don't need them to get along.

A high-priority want becomes a requirement, if you're determined to end up with a yacht, you'll keep for many years to come. Occasionally, a prospective trawler yacht - or any yacht, for that matter - may lack something you want or even require, yet you might decide to do without it because, overall, you're strongly attracted to the remaining package. However, if the trawler-yacht you're looking at buying lacks something you've identified as a true need, that generally becomes a deal-breaker - assuming, of course, it can't be added or retrofitted.

Experienced buyers usually have a long list of "wants" but most of the time only a few of those wants rise to the level of a requirement. Understanding this helps with developing a prioritized list of the qualities you're looking for in a yacht - which is the key to avoid wasting weeks, months, and maybe even years searching for a yacht but never seeming to find the right one.

There are several other questions you need to ask yourself when developing your list of parameters. Foremost among these is the question of what your primary waters of operation will be? Are you going to run mostly alongshore? Out to, say, 50 or 100 miles of the shore? Are you going to be happy hopping from the mainland to an island chain offshore, and from there, between the islands of a chain like The Bahamas? Or are you determined to cross oceans?

Consider that almost every trawler-yacht sailor, at one time or another, pays at least lip service to making a transoceanic passage. But the fact is most are unlikely ever to cross an ocean on their yacht's own bottom. Indeed, I'd venture to say that trans-ocean crossings represent less than 3% of the thousands of passages made each year. And most yachtsmen are content to put their feet up each night after, say, a broiled lobster dinner and sleep at a dock or over the hook every night.

Which doesn't mean you won't see open waters in your trawler yacht, for you likely will - at least, occasionally. But that open-water operation will probably consist of island hopping, that is, mainland to offshore island(s) or between islands. And in such circumstances, a yacht needs to carry less fuel and be less stout than one which could find herself in the middle of, say, the Atlantic Ocean with a mean gale churning up 20-foot or taller breaking seas.

So, if you are one of the overwhelming majority who will cruise alongshore and island hop, coming to terms with that reality early will enable you to avoid paying unnecessarily for the added initial and ongoing costs of having a yacht that is transoceanic capable.

Finally, keep in mind that, as you look around at prospective yachts to buy, and as you learn more about what you really want and what may not be so important to you in a yacht, your list of needs and requirements will change. Consequently, as your search progresses, it pays to circle back from time to time to review some of the yachts you may have already rejected - to ensure that those ruled out earlier in your search do not now fit your revised criteria.

Chapter 2 Finding the Right Trawler-Yacht

As you look around for a trawler-yacht, keep in mind that the genre which developed primarily in the Taiwan yachtbuilding industry is not the only type. The Dutch have a long history of building some truly beautiful North Sea styled trawler-yachts - one of which was the Banjer 37, originally available as either a straight power yacht or a motorsailer.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Just about everyone agrees that how your plan to use your yacht (most of the time) is a key determinant in which yacht is best for you. But few people can tell you what that really means. Here are some key points to consider:

If you're going to spend most of your time on the water cruising alongshore and island-hopping, you'll likely want a trawler-yacht with a semi-displacement hull and the ability to run at higher than pure displacement speeds, say, at 12 to 18 knots.

That's because most alongshore cruising and island-hopping is destination oriented - that is, traveling primarily to a destination where you have things that you want to do, whether that involves eating out or exploring a town or even just relaxing on a deserted beach. And in such cases, you generally don't want to spend a full day or more slogging through seas at 6 knots top speed when you could be making the same passage at 12 to 18 knots in 1/2 to 1/3 of the time.

Few of us really want to spend any extended time on the open sea. Instead, we cross open waters for the purpose of getting somewhere where we want to cruise along the shore and even on navigable inland waters of a given region of interest, a destination.

There are those of us who want to liveaboard for an extended period, some keeping on the move continually and some rarely moving at all. And some of us who only want to use a trawler-yacht as a kind of weekend cottage or retreat.

All these uses are legitimate and - to my mind - worthwhile. Moreover, they are non-exclusive, that is, you can have more than one of these uses in mind when you are searching for the yacht of your dreams. And there are yachts which can handle all of these uses with aplomb. The catch is that the more generalized a given yacht is in its ability to serve a wider variety of purposes, the larger and more expensive that yacht is likely to be.

Consider also that some experienced yachtsmen believe, for a given budget, you're better off having a larger but less well-equipped trawler-yacht than a smaller one that is packed to its gills with expensive gadgetry and equipment - provided, of course, the yacht is within your capabilities to run and handle it.

There is little doubt that increased size often makes for greater comfort, especially in liveaboard or extended cruising circumstances. As well, increased size in a trawler-yacht often makes it possible to use stouter, more durable commercial-grade gear and equipment... which fit quite well with the trawler-yacht ethos.

Single- or twin-screw...

At some point in your search for a trawler-yacht - preferably earlier rather than later - you'll need to decide between single-engine or twin-engine main propulsion power. If you're an experienced yachtsman, you likely already have an opinion about the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each type. Nevertheless, consider the following points:

With contemporary bow and stern thrusters, as well as vectoring electronic controls available, single-screw trawler-yachts are much easier to dock and undock than they used to be. So, close-in handling with a small crew is not the determining factor it used to be.

Single-engine installations have been generally thought to be more economical than twin-engines, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing operation. However, that is pretty much a misconception. Granted, a single engine of a given HP generally costs less initially than two engines whose combined HP equal that of the single engine... but most trawler-yachts wander far from immediate help even if they are operating alongshore and island-hopping. And most trawler-yacht owners want a way to "get home" if a main propulsion engine fails while underway.

The common approach to a single main-engine installation is to rig some form of alternative get-home propulsion power - perhaps using a jack-shaft or hydraulic PTO or even an electric motor driven by a genset. The downside is that every one of these and similar alternatives are expensive to assemble and far less reliable than simply splitting the marine propulsion system into twins. And this generalization applies independent of whether your looking at Caterpillar, MTU, MAN, Cummins, or John Deere engines. But don't take my or anyone else's word for it... work the numbers for yourself.

And while you're at it, also consider that a single-engine main propulsion installation does not necessarily use less fuel because, single engine or twin, a given yacht requires a given amount of horsepower (and fuel burn) to achieve a given level of speed. Whether you supply all the required horsepower from a single engine or half of the required horsepower from each of two smaller engines, the rate of fuel burn at a given boat speed will be virtually the same. Theoretically, anyway.

It doesn't always work out that way since a 200-HP engine may weigh more than half of a 400-HP engine. But in general, you will find that the twin-engine rigs don't compare as badly to single-engine rigs cost-wise as many people (even some pros in the industry) think - provided you factor in the additional costs of an auxiliary "get-home" rig.

How many berths does she have...

Most yacht buyers are understandably concerned with general arrangement and interior accommodations. Trawler-yacht buyers are no exception. In fact, it may be the case that trawler-yacht buyers are more concerned than many other yacht buyers and owners because most trawler-yacht buyers are all about cruising and only cruising.

Many die-hard sportfishing men and women are happy to sleep dormitory style on hard narrow berths if the yacht will take them to the offshore grounds for marlin, swordfish, dorado, and other sportfish - and bring them home again ahead of anyone else. Poker-run offshore race guys want to "get there" first and fast, and each evening hit the restaurants and lounges, then flop in a good hotel. But most trawler-yacht people want to spend much of their non-running time on their yacht, at dock or over the hook, relaxing and doing a lot of what they might otherwise do if living ashore. Consequently, interior layout and accommodations become key issues in considering which yacht to buy.

So, you ask, how many berths do I need? To which question the answer is, one for each person who is going to sleep aboard.

Yea, I know that's not very helpful. But the fact is on a trawler-yacht intended for lengthier cruises, it takes more than sleeping space. If you want to cruise or liveaboard for extended periods, you also need enough common space to lounge comfortably without feeling crowded in, sufficient space and load-carrying capacity for fuel, water, stores, and the myriad items (okay, junk) that you consider prerequisite to comfortable living. The important thing is to get away from thinking of yachting as camping and to never talk yourself into compromising on any aspect of day-to-day living that you would otherwise consider essential.

That's not to say there aren't people who'd be happy to cruise 'round the world on a Hobie Cat with a tent and a backpack (and some life jackets and a radio) strapped to the trampoline.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Most likely, you're not one of them. So, you'll be best served in your search for a trawler-yacht to assess with a high degree of self-honesty the level of comfort, even luxury, you'll require.

This is something only you can judge with any accuracy. However, there are, again, some basic points to keep in mind.

The number of people - guests, crew, whatever - a yacht will accommodate comfortably for more than just a day trip is limited not only by the number of berths she has but by the number and type of bath/toilet compartments she has. For living in close quarters requires meticulous attention to personal hygiene, and that is made difficult if you have six or eight people waiting in line to use a single loo.

Another limiting factor is the ability to seat everyone at a table or tables for meals. Most people can manage for a day or so eating off paper plates set in their laps, but if you intend to spend extended periods cruising and living aboard, you (and any guests you expect to have for any significant length of time) need to be able to take meals in a relaxed environment, not worrying about dropping a soggy paper plate of beans on the floor or, worse, the carpet.

Yes, I know you're probably rolling your eyes and thinking how obvious this all is. But make no mistake, obvious or not, you'd be surprised by the number of prospective buyers who insist on having eight berths on a yacht that can only sit four at the dining table. They might squeak by for a day or so, but by the end of even just a long weekend, they're likely to be at each other's throats.

A reasonable rule of thumb is to look for one toilet per every two guests or crew likely to be aboard for more than a day or two. For example, if you and your spouse want to be able to have another couple aboard for an extended time, you should look for a minimum of two full bath and toilet compartments. If you anticipate having a total of six persons aboard for any significant length of time, you should look for three bath/toilet compartments.

Stay somewhat flexible, though. For example, six people can manage with two full bath/toilet compartments plus a day head - especially if the yachts stern or swim platform is fitted with a good freshwater handheld shower.

And speaking of staying flexible, you don't have to sit everyone at a formal dining table in the saloon, galley, or pilothouse if you have room for everyone at your flybridge table or on the quarterdeck. The point is to be able to have for certain functions a measure of land-based normalcy if you want still to be enjoying yourself a couple of cruising years.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Galleys are highly idiosyncratic. For example, before my wife and I spent seven years cruising and living aboard our 18-ton wheelhouse motorsailer, we kept a magnetic plaque on the refrigerator of our land-based kitchen which said, "I came, I saw, and I ordered take-out!" And rest assured, we did not change our habits when we moved aboard our beloved trawler-like yacht, the Noka.

When we cruised and lived aboard, my wife and I spent a lot of time partaking of local cuisine ashore. Which meant we did not require a gourmet-level galley. A refrigerator, small freezer, three-burner propane stove, and a small micro-wave oven were enough. And that would not have changed even if our yacht had been much larger than it was. Your habits and needs, however, will likely be different. The important point is to understand what those needs and requirements are and whether the yacht you're considering provides for them - or at least, can be modified to accommodate them.

A four-foot long bathtub is still a shower pan...

A lot of interior layouts that look great on paper or in photos are disasters in person. Almost always because they lack that little bit of extra elbow room that's necessary to make them truly functional.

My advice to new-build clients is to design (or decide on) an accommodations layout, then make the yacht 10% longer and 10% wider, but do not add anything to the accommodations. You will then end up with a yacht in which your (and the designer's) great ideas work in the real world. No children's-sized sofas. No tables for six that have a seating width per person of 18". No counter-tops with the depth of a book shelf. In a trawler-yacht, indeed in any yacht. It's better to leave something non-essential out altogether than to mini-size it just to be able to say you have it. Always remember a four-foot long "bathtub" is still just a shower pan.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Of course, if you're searching for a pre-owned or already-built trawler-yacht, you pretty must accept (or reject) what you're presented with. But if you're presented with a yacht that in most respects has what you need and require, you should think hard about whether what it lacks is really a deal-breaker.

Think hard about whether modifications can be made to add or retrofit items or features you find wanting. Provided the added cost of modifications plus the total cost of purchasing the yacht is within reason and your budget, you might be better off settling for less than your ideal (at a lower price, of course) and then, after closing on the acquisition, adding what you feel the yacht needs in order to bring it up to your specific needs and requirements.

That said, unless you're exceptionally experienced and technically knowledgeable - in which case you likely wouldn't be looking for advice here - don't rely solely on what a broker or other salesperson tells you about what can or cannot be accomplished. Instead, seek out the advice of someone who specializes yacht building and refit and who has proven experience with trawler-yachts.

Nevertheless, irrespective of how sage the advisors you choose might be, always measure what they say against your own common sense and what you know about yourself and the ways in which you use or plan to use the yacht. Then and only then, make your decisions based on what you know is best for you and your circumstances... do not do or accept something simply because some dockside expert tells you it's the right choice. For if you do, you will end up buying and living with a yacht that they would want and not one that is best suited to what you want.

If you want to stay in one place, consider buying a cottage...

I have no doubt that I'd be skewered by Poseidon's trident if I didn't share the following with you: Trawler-yachts are not meant to be floating cottages. Trawler-yachts - the good ones, that is - are created to go places and do things. Therefore, you should avoid the trap of focusing solely on interior layout and accommodations. Instead, you should also carefully consider factors such as deck layout and equipment installations.

Given that trawler-yachts generally spend more time on the hook than any other class of

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

pleasure craft, you'll need to evaluate whether a prospective yacht's ground tackle (anchors and rodes), as well as its windlass(es) are up to providing you with peace of mind when you anchor out, sometimes of necessity in exposed locations.

How are the yacht's anchors housed, and how are they deployed? How are they retrieved? Notice it's not an accident that I'm using the plural here.

Speaking bluntly, this is one area of concern in which you do well to speak not to sales people, designers, or even naval architects but to long-term, deeply-experienced cruising yachtsmen and yachtswomen who have traveled extensively on a yacht of approximately the same size as yours. Because in matters such as anchoring, there is absolutely no substitute for in-depth, real-world experience (no pun intended).

Does the trawler-yacht you're considering have workable outside control station... and is it far enough aft to be out of bow spray in all but the heaviest of weather? How is the stowage for a tender accomplished, and how do you launch and retrieve that tender? What happens if you need to perform those operations in a rolling or breaking sea? If the tender is driven by a gasoline motor, how is the reserve gasoline fuel stowed and dispensed?

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Is the yacht you're considering stabilized and if so, how? Is she equipped with traditional paravanes - weighted hydrodynamic plates called "fish" that are towed and which dive easily but resist being pulled up through the water? Or is she equipped with a more contemporary active fin type stabilizing system? Does she have to be moving through the water for the stabilizers to work properly? Or do they also have zero-speed capability as do some of the more recent fin types and the latest gyroscopic types do?

Beyond such essential considerations, there are a myriad of other details that call for your attention in the course of searching for the right trawler-yacht. Indeed, there are so many it would take a book to go through all of them. Come on, don't frown like that, nobody said finding precisely the right trawler-yacht for your needs and requirements would be easy. Straightforward, yes. Easy, No. But then, nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Chapter 3 Making the Acquisition

  • Find the trawler-yacht you want to buy.
  • Make a bona fide offer to purchase.
  • If and when that offer is accepted, arrange to have the trawler-yacht inspected and sea-trialed.
  • If the inspection (survey) and the sea trial are satisfactory, close on the purchase and take possession.
  • Buying and Selling a New or Used Yacht Answers to Frequently Asked Questions...
  • Not Just Any Yacht Survey Will Do Understanding the difference between various kinds of yacht surveys will help you avoid a variety of headaches...
  • Ten Golden Rules for Successful New-Build Projects

A guide to having a new yacht built, widely acclaimed by experienced yacht owners and well-known industry professionals...

Whether you're buying a pre-owned or new trawler-yacht - or maybe having one built custom or semi-custom for you - you will want to retain competent, experienced professionals to help guide you along through the process. The best of these will almost always save a buyer more than the cost of their fees by helping their clients avoid potentially costly errors and pitfalls. Seattle Yachts has an expert team of brokers who have decades of experience helping clients find the perfect trawler yacht. You can read more about Seattle Yachts' tips on buying a yacht online .

Be cautious, however, when hiring consultants and other supposed experts. For there is no shortage of instant, self-proclaimed "experts" out there. And neither "letters" nor "certifications" guarantee the person sporting them is, in fact, competent. Always look additionally to prior-demonstrated results, previous work accomplished, and confirmable reputation.

Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Finally, make sure that any consultant(s) you may hire are experienced in trawler-yachts and appreciative of the breed. In other words, don't hire a sportfishing expert to advise you on the selection, acquisition, and maybe revamp of a trawler-yacht and expect to get the right advice. This may all seem self-evident once you've read it in print, but don't underestimate how many times something like that happens with less than stellar results.

Chapter 4 Cruising on Your "New" Trawler-Yacht

Some people are content to spend half their lives looking for the "perfect" trawler-yacht. And if that brings happiness and pleasure to them, so be it. As someone who has spent most of his adult life "messin' about with boats", I make no judgments concerning the relative merits of dreaming versus doing. And I allow that whatever floats your boat is just fine with me. Truth be told, dreaming is a lot less expensive than buying and owning.

However, if you're set on cruising for extended periods on a yacht, I can't think of a better way to do it than on a well-designed, well-built, and well-found trawler-yacht. And I assume you agree, or you wouldn't have slogged through to this point. Therefore, my expectation is that the day will come when you'll set off on your own, recently acquired trawler-yacht.

Hopefully, you will have taken the time to prepare for that day... by accumulating experience on other yachts and boats, attending knowledge-building seminars at boat shows and events like Passagemaker magazine's Trawler Fest , and by training where and when you can with professionals like those at the Chapman School of Seamanship .

In my experience, most yachtsmen and yachtswomen who are buying a "new" yacht are "stepping up" - if not in terms of size, then in terms of complexity of machinery and equipment. Improved electronic navigation equipment for improved safety with less effort. Perhaps, both bow and stern thrusters electronically controlled and integrated into a vectoring and position-holding package for easier docking and undocking with a small crew. Maybe even active fin type stabilization combined with zero-speed capabilities for increased comfort at sea and over the hook.

As a result, even experienced cruising people who are purchasing a "new" trawler-yacht can benefit from spending some time building new skills or sharpening up those which they have. All of which invariably results in bolstered self-confidence and more pleasurable cruising... for everyone involved.

If you're well-experienced, you likely won't need the following piece of advice. But if you're relatively new to extended cruising and passagemaking, what I'm about to say will help you avoid problems and potential early disillusion. Go slow!

By that, I don't mean run at low speeds. I mean don't take delivery of your "new" trawler-yacht - the one you've been dreaming of going 'round the world in - and immediately take off across the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. Begin, instead, with shorter, more easily-managed passages across open waters.

Start with a few alongshore passages outside. Then step up to some island hopping and, eventually, to crossing some large sounds and smaller seas such as the Gulf of Mexico. And only after a year or two, if you find you like being at sea, consider making that transoceanic passage you've been dreaming for years of doing.

There are several reasons for following this approach. First, you will build valuable knowledge of your vessel and skill in handling her in a variety of more difficult conditions. Second, you'll get a chance to sort out any latent problems with your trawler-yacht and her gear. Third, you might find, as many of us have, that you don't really like spending more than a day or two in open waters out of sight of land. Not because it's scary or uncomfortable, but because to many, it's just plain monotonous. And if you do experience that epiphany, that's okay. As there's a lifetime of truly great cruising to be done without ever being further than 100 miles from shore.

To be sure, some sailors find long ocean passages invigorating, even life-renewing. If you are one of them, more power to you. But if you're not truly enamored of standing watch-on and watch-off for twelve or fifteen days straight or more, seeing only the sun, stars, and ocean swells and seas, it's better to learn that before you spend months preparing for and setting out on a transoceanic passage.

The delightful fact about the trawler-yacht genre is that it encompasses vessels variously suited to all manner of cruising. And it's a mistake to think that trawler-yachting involves only ocean crossing.

If after reading this you find yourself wanting to build your own custom trawler yacht, our new yacht design and build team is known as the best in the industry. Rather find a brokerage trawler? Seattle Yachts has offices in the Pacific Northwest to South Florida to Southern California. Contact us today at one of our convenient locations to get started on your cruising journey by yacht.

Enjoy these Trawler-related articles :

  • What Is The Best Liveaboard Trawler?
  • The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide
  • What Makes A Yacht A Trawler?
  • Trawler Yacht Frequently Asked Questions
  • Owning A Trawler Yacht
  • The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht

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IMAGES

  1. The Evolution of the Trawler Yacht

    trawler yacht definition

  2. Trawler Vs Yacht

    trawler yacht definition

  3. newly introduced canadian built trawler yacht (cape sable grace ) built

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  4. Zurn Yacht Design: trawler, made in USA

    trawler yacht definition

  5. The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide

    trawler yacht definition

  6. The Evolution of the Trawler Yacht

    trawler yacht definition

COMMENTS

  1. Trawlers: A Comprehensive Guide

    There's no set definition for when a trawler becomes a trawler yacht, but suffice it to say that the term can be applied to trawlers of over 60 feet which are luxurious and, well, yachts. Advantages and Disadvantages of Trawlers. The biggest advantage of a trawler is the combination of long range and comfortable accommodations.

  2. Trawlers: The Complete Guide to These Seaworthy Vessels

    A trawler is a type of power boat designed for slow, steady cruising. Trawlers trace their origins to commercial fishing vessels used for trawling - dragging large nets behind the boat. Today's trawler yachts have evolved into comfortable cruisers perfect for extended voyages. Modern trawlers come in a range of sizes from 35 to over 100 feet.

  3. Trawler Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of TRAWLER is a boat used in trawling. Recent Examples on the Web The fleet also operates the world's largest collection of bottom trawlers, which drag nets across the ocean floor, destroying coral reefs and other marine life. — Ian Urbina, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024 Alaskan trawlers incidentally catch, or bycatch, 141 million pounds of salmon, crab, halibut and other species each year ...

  4. Trawler Vs Yacht

    2024 Ultimate Trawler vs. Yacht Comparison Guide. Welcome to our Trawler vs. Yacht Guide, your ultimate resource for understanding the unique benefits and features of these two exceptional vessels. Choosing the right trawler for sale is a significant decision, one that reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and maritime ambitions.

  5. A Complete Guide to Trawler Boats: All You Need to Know!

    The trawler provides the passengers with accommodations in the lower deck, with v-berths extending through the vessel's bow. The quality of the berth depends on the price tag of the boat. Some trawler models come with fittings and accommodations that are similar to high-end motor yachts, offering a luxurious time out on the water.

  6. What Makes A Yacht A Trawler?

    (Below: Hampton Yachts do a great job of creating a luxury cruising yacht with trawler-like characteristics.) However, there has been a change in recent years, and the definition of a trawler is now more associated with the cruising lifestyle that it allows, and that is the current standard of comparison in my mind.

  7. Trawler Boats Guide

    Trawlers are designed for function first, which makes them excellent boats for beginners or experienced sailors. The proven design of a trawler yacht means that it's easy to drive and can stay stable in rough weather. The stability comes from a wide, ballasted hull which keeps the boat balanced in high seas or strong winds.

  8. What is a Trawler Boat? Here is Answer!

    The modern trawler definition has become more complex since there's now a clear divide in opinions about what an actual trawler boat is. Some boaters still stick to the original definition of a fishing vessel that drags a net on the water for the daily catch (aka a dragger).

  9. How Do We Define A Trawler? (Blog)

    A trawler, if you buy my definition of trawler, is functional boat which leads to elements of boat design that look workboat like, such as cranes to raise and lower tenders, accommodations on deck to store tenders, anchor accommodations, reverse windows, a pilot house, and walk around decks for line handling and docking, to name a few. Yes ...

  10. Trawler

    trawler, fishing vessel that uses a trawl, a conical net that snares fish by being dragged through the water or along the bottom. Trawlers vary according to the method of towing the net. On side trawlers, the trawl is set and hauled over the side with power winches or manually by a large crew. Outrigger trawlers (a type that includes shrimp boats) drag one or two nets from long booms extending ...

  11. The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide

    These trawlers instead rely on some form of stabilizing technology, either active or passive, and they are quite effective reducing rolling at sea. Active fin stabilizers, flopperstoppers, gyrostabilizers, even flume tanks, have been used with varying degrees of success to manage the roll of a full displacement yacht.

  12. Trawlers

    A trawler is a type of fishing vessel that is used to fish for pelagic fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish. Trawlers are also used to fish for bottom-dwelling species, such as cod, haddock, and flounder. The history of trawlers dates back to the early 19th century when they were first used in the United Kingdom.

  13. Trawler Yachts Frequently Asked Questions

    The current demand for trawler-style cruising boats has never been as high as it is right now. There are several factors that contribute to this healthy and bustling segment of recreational boating. Some of these factors are directly attributed to world events, some relate to the Covid pandemic, while others represent the current demographics ...

  14. What is a Trawler

    Many boats have larger than normal staterooms and under-decks living area. It is not uncommon to find full-size refrigerators or washer and dryers. Let's read what a couple trawler owners say about their boats. What is the trawler lifestyle? Quite simply, it is the sailors cruising lifestyle in a power boat. What is the definition of a trawler?

  15. Trawler

    Trawlers are a very distinct type of powerboat, designed for long-distance cruising and in many cases, living aboard for significant stretches of time. The origin of trawlers can be traced back to commercial fishing trawler boats. In this day and age, most trawlers have all the comforts of home—and there are plenty of trawler yachts that ...

  16. Recreational trawler

    Recreational trawlers are pleasure boats that resemble fishing trawlers.They may also be called cruising trawlers or trawler yachts.Within the category, however, are many types and styles of vessels. A fishing trawler, for example, always has a displacement hull for load-carrying capacity. Recreational trawlers, on the other hand, are as likely to have a semi-displacement hull.

  17. Best Trawler Yacht Brands for Bluewater Adventures

    The Best Luxury Trawler Yachts. To be classed as a long-term liveaboard yacht, it makes sense that you're going to want a certain level of comfort and finesse. Trawler yachts offer just that, with huge staterooms, full-sized galleys to make any chef happy, spacious saloons with big ocean-view windows, and a suite of modern conveniences.

  18. TRAWLER

    TRAWLER meaning: 1. a large boat that uses a wide, cone-shaped net to catch fish 2. a large boat that uses a wide…. Learn more.

  19. The Evolution of the Trawler Yacht

    While the definition of a "trawler yacht" has certainly changed over the past number of years, it remains a metaphor for our lifestyle rather than a specific boat or hull shape. We have all sorts of variations today, and all represent boats that can fit the needs of a couple or family. (Read: Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht)

  20. What makes a trawler a trawler?

    What is a trawler yacht? ... the term "trawler yacht" should be reserved only for displacement hull, slow-speed, single-engine, relatively deep-draft and large-displacement vessels capable of long range on the open ocean. By the numbers, she has a speed/length ratio of 1.34 or less, a prismatic coefficient of about 0.6, and displacement ...

  21. Fishing trawler

    A fishing trawler is a commercial fishing vessel designed to operate fishing trawls. Trawling is a method of fishing that involves actively dragging or pulling a trawl through the water behind one or more trawlers. Trawls are fishing nets that are pulled along the bottom of the sea or in midwater at a specified depth.

  22. Trawler Yachts For Sale

    Along the way, the term 'trawler yacht' gained ground in referring to yachts built for long-range cruising. The term originally referred to a form of commercial fishing vessel that pulled a "trawl" - a large conically-shaped net that is dragged along the sea bottom in gathering fish or other marine life. Commercial trawlers collected huge ...

  23. Trawler

    trawler: 1 n a fishing boat that uses a trawl net or dragnet to catch fish Synonyms: dragger Type of: fishing boat , fishing smack , fishing vessel a vessel for fishing; often has a well to keep the catch alive n a fisherman who use a trawl net Type of: fisher , fisherman someone whose occupation is catching fish