best long distance trawler yachts

11 best Trawler Boats for Long-Distance Cruising

Are you looking for the perfect companion for your next long-distance cruise? Look no further! We have put together a comprehensive list of the 11 best trawler boats available, so you can find your ideal boat.

Whether you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable vessel, or something more luxurious and stylish, this list has it all. Read on to learn more about these incredible trawler boats and find the perfect boat for your next journey.

Table of Contents

Kadey-Krogen Yachts

If you’re looking for a trawler boat that will take you on a comfortable, long-distance cruising journey, Kadey-Krogen Yachts is a brand you’ll want to explore.

This company has been building top-quality trawlers for over four decades and has built up a loyal following of happy cruisers.

• One of the reasons Kadey-Krogen Yachts is so popular is the brand’s focus on livability and comfort.

The boats are designed with spacious and comfortable living areas, making them ideal for extended trips.

You’ll find plenty of storage space, well-appointed galley areas, and luxurious sleeping accommodations onboard Kadey-Krogen trawlers.

• Another standout feature of Kadey-Krogen Yachts is their focus on safety and durability.

These boats are built to last, with robust hulls and advanced safety features like collision bulkheads, watertight compartments, and sturdy handrails throughout.

If you’re looking for a trawler boat that is both comfortable and capable, a Kadey-Krogen Yacht may be the perfect fit for you. With several models to choose from, you’ll be able to find the right boat to suit your cruising style and preferences.

For those seeking a truly world-class trawler boat, Nordhavn is the answer. The brand has built a reputation for producing luxurious vessels that can take on even the most demanding conditions.

Nordhavn’s lineup ranges from 40 to 120 feet, but regardless of the size, you can always expect a top-quality yacht that is both durable and efficient.

The company is renowned for its hull design, which has been tested and proven to withstand rough seas.

• One of the standout models in the Nordhavn range is the Nordhavn 60. This is a perfect boat for extended cruising with family and friends.

The boat features a spacious and well-appointed interior with multiple living areas, including a fully equipped galley and salon.

• Additionally, the Nordhavn 60 is equipped with all the latest navigation and safety systems, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.

With its high-quality construction, modern features, and timeless design, the Nordhavn 60 is a great choice for anyone looking for a premium trawler boat.

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Grand Alaskan

The Grand Alaskan trawler is a popular choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable long-distance cruising vessel.

Built with quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, these boats offer a range of sizes and configurations to fit different needs and preferences.

The Grand Alaskan 60 is one of the largest models in their lineup and offers a luxurious living space with four staterooms, four heads, a large salon, and a fully equipped galley.

The yacht also has a spacious flybridge, which provides ample seating for guests to enjoy the view while cruising.

Additionally, the boat features a well-designed engine room with excellent access to all components for easy maintenance.

The Grand Alaskan 60 is powered by twin diesel engines , which can provide a cruising speed of up to 12 knots and a range of over 1,000 nautical miles.

With a comfortable ride and impressive fuel efficiency, the Grand Alaskan is a perfect option for long-distance cruising and exploring new horizons.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a long-term liveaboard vessel, the Grand Alaskan trawler offers all the comfort and performance you need to make your cruising dreams a reality.

Ranger Tugs

For those seeking a more compact trawler boat, the Ranger Tugs are a great option. These vessels range in size from 21 to 31 feet and are perfect for those who want a cozy yet functional boat for long-distance cruising.

Despite their smaller size, the Ranger Tugs have a lot to offer. They have efficient engines that are easy to maintain, as well as spacious cabins that make them comfortable for extended stays.

The boats also have excellent maneuverability, allowing for easy docking in tight spaces.

• One of the standout features of the Ranger Tugs is their use of solar power.

Many of their models come equipped with solar panels, which not only reduce your carbon footprint but also allow you to stay out on the water for longer without worrying about your batteries running out of charge.

• Some popular models in the Ranger Tug lineup include the Ranger R-27 and the Ranger R-31.

The R-27 has a spacious cockpit and can sleep up to six people, while the R-31 has a more luxurious interior with a master stateroom and a separate guest room.

If you’re looking for a smaller trawler boat that doesn’t skimp on comfort and functionality, the Ranger Tugs are definitely worth considering.

Here is a good video to walk you through Ranger tug 23

Passport Yachts

If you’re in search of a trawler boat that offers elegance, luxury, and unmatched performance, Passport Yachts is definitely worth checking out.

Founded in 1979, this US-based manufacturer produces yachts that are known for their superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.

• One of the most popular models from Passport Yachts is the Passport 470. With its beautiful teak interior, spacious saloon, and comfortable cabins, this boat is perfect for long-distance cruising.

The boat is powered by a reliable Yanmar diesel engine and is equipped with top-of-the-line electronics, including radar, GPS, and autopilot.

• Another model worth considering is the Passport Vista. This boat offers exceptional stability, even in rough waters, thanks to its deep-V hull and advanced stabilizer system.

It also features a large swim platform and spacious cockpit, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Overall, Passport Yachts is a top choice for those who want a trawler boat that combines style, performance, and comfort.

Here is a good video to walk you through Passport Yachts 545

Selene Yachts

If you’re in the market for a trawler boat that can take you on long-distance cruises, Selene Yachts is one brand worth considering.

Their yachts are designed for ocean-crossing and are equipped with modern navigation and communication systems for a safe and comfortable voyage.

• One standout feature of Selene Yachts is their fuel efficiency. Their boats are designed to be more fuel-efficient than traditional trawlers, which can save you money in the long run.

The yachts are also built to withstand rough seas, thanks to their sturdy construction and reinforced hulls.

• Selene Yachts offers a range of models, from the 38-foot Selene 38 to the 92-foot Selene 92 Ocean Explorer. Each model is designed with spacious interiors and comfortable living areas, perfect for long stays at sea.

They also have a variety of customization options available, so you can design your yacht to fit your specific needs and preferences.

Overall, Selene Yachts is a top choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient trawler boat for long-distance cruising.

American Tug

If you’re looking for a trawler boat that is both comfortable and easy to handle, the American Tug might just be your perfect companion.

With a range of over 1,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of up to 17 knots, this vessel is designed for long-distance cruising .

• One of the most notable features of the American Tug is its hull design, which allows for a smooth ride even in choppy waters.

It also has a spacious and well-appointed interior, complete with a full galley, a large salon, and comfortable sleeping accommodations.

• In addition to its impressive performance and amenities, the American Tug is also built to last.

Constructed from high-quality materials, including a hand-laid fiberglass hull and a solid teak and holly interior, this vessel is both durable and beautiful.

Whether you’re looking to take on the open ocean or simply enjoy a leisurely cruise through your favorite waterways, the American Tug is a top choice for trawler boat enthusiasts.

Fleming Yachts

Fleming Yachts is another popular name in the world of trawler boats. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship, Fleming Yachts has been creating exceptional vessels for over three decades.

• Their flagship model, the Fleming 55, is a top pick for long-distance cruising. This yacht features a sleek, elegant design and offers all the amenities needed for extended journeys.

With its spacious and comfortable interior, the Fleming 55 is perfect for couples or families looking for a luxurious and reliable boat for extended voyages.

• Another standout model from Fleming Yachts is the Fleming 58.

This boat offers even more space and amenities than the Fleming 55, making it a great choice for larger groups or those looking for a bit more comfort on their long-distance cruise.

Fleming Yachts’ commitment to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of their boats.

From the finely crafted woodwork to the high-end finishes, Fleming Yachts produces vessels that are built to last and designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the water.

Krogen Express

The Krogen Express is the perfect combination of classic design and modern engineering. With a sleek and elegant exterior, this trawler boat has exceptional fuel economy and cruising speed .

The Krogen Express comes in three different sizes: 49′, 52′, and 56′. Each model has an interior layout that is designed for comfort, with a spacious salon and galley, as well as luxurious staterooms.

• The Krogen Express has a unique hull design that delivers exceptional performance and stability even in rough seas.

With a cruising speed of 16 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles, the Krogen Express is a perfect choice for long-distance cruising.

The yacht’s shallow draft also allows for cruising in more secluded anchorages, perfect for a private escape.

• The Krogen Express boasts advanced technology, including a digital helm display, integrated entertainment systems, and a robust power management system.

The boat also has exceptional safety features, such as high bulwarks, a Portuguese bridge, and wide walkways that provide easy and secure passage from bow to stern.

The Lanty trawler boat is a smaller vessel, making it an ideal option for couples or solo cruisers looking to explore the open water.

• Despite its size, the Lanty is still equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable cruising, including a full galley and comfortable sleeping quarters.

This boat also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, allowing it to travel long distances without having to refuel often.

• The Lanty is also designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a single-engine setup and a joystick for easy docking .

One unique aspect of the Lanty is its customizability. Owners have the option to choose from a variety of layout options and finishes to make the boat fit their specific needs and preferences.

Defever Cruisers

If you’re looking for a trawler boat that can handle long-distance cruising with ease, you might want to consider a Defever Cruiser.

These boats were designed by Arthur Defever, a naval architect who is known for his expertise in designing long-range cruisers.

• The Defever Cruiser line is known for its seaworthiness, durability, and spacious interiors.

These boats typically feature a semi-displacement hull , which allows for comfortable cruising at slower speeds while still providing good fuel efficiency.

• One popular model in the Defever Cruiser line is the 44 Offshore Cruiser, which features a spacious interior with two staterooms, two heads, and a large salon.

The boat’s large aft deck and flybridge provide ample space for entertaining and taking in the views while cruising.

• Another popular model is the Defever 49 Pilothouse, which offers more living space and an additional stateroom compared to the 44 Offshore Cruiser.

The boat’s pilothouse provides a commanding view and can be used as an additional living space or office.

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Top 6 Trawlers For Cruising With Families [Yacht Buyer’s Guide]

Fast, slow, large or small — these are the best trawler yachts for family fun on the water..

Looking for a boat to accommodate your family? Look no further than the trawler, boating’s distinct type of vessel that’s designed for long distanced cruising or extended vacations. Livability and practicality make trawlers a perfect family yacht . They offer spacious accommodation and versatility in performance while being easy for the captain to maneuver.

We’re featuring the top 6 trawlers for cruising with families, currently for sale with Denison Yachting. No need to pack light when setting out on an unforgettable boating adventure aboard one of these vessels.

1. Beneteau Swift Trawler 41

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 is a new addition to the swift trawler fleet and an excellent option for families. She’s affordable, spacious, and great on fuel — at a top speed of 23 knots, she can drive to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale with plenty of fuel left to cruise around and return without a refill.

Large interior windows create an ideal galley for parents to watch the kids play in the water while making lunch. She can accommodate up to seven people with three cabins, two heads, and fully equipped amenities to enjoy long-distance cruises or weekend trips with family and friends. She’s available in a flybridge or sedan style.

The new Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 exudes safety and luxury while preserving performance and comfort. The ST 41 will be featured at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2020 — stop by to check her out or contact a Denison yacht broker for a private showing of this seaworthy cruiser.

2. 86’ Outer Reefs Yacht 2017

This 86′ Outer Reef Yacht , named Simon Says , was designed for travel. Her systems were built and optimized for sea conditions that would otherwise prevent a similar size yacht to seek shelter in the closest port. This trawler is made to accommodate a family, plus crew with eight cabins in total.

Her 3,500-gallon fuel reserve lets her sail comfortably for an extended period of time at a cruising speed that ranges from 8.5 knots to 14.5 knots. Her standout features include a sky lounge, beautiful teak, and spacious country kitchen that makes her the perfect trawler for accommodating families.

3. 70’ Marlow 2008

Pappy’s Toy is an elegant used trawler for sale with Denison Yachting. This family trawler was recently updated with a new bottom paint job, hull compound and wax, and new stabilizer seals. She’s equipped and built for long-range cruising with the help of a crew.

This 70’ Marlow is made for cruising with families because she’s comfortable, spacious, and homey. Her standout features include a wet bar, a large entertainment center, and a VIP guest stateroom. Pappy’s Toy is ready to take you on a luxury family adventure along the coasts.

4. Beneteau Swift Trawler 47

Another new addition to the Swift Trawler range is Beneteau’s Swift Trawler 47 . She offers more room and more power than your typical trawler. The ST 47 provides a true sense of comfort and the ability to take you farther and faster.

The new ST 47 features an open-deck layout, with large walkways and handrails to help passengers move around safely. Her generous cabin space can accommodate up to eight people on board the vessel. She combines those familiar characteristics of a classic long-range cruiser with the speed and convenience of a yacht twice her size.

5. 70’ Marlow 2005

Marlow Yachts were built with performance and innovation in mind. Bravo Zulu is the most well-equipped and meticulously maintained used Marlows for sale with Denison Yachting. Her updates were made with a family in mind, including a brand new electronics package, new teak decks on the swim platform, and a flybridge enclosure to protect from the elements.

Her three-stateroom, four-head layout with separate crew quarters makes her a comfortable trawler to live in. The master suite includes a king-size berth, office, and plenty of storage — there’s even a separate washer and dryer. You can easily spend weeks on Bravo Zulu and feel pleasantly at home on the water.

6. 65′ Hampton 2009

This 69′ Hampton 2009, named FeuryUs , is for sale in Old Saybrook, Connecticut with Denison Yachting. She’s in excellent condition with over $300,000 in upgrades, including new Garmin electronics, joystick dockmate remote control, and stabilizers with larger fins. FeuryUs is perfect for families or entertaining guests as she’s fully equipped with four cabins, four heads, a cozy salon, and a large aft deck. She’s stable and reliable, with plenty of space for storage and entertaining.

FeuryUs has the capability of a 1,500-mile range at 8 knots (900 rpm), but can be pushed up to 19 knots at full throttle (in case you need to outrun a storm or want to get back in time for happy hour on the dock). She’s is one of those yachts that make you feel unstoppable on the water, and she’s ready to make memories with you and your family.

Trawlers are an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a comfortable and spacious boat. Their large fuel capacity makes them ideal for long-distance cruising and overnight vacations. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find the right trawler for you and your family.

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February, 2018

Boating purists are quick to point out that a "real" trawler is built on a full displacement hull with only a single diesel engine for power. By that rigid standard, most of the boats we call trawlers these days fail to measure up. Nearly everyone thinks of the classic Grand Banks 42 as a trawler, but in fact Grand Banks models all ride on semi-displacement hulls, and they mostly came with twin engines. Same with most of the Taiwan-built trawlers that flooded the U.S. market in the 1970s and '80s, as well as all of the popular Mainship Trawlers that were so successful before the company cratered during the Great Recession. These boats are perhaps better described as "performance trawlers."

Profiled below are eight go-anywhere trawler yachts that have stood the test of time. And no, we didn’t forget the Nordhavn series of displacement trawlers—a Nordhavn-specific blog article can be found here .

DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser

Hatteras 48 LRC

At a Glance:   A classic Hatteras yacht — one of only a handful of American-built trawler yachts.  Most 48s were delivered with two-stateroom teak interiors featuring a full-beam salon with L-shaped settee and coffee table to port, U-shaped galley (with breakfast bar) forward, and spiral companionway to starboard. The full-beam master stateroom of the Hatteras 48 is amidship with built-in dresser and private en-suite head with stall shower. Forward, the guest stateroom has V-berths, storage drawers, and private access to a head with shower. The pilothouse, four steps up from the salon, includes a U-shaped dinette, single watch berth, and port/starboard deck doors. Topside, the boat deck is designed to carry a dinghy and hoist. A cockpit transom door assists boarding. No lightweight, twin 112hp GM 4-53N diesels cruise the Hatteras 48 LRC at 8–9 knots. Over 40 were built.

Price Range: From the mid $100s to high $200s.

At a Glance:   Seaworthy, comfortable and economical — over 150 DeFever 44s were sold. Heavily constructed on a full displacement hull, the DeFever 44 is a rare flush deck design with the aft deck and side decks on the same level. The result boat with slightly higher freeboard, but with an enormous aft deck area perfect for entertaining. The DeFever 44’s roomy two-stateroom interior is arranged with the galley aft in the salon where it’s easily reached from the aft deck and flybridge.   Grab rails in the salon overhead are a nice touch, and large windows provide panoramic views of the water. Note the pass-thru window from the galley to the aft deck. The full-beam master stateroom is huge with tons of storage and space for a washer and dryer. A great feature is the walk-in engine room with workbench and near standing headroom. Twin 135hp Lehman diesels cruise at 7–8 knots with a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

Price Range: From $75–80K to the mid/high 200s.

Krogen 42 Trawler

Krogen 39 Trawler

At a Glance:   Replacement boat for the legendary Krogen 42 — seaworthy and comfortable, the single stateroom interior of the Krogen 39 is designed for the cruising couple. Entering the salon from the aft deck, a dinette is to port and an L-shaped settee with fold-out table is to starboard. The compact galley is located forward in the salon on the starboard side.  Four steps up from the salon/galley, the Krogen 39’s raised pilothouse offers commanding views of the water. Port and starboard Dutch doors provide quick deck access, and the settee behind the helm pulls out to form a watch berth. The stateroom and head are reached from the pilothouse—the head is on the starboard side, and the stateroom with island queen berth is forward. One of the great features of the Krogen 39 is her standup engine room. A single 121hp John Deere diesel will cruise at 7–8 knots with a range of 2,000+ miles.

Price Range: From  the mid $200s to the high $300s.

At a Glance:   An iconic Krogen design with a ballasted displacement hull and tremendous storage — a proven cruising or liveaboard yacht. The hull is solid fiberglass below the waterline and cored above. Until hull #65 (1985), they were built with glass-over-plywood decks; thereafter, they were built with a cored deck and superstructure. There are two versions, the Standard model with walkaround side decks, and Widebody model (introduced in 1989) with a full-width salon. Both versions were available with two lower-level accommodation plans. Double doors open from the aft deck to the salon where an L-shaped sofa and table are to starboard. The galley is forward, on the starboard side of the salon. The focal point of the Krogen 42 is the pilothouse with watch berth, overhead hatches, and port/starboard deck doors. A single 120hp Lehman diesel will cruise at 7–8 knots. A total of 206 were built.

Price Range: From about $100K to mid/high $200s.

Krogen 44 Trawler

Selene 53-54

At a Glance:   Heavily built passage maker for cruising in comfort and security — Selene sold a lot of these yachts. The interior is finished in satin varnished cherry wood with teak and holly flooring throughout. The focal point of this yacht is her well-appointed pilothouse — fronted by a Portuguese bridge—that towers high above the water. A U-shaped galley complete with full-size refrigerator is forward in the salon. Below, the living quarters consist of three staterooms and two full heads. The full-beam amidships master stateroom has direct access to the Selene’s standup engineroom (also reached via a spiral staircase opposite the galley). The forward VIP stateroom has an island queen berth, and the second guest stateroom to port has twin single berths. Teak is used on all exterior deck surfaces.  A single 430hp Cummins diesel—or twin 230hp Cummins diesels—cruise at 8–9 knots.

Price Range: From around $500K to over $1 million.

2001–Current

At a Glance:   Based on the original Krogen 42 — a serious long range yacht for the cruising couple. The added length of the 44 can be seen in her larger pilothouse and roomier aft deck. A not-so-obvious upgrade is that the pilothouse, flybridge and boat deck are a single mold instead of fastened together providing a much stronger structure. The interior of the 44 is similar to her predecessor. An L-shaped settee is to starboard in the salon, opposite two occasional chairs, and a U-shaped galley is forward, also to starboard. Accessed from companionway steps forward of the salon, the guest stateroom with convertible settee, desk, and book shelves doubles as a den/office. The single head is to port, and master stateroom with island queen berth is forward. Note the weathertight doors and windows. A Widebody version came out in 2006. A 158hp John Deere diesel will cruise at 8 knots with a range of 2,000-plus nautical miles.

Price Range: From about $600K to over $1 million.

2004–Current

Lord Nelson Victory Tug 37

At a Glance:   A quality-built displacement trawler perfect for cruising the world in comfort and safety. Several interiors are available in the Selene 47, all with the galley forward in the salon. Accessed from companionway steps forward in the salon, the two stateroom, two head layout includes twin single berths in the port guest stateroom and a walkaround queen berth in the forward master stateroom. The master stateroom head features a tub, and a washer/dryer unit is located at the foot of the companionway steps. Part of the guest cabin bulkhead folds away to create a large common area abaft the master stateroom. A large storage area is between the engine room and lazarette. In addition to great visibility, the pilothouse features a watch berth and inside access to the flybridge. A single 330hp Cummins diesel will cruise at 8 knots with a range of 2,000+ miles.

Price Range: From the mid $200s to mid/high $600s.

At a Glance:   Based on a traditional New England workboat hull — 76 of these popular boats were delivered. Her teak batten interior, functional pilothouse, large galley, and wide walkaround decks with substantial bulwarks will appeal to the discerning yachtsman. The salon and galley are three steps down from the pilothouse. The U-shaped galley has a serving counter, and the convertible salon settee has storage space below. A pantry door in the galley opens to the engine room. The salon sole is teak and holly, and the overhead is tongue and groove teak. Forward of the pilothouse, the stateroom features a double berth and head with stall shower. The original teak decks were ultimately eliminated in favor of fiberglass, and the teak handrails were replaced with stainless steel late in her production run. The Victory Tug 37 has a cruising range of 800–900 miles at 7 knots with a single 150hp Cummins diesel.

Price Range: From $75–80K to the mid $100s.

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Eight Long Range Cruisers With Full Displacement Hulls

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Best Trawler Yacht Brands for Bluewater Adventures

16th nov 2023 by samantha wilson.

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.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Best Trawlers for 2024 – Top 5 Options to Consider

Swift Trawler 50

Nordic Tugs 54 Trawler

Ranger Tugs R-23

If you love the idea of long-range cruising on the open ocean in a seaworthy vessel that offers the creature comforts you need to live in your watercraft for extended periods, a trawler is precisely what you need in your life.

It’s the closest thing you can get to a yacht without the hefty price tag that comes with it. If you squint hard enough, trawlers look like mini-yachts.

They are stout vessels fitted with powerful engines, a skeg, and a displacement hull designed to plane on the water. Below deck, you’ll find a pilothouse forward, an engine room, a freezer hold, a galley, and accommodations that can host a small crew.

But, perhaps the most important feature of trawlers is that they are designed for fishing . Most come with heavy fishing machinery such as net rollers and trawl winches, which incidentally, is how these vessels get their name. They tow a net through the water to herd and capture fish – a technique known as “trawling.”

So, what are the best trawlers, and how do you choose the best one? We’ve reviewed the top 5 options and put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you pick the best one.

Beneteau is best known for its range of powerboat and sailboat watercraft . Now, if you thought those boats were amazing, you haven’t seen their range of Swift Trawlers.

The Swift Trawler 50 , in particular, is an absolute beauty. It has an expansive interior with lots of natural lighting and exquisite intelligently-designed fittings that make it perfect for both fishing expeditions, as well as romantic or family getaways if you ever need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The boat has a spacious deck plan with wide walkways and high bulwarks for added safety onboard. Standard features include a flybridge lounge that comes with a foldable sliding table, an external galley with a sink and worktop, as well as an optional electric grill.

The U-shaped galley comes with two refrigerators, an extractor hood, a double sink, and a service hatch. All in all, the Swift Trawler 50 adds a whole new dimension to luxury cruising.

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● Fully-customizable ● Spacious and luxurious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

● Slightly pricey

If you love the finer things in life and don’t mind spending a little extra moolah on a boat, you need to check out the Nordic Tugs 54 Trawler. Its meticulous craftsmanship, stunning exterior design, and plush interior finishes make this vessel feel like an ultra-luxurious home on the water.

This American-built trawler has plenty of room inside and comfortably sleeps up to six people. We particularly love its custom wooden fittings that blend luxury and sophistication to give you a true masterpiece.

The beauty of this Nordic tug isn’t skin deep either. This trawler is powered by a 670hp diesel Volvo Penta engine to give you a cruising range of approximately 2,600 NM at 8 knots. So, if you want a vessel that oozes opulence and has loads of comfort and convenience features to boot, the 54 Trawler is precisely what you need.

● Excellent craftsmanship ● Exquisite interior finishes ● Large cruising range

● It’s a bit of a fuel guzzler

Trawlers don’t exactly come cheap. Most of them retail for $500,000+. The Ranger Tugs R-23, however, was designed with the price-conscious boater in mind. At a base price of only $115,000, this trawler boat delivers outstanding value for money.

It is powered by a 200hp Yamaha outboard engine and has a very open and airy feeling about it. The galley is equipped with a microwave, cooktop, and refrigerator with a freezer. This ensures that you have everything you need for those long extended stays out on the water.

It has plenty of storage and is highly versatile – a feature that ensures every space on the boat has multiple uses. For instance, the dinette converts to a sleeper, while the mid-berth can be used as storage or converted to a sleeper for the kids. It also has separate sleeping accommodation for two, or you can add the filler cushion to combine them.

What sets the R-23 apart from other trawlers in its class is the fact that it has many of the same amenities you would expect in a larger cruising yacht. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar vessel at that price point.

● Great value for money ● Packed with loads of convenience amenities ● Suitable for long-range cruising

● The engine is slightly noisy

If you’re up for a cruising adventure on the open ocean, then you’ll love what the Kadey-Krogen range of trawlers brings to the table. The boat manufacturer has been around for more than four decades and has maintained its classic patented full-displacement hull design, making these trawlers one of the most stable vessels you’ll come across.

This makes them perfect for ocean cruising, even in rough waters and sloppy weather conditions. It has ample room to store all the fuel and supplies required for long passages across the ocean.

The Krogen 50 , in particular, is a work of art. Its beauty takes your breath away the moment you lay your eyes on it. The interior has a rich, cozy home-like feel that makes you forget you’re on the water. Every aspect of this trawler is designed meticulously to combine high-performance capabilities with livability.

● Built for long ocean cruises ● Provides exceptional stability even in the rough waters of the high seas ● Beautiful interior design

● Slower than other trawlers in its class

Nordhavn 41

No list of top trawlers would be deemed complete if it didn’t feature Nordhavn. The boat manufacturer has been around for several decades and is renowned for its well-engineered crafts built to last a lifetime.

Now, if you’re in the market for a liveaboard trawler that you can use to cross oceans on your cruise around the world, the Nordhavn 41 is designed to do just that. The folks there weren’t playing around when they built this boat.

They employed the world’s most advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics alongside the latest design technology to produce the safest and most efficient watercraft you’ll ever come across. It has ample liveaboard space, with an expansive galley that comes with loads of amenities like a stovetop, refrigerator, cabinetry, and a countertop.

It also has an exquisite master cabin and a guest stateroom that sleeps two. All in all, if you plan to live onboard your trawler, this is the boat you want to do it in.

● Roomy interior ● Has several convenience features ● Built to last a lifetime

● Fuel efficiency not as you would expect

How to Choose the Best Trawlers – Mistakes to Avoid

There’s an old saying that trawler owners have some of the most impressive cruising résumés in the boating world. That experience has come, in large part, from trial and error.

And, make no mistake about it – the opportunity to make a big blunder is always lurking around the corner. In this buyer’s guide, we explore some of the mistakes to avoid when you go trawler shopping, as well as some useful tips that will come in handy when looking for the best trawlers.

1. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

This is the easiest of mistakes to make, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But, as long as you do your homework and research on the boat you want to buy, it’s easy to minimize the chances of making this classic rookie mistake.

The first step involves a serious introspection about what you want to use the boat for – for the first five years, at least. Five years is the sweet spot.

Do you plan to use it for some heavy-duty fishing, or do you intend to use it more for recreational purposes like cruising the open ocean waters with your family? Once that’s clear in your mind, then and only then can you start the search for your perfect boat.

There are three main things you need to think about when looking for the best trawlers to buy.

Hull Design

First is the hull design. This is important since it will affect the way your boat handles in rough waters. Ideally, you want a boat with a full-displacement hull that’s ballasted.

It should be able to give you the range you need to make long ocean passages and economic enough to get you to your destination and back without having to spend a small fortune in the process.

If, on the other hand, you want to get to your destination faster and don’t plan on venturing into exceptionally choppy waters, a trawler with a semi-displacement hull will suffice since it runs faster compared to its full-displacement counterparts.

The next thing you need to consider is the overall safety of the trawler you want to get. Some of the features you should be looking out for include its ability to navigate extreme weather conditions , remain stable in the rough open seas, and carry heavy equipment on board. The vessel you buy should also be unsinkable.

Finally, you should think about the comfort and convenience features that come with the boat. You are, after all, going to be out at sea for long periods.

Now, if the purpose of the boat you’re getting is exclusively for fishing, then you can get away with buying a basic boat with Spartan accommodations. Such a boat would be more focused on the fishing features built into the boat’s design and less on luxury.

On the other hand, if you intend to use it for recreational purposes, the majority of the time, get a boat whose interior setup makes it ideal for the whole family. It should have plenty of comfort and convenience amenities that make it feel like a home away from home.

Once you know the type of trawler you want to get based on what you plan to use it for, you can now start narrowing down the specific models that embody your vision for the perfect boat. Sea trials should soon follow to give you a feel of the trawler’s handling characteristics.

We cannot emphasize enough how important this step is. This is why you should take the sea trial bit very seriously. So, while the boat is still at the dealer’s dock, schedule a long sea trial, preferably in iffy weather, to put the trawler through her paces.

If you’re happy with the results, you can now address your expectations of the boat one at a time. Keep in mind that you may need to compromise on certain aspects of it. Nonetheless, based on how much customization the manufacturer allows for, you may be able to get a good number of the features you might want it to have.

2. Underestimating the True Cost of Owning a Trawler

This is yet another common mistake most first-time boat buyers make. You may become so fixated on buying a trawler that you end up overlooking the operational costs that come with owning one.

Now, owning a boat is nothing like owning a car. While both pieces of machinery need regular maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them in good running form, the costs associated with each are worlds apart.

A seemingly simple task like cleaning your trawler is nowhere near the price of taking your car to the drive-through carwash to get it spick and span. The process may involve getting experienced scuba divers to clean the underside of the trawler for you. That aside, other costs you have to factor in include:

• Boat insurance
• Fuel and oil changes
• Monthly slip fees at the marina
• Servicing and repair
• Spare parts
• Waxing it every 6 months
• … and several other expenses

Once you add all these up and break the figure into a monthly rate, you’ll be able to get what the true cost of ownership is. Buy a boat that’s within your budget while factoring-in what it will cost to run it.

3. Buying the Wrong Type of Boat

Again, this all comes down to your intended use of the vessel. If you’re looking to buy a liveaboard trawler, you might want to get something with a little more room. Boats can start to feel a little claustrophobic after a while. So, if that’s going to be you and your family’s full time living space, you might want to consider how much livable space the boat in question comes with.

The other thing you need to think about is the overall speed of the boat. A trawler with a full-displacement hull may offer the stability it needs to combat the high seas’ rough waters, but the tradeoff here will be speed. Boats with this type of hull move painfully slow through the water.

Think – A snail riding on a turtle’s back going, “Weeee…” as the wind blows across the snail’s head. In this case, you would be the snail, and the full-displacement-hull trawler would be the turtle. You may even experience the occasional sailboat zooming past you as you trudge along the water.

So, if speed matters a great deal to you, you’ll need to buy the right type of trawler. Perhaps one with a semi-displacement hull instead?

4. Not Involving Your Partner in the Purchase Process

The secret to the successful purchase of a trawler is a lot like relationships themselves: compromise.

To avoid putting your trawler up for sale less than a year after purchasing it, ensure your partner is involved in the decision-making process. You need to find a boat that you’re both happy with; otherwise, that’s just a disaster waiting to happen.

Since you’re both going to be spending considerable amounts of time out at sea, it’s important that boating is an equal passion for both partners. The boat in question needs to have the features and amenities you both want in a great trawler.

Granted, you may not get a vessel that addresses all the individual needs of each party, but it’s about compromise once again. Find a middle ground that makes you both happy.

5. Impulse Buying

Trawling is a lifestyle, not a hobby. If it’s a day cruising boat you’re after, this isn’t it. Trawlers are designed for people who intend to spend most of their time on the water, fishing in the high seas.

So, if you recently attended a boat show and fell in love with that swanky-looking trawler you came across, you might want to pause before you go ahead and purchase it. As a rule of thumb, never sign a contract when you’re at a boat show – tempting as it may be.

Don’t get sucked-in by the artificial pricing of boats, only to end up entangled in a long-term financial commitment simply because you made an impulse decision in the heat of the moment. Understand what trawlers are intended for and take the time to figure out if that’s the lifestyle you envision for yourself for the next five years.

If it is, avoid making the mistakes outlined in the previous sections when choosing the best trawler to buy.

The Ultimate Adventure-Filled Lifestyle

If you’re passionate about the trawling, we recommend getting any of the 5 boats we’ve reviewed in this guide. Ensure that you avoid making the common mistakes made by first-time boat buyers when shopping for the best trawlers.

One thing is for sure, though. You’re about to embark on the most thrilling adventure of your entire life.

In the meantime, if a yacht is more your speed, we’ve reviewed the best yachts . They’re worth checking out.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

michael mann on August 5, 2021

i really enjoyed your article. the 5 boats you have listed are very ocean capable. i do have a question. how about BERING yachts. i believe their full-displacement and are also ocean crossing capable? can you tell me anything about BERING yachts? and why they didn’t make your list?

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Welcome to Nordhavn Trawler Yachts

Nordhavn is the world’s most celebrated expedition trawler yachts for adventure boaters of all levels. With models ranging from 41 to 120 feet, there is a Nordhavn perfectly suited to you, no matter what your experience or ambition. Nordhavn trawler yachts provide the safety and comfort necessary for expeditions to the highest latitudes of the globe and coastal day-cruises down the eastern seaboard. Known for robust construction, forward-thinking engineering, luxurious interiors, clever space planning, millions of successful ocean miles traveled and hundreds of happy, dream-fulfilled owners, Nordhavn is the number one name in trawler yachts.

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Trawlers for comfortable long distance cruising at low speed

Here is a selection of trawlers for owners who wish to take the time to sail in maximum comfort on board.

Loxo 32 9,50 m

The Loxo 32 is the first motor boat from the Breton shipyard Structures, renowned for its high-performance sailing boats. This liveaboard of less than 10 m meets a program of small coastal cruising by offering a low consumption: 0.5 L/miles at a speed of 10 knots. Its interior layout is simple, but sufficient to spend a few days on board as a couple with a double berth at the forward end, a separate toilet, an opposite saloon and a small galley.

Discover the Loxo 32

Rhea Trawler 34 9,96 m

This model of barely 10 m long is inspired by the Trawler 36 and is full of tricks and innovations for sailing as a couple. Its fully secured cockpit is equipped with a transom that unfolds to create a real bathing platform. Always connected to the outside, the galley worktop unfolds into the cockpit. The interior is warm with a wooden layout and offers all the comfort for cruising. The lower deck, if designed for two people, offers the possibility to create an independent cabin thanks to a bulkhead on rails. The Rhéa 34 is groundable, Rhéa's trademark, and can be powered by a single or twin engine. With 2x250 HP, it reaches a maximum speed of 21 knots and finds its cruising speed at 11 knots.

Discover the Trawler 34

Star Navigator 35 10,65 m

The Navigator range from the Vedette Jachtbouw shipyard offers comfortable units and a more luxurious layout. The design has been thought to offer the maximum while remaining in the lines of what a trawler should offer. The Navigator 35 is tailor-made to meet all the owners' wishes and needs.

Discover the Navigator 35

Linssen 35 SL AC 10,70 m

"SL" stands for Sport Luxury. The Linssen 35 SL AC is characterised by a sedan version with a floating roof that allows you to drive outdoors and can be fully protected by a soft top. This arrangement makes it possible to reserve the entire main deck for life on board . The wooden layout is warm and inviting and lends itself to long-distance cruising with a galley, chart table and a beautiful saloon offering a view of the outside via the windows. Two double cabins - forward and aft - and a toilet located in the forward cabin complete the layout. To meet the requirements of a river cruising programme, this model is fitted with a 75 HP inboard engine .

Discover the Linssen 35 SL AC

Northman 1200 11,99 m

The Norhtman 1200 was designed for long distance cruising in autonomy and at low speed , with a cruising speed of 8 knots. Outside, there is a bow seating area and a cockpit saloon at the stern. On the roof, a sunbathing area will allow you to enjoy a relaxing anchorage . The interior layout is complete with three double cabins under the lower deck and a toilet. The Northman 1200 receives up to 200 HP, but a 150 HP engine is recommended.

Discover the Northman 1200

Seafaring 34 10,80 m

The Seafaring 34 is an elegant trawler with modern, angular lines and is available in a flybridge version with optional solar panels . In the fully glazed wheelhouse, which offers a panoramic view of the outside, you will find all the necessary equipment for a comfortable cruise. Below deck there are two double cabins and a bathroom. As an option, the builder offers a hybrid propulsion to replace the 320 hp Yanmar inboard, which gives it a speed of 10 knots.

Discover the Seafaring 34

Boarncruiser 42 Lounge 12,38 m

This new model from De Boarnstream shipyard is based on three main features: outdoor living, comfort and style. Its program is that of a cruise in the sun while taking advantage of a generous cockpit with in particular a large bench seat on the back which makes it possible to benefit from the navigation facing the sea or within the cockpit. There are two double cabins and a toilet on board. Her maximum speed is 10 knots and her cruising speed is 7 knots with an inboard engine of 110 HP.

Discover the Boarncruiser 42 Lounge

Delphia BluEscape 1200 Fly 12,75 m

The Delphia BluEscape 1200 is a 12.75 m (41.83 ft) trawler designed for family cruising at a cruising speed of 9 knots. With the addition of a flybridge the boat gets additional outdoor living space and brings a more "seaworthy" side to it. Inside, no change. The 2 cabins and the 2 shower rooms are located below a companionway. The main deck is fitted out with great comfort for life on board during long cruises.

Discover the Delphia BluEscape 1200 Fly

Pedro 43 Bora 12,95 m

The Pedro Bora offers a classically designed living space on several levels. The cockpit with a passenger seat is raised and accessible via a few steps at the front of the boat . From this space, access is gained to the roof, which has been designed for outdoor living with a saloon and a second steering position. It is this area that will be chosen rather than the cockpit for lounging at anchor , the latter being empty of all amenities.

Discover Pedro 43 Bora

Swift Trawler 41 13,43 m

The Swift Trawler 41 builds on the technical innovations and layouts found on the 47-foot model, but takes the concept one step further. Outside, the Vendée design office has worked on two versions: a sedan version which will be more suitable for inland waterways and Nordic countries, and a fly version for outdoor navigation. The interior is bright and comfortable with a modular layout, with the pilot's bench that can slide to provide extra seating around the table. Below deck, this model has three cabins and a shower room. With two choices of 2 x 270 hp or 2 x 300 hp Volvo engines, the Swift Trawler 41 will have a top speed of 23 knots.

Discover the Swift Trawler 41

Boarncruiser 46 Traveller 13,97 m

This ocean-going trawler has a modern design and contemporary layout, bathed in light, offering 76 m2 of living space and 23 m2 on the main deck. The boat is fitted with a galley and sofa at the stern and a helm station with a saloon facing the port side at the bow, accessible via two steps, for good visibility when sailing. Below deck there are three cabins and two bathrooms. Its flybridge allows you to comfortably enjoy outdoor life with a spacious steering position. With 175 HP, the Boarncruiser 46 Traveller reaches a cruising speed of 7 knots and a top speed of 10 knots.

Discover the Boarncruiser 46 Traveller

Greenline 45 Coupe 15,57 m

The Greenline 45 Coupé borrows the hull, transmission and layout of the 45 Fly but offers the possibility of sailing with a reduced draft, especially on inland waterways. Thanks to its electric sunroof, you will be able to sail according to the weather, all year round. Without a flybridge , the cockpit space is larger, as are the seating areas. Finally, the capacity of the solar panels increases from 600 watt to 2.4 kW (8 panels). In good weather, these produce up to 15 kW, enough energy for life on board for four people, without the need for a generator. In addition to a range of engines with a hybrid option, the Greenline 45 Coupé is available with a Volvo Penta IPS600 (2X440 hp) engine for a top speed of 30 knots.

Discover the Greenline 45 Coupé

T55 Trawler 17 m

The T55 from the Cranchi shipyard is an evolution of T53?; it retains its dimensions, but with a new design by Christian Grande. Its look is reminiscent of the modern Explorer and offers an original and elegant layout. The interior layout has also been improved with the installation of the galley on the port bow. The stern is occupied by a large saloon with an L-shaped saloon and a sofa opposite. On the lower deck, the layout seems unchanged with three double cabins and two bathrooms. The T55 is powered by two 600 HP Volvo Penta IPS D8-800 engines for a cruising speed of over 22 knots.

Discover the T55

Garcia GT54 17,20 m

Like its cruising yachts , the GT54 is a trawler for long-distance cruising with a reinforced aluminium hull offering transatlantic range with a huge 5200 L fuel tank. It can also be equipped with an additional downwind gennaker. With reasonable fuel consumption, the GT 54 sails at a cruising speed of 8 knots. Its layout is bright with a saloon-kitchen and a wheelhouse-living room. Below deck, the GT 54 can accommodate up to 4 cabins.

Discover the Garcia GT54

Pardo Endurance 60 18 m

This first 18m model marks the launch of a new "Endurance" range whose concept is to revisit the trawler by combining it with the elegance of Pardo boats. The idea is to sail at a speed of 10/12 knots, even if the Pardo Endurance 60 is capable of reaching a speed of 25 knots. With a maximum width of 5 m, the shipyard has exploited the master beam to maximize the interior volumes. The cockpit is fitted with tilting bulwarks increasing the total surface area to 32 m2. This model is offered a flybridge - a novelty for the Italian builder - albeit low so as not to distort the design of the boat and keep a low centre of gravity. Below deck, the builder has opted for a classic layout with three cabins and three bathrooms.

Discover the Pardo Endurance 60

Grand Banks 54 18,10 m

The Grand Banks 54 has a semi-displacement hull with a tulip bow and classic, chic lines. Thus, with a Volvo Penta D11s 725 HP engine, at a speed of 10 knots, consumption is estimated at 26L/hour, which gives it an autonomy of 130 hours of navigation since the fuel tank is 3,400 L. The first model offers two double cabins and a galley on the lower deck. The owners can also choose to install the galley on the main deck to have a third cabin. In the two-cabin version, the galley is located on the port side and receives the light coming in through the windshield. The interior decoration is classic and warm with wooden furniture and partitions. The layout of the boat is suitable for a day trip at sea as well as for a long month on board with the family.

Discover the Grand Banks 54

Grand Trawler 62 18,95 m

The Grand Trawler 62 is the first model in Bénéteau's new range of ocean-going expedition boats. This first model is inspired by the travel boats in the Swift Trawler range. Equipped with a displacement hull , the Grand Trawler 62 should offer a range of 900 miles. It is characterized by large interior and exterior spaces, including a large flybridge . The main deck is spread over several levels with a raised cockpit forward and a saloon aft, with dining area and galley. The lower deck offers 3 to 4 cabins and a crew quarter.

Discover the Grand Trawler 62

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The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide

I have been writing about trawlers and powerboat cruising for many years. It is both an obsession and a fascination for me, as I witness hundreds of people, mostly couples, embrace the trawler lifestyle as a healthy alternative to routine living on land. While the last several years certainly got a lot of people and families to escape from a confined existence, choosing a freer life on the water away from so many imposed restrictions, the trawler lifestyle was already alive and well in North America.

(Below: "Growler", a Custom Zimmerman 36 Trawler once owned by Bill Parlatore, founder of Passagemaker Magazine.)

What is the appeal of this lifestyle? For me, living aboard and operating trawler yachts represents a quality of life that embraces the values of self-sufficiency and independence, and adventure without sacrificing comfort. One is free to move as the mood dictates, finding a balance of nature while engaging as much—or as little—in society, careers, and other activities that compensate with convenience, glittery things, nice cars and houses, and other material things. Many come to realize at some point they are but distractions from a more grounded existence.

Operating a trawler does not demand the skills and experience required from a similar size sailboat . And it is relatively easy to learn the nuances of engine and vessel maintenance, navigation, and proper seamanship. Depending on what kind of powerboat one chooses, they can be economical to own and operate, and offer a pleasant home experience that often rivals luxury living ashore. And a point often missed when discussing this lifestyle, the skills needed to competently run a trawler offer stimulating physical and mental challenges that are immensely valuable at the stage of life when most of us pursue this life direction.

It is rewarding to gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment with every new port, every new challenge. Dealing with the vagaries of life on the water makes one stronger, more resilient, and better able to deal with just about anything life throws at us. A t-shirt captured that sentiment: “Calm seas never made a skilled sailor.”

And a final note before I begin. While we’ll look at the cost of admission into this life, most of us are at a point in life where we have more financial worth than time, so the cost of getting into this lifestyle is more than made up by a quality of life that most agree is hard to beat.

This guide to buying a trawler yacht  serves several functions, and I hope to satisfy them in the following pages. We will discuss the choices one has in the trawler market, and hopefully explain the value of each type as it relates to selecting the right boat. At the same time, I hope to underscore this discussion with a greater appreciation for what I believe is often missed. Choosing the right boat is only the beginning. There is much more to the selection process than simply choosing a layout that seems comfortable or a boat that comes with all the bells and whistles. Walking through a boat during a boat show is only the first taste of what a boat has to offer. I trust my guide will help people avoid falling in love with the wrong boat. If I am successful, we will keep such misplaced passion to a minimum.

TRAWLER BUYER'S GUIDE - TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is A Trawler?
• What Are The Different Types Of Trawler Boats?
• What's The Difference Between Trawlers & Cruising Boats?
• What About Catamarans?
• Hybrid & EV Powerboats
• How Many People To Take On Your Trawler?
• Where Should You Take Your Trawler?
• How Long Should You Cruise On Your Trawler?
• What Does A Trawler Boat Cost?
• Completing The Process Of Buying A Trawler

I. What is a Trawler Anyway?

I looked back at some of the references and definitions I offered over the years, as well as those presented by our editors. I keep coming back to the one that still resonates best with me, even as I look over the current field of trawlers and cruising yachts out there. Some are very similar to what was sold years ago, but not all, and each supports a lifestyle that is capable, comfortable, and relatively easy.

I am confident that, as we get ready to start 2024, the word “trawler” is best considered a metaphor for the cruising lifestyle it so well represents. Yacht brokers may disagree with me, but I stand firm. Back in the 1960s, power cruising pioneer Robert Beebe suggested that boats aren’t good for “voyaging” under power if they do not strongly resemble “true” trawlers. He referred, of course, to those husky fishing vessels that remain at sea for long periods, surviving anything the weather and sea throws at them, and safely bringing the catch and crew home when the job is done.

Today that analogy is not even remotely fitting for many powerboats that can capably make passages at sea, complete extended coastal and inland cruises, and serve as comfortable and safe homes for their owners. There has been a continuous evolution of the cruising powerboat genre for years now, and they now come in an assortment of styles, hull shapes, and sizes. And there is no better time than now to look at the field of available trawler choices.

In addition to traditional yacht designs that continue to be refined, we now also have new choices that really push the envelope beyond traditional shapes and concepts. And the introduction of powerful and reliable outboard propulsion has brought along a new category of cruising boats that simply did not exist before.

It is all very exciting. I once observed that comparing the cruising characteristics of a full displacement steel trawler to a displacement power catamaran or a larger Downeast cruiser is pure folly. Each can make a superb cruising boat for owners. Which is the better athlete: a football player, a hockey goalie, or a ballet dancer?

Once you understand the many kinds of boats on the market today, and the choices you have, given your budget and other considerations, it is important to match whatever boat you choose to your style of cruising. This is at the heart of this buyer’s guide. Yes, it is vital to know what is out there to choose from, but it is even more critical to understand your needs and what kind of boat will best fit those needs. While this may be a challenge for some, hasty mistakes can lead to broken plans, create unnecessary anxiety, and put an unfortunate end to one’s dream cruising plans. All of which is totally avoidable.

Let’s begin with a practical look at the main types of hull shapes to understand the positive and negative aspects of each as they relate to cruising. Then we’ll look into how they may fit your needs.

(Below: Trawler owners meet up during the Pacific Northwest Nordic Tug Owners Rendezvous. Also called PANNTOA .) 

II. Choices Come in All Shapes

Full Displacement

What was once the only real choice for those intending to cruise under power is the full displacement hull shape. It is the earliest form of powerboat and most commercial and fishing vessels are of this type. It is the most seaworthy and efficient hull shape. Many popular cruising boats are full displacement, such as:

• Northern Marine
• Hatteras LRC
• And dozens of custom steel and fiberglass trawlers.

These vessels travel efficiently through the water, with no unnecessary energy spent trying to lift the hull up onto the wave in front. They are well matched to lower horsepower engines, as they offer minimal resistance going through the water.

These boats are very forgiving at sea, which makes them very seaworthy. Rather than resist wave action, they give way, and roll to let the wave energy pass by rather than resist it, which keeps them safe at sea.

The full hull shape has the most volume for a given length, which translates into superior inside dimensions for accommodations, large tankage, and exceptional storage. They make fantastic liveaboard boats and for long distance cruising these small ships can carry all your stuff. Onboard weight is not an issue compared to any other type of hull shape.

(Below: A Northern Marine 57 is a good example of a full-displacement trawler yacht.)

Again, the low energy requirements to travel through the water, rather than try to get on top of it, means they are best powered by relatively small diesel engines to run at the displacement speeds within the maximum hull speed of 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length. This is Froude’s Law and is the limit of their speed potential. Combine this lower horsepower engine with huge fuel tankage and owners have the range to travel long distance. In some of these full displacement trawlers, one can make across-and-back ocean crossings, or enjoy a full year of cruising, without stopping to buy fuel.

For efficient and economical cruising, a full displacement trawler is the way to go, for many reasons. Rather than bother with the generally tedious sailboat mentality of electrical and battery load management, owners of full displacement trawlers just don’t worry about it. The boat is fitted with one, two, or even three generators that supply all the electrical power needed to run even a full suite of domestic galley appliances, HVAC, and pilothouse electronics.

Not only do these gensets make for relatively unlimited self-sufficiency whenever the trawlers remain at anchor, but the better builders take advantage of the hull volume to thoughtfully plan accommodations during construction. Generators are then strategically located to minimize noise and vibration throughout the boat. Just like being on a small ship, one is vaguely aware that a generator is running somewhere. The boat is designed and built around that concept, so there is always plenty of quiet, available electrical power. Whatever sense that one has of distant humming from running machinery, it is nothing more than evidence of shipboard activity. I have always loved the sense of independence and freedom it provides. On the right boat, it is so muted that it does not detract from the feeling of being one with nature, as when alone in a quiet anchorage tucked inside a rugged Alaskan island coastline.

Some high-end expedition trawlers go one step further. Northern Marine, for example, often designs the boat around a pair of identical 20kW generators to share generating duty. There might also be a small third unit for nighttime use when loads are much reduced. And much like the commercial and working vessels that are the heritage behind the company, nothing is hidden or tucked away. Serious business demands serious access.

(Below: The Northern Marine 57 has two 20kW generators for long-distance adventures.)

There is always a downside, of course. Full displacement boats are limited in speed, and cruising at 7-10 knots is about all one can expect no matter how much horsepower one theoretically adds. It is simply a full shape traveling in its sweet spot in the water. But in conditions where lesser yachts need to slow down to handle the rough seas, these boats just continue on at their normal cruising speed, no big deal and perfectly safe.

The other issue is that such seaworthiness comes at the expense of rolling in a seaway. Yes, it is why these boats are so safe. But it can be uncomfortable for crew, and over time can wear down even the hardiest crew.

That is why most full displacement boats have some form of stabilization. They lack sails to remain steady. 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. And active systems keep getting better, with more sensitive electronic controls and sensors to reduce movement. The current generation of gyro systems, such as the SeaKeeper, are proving popular in the trawler community and for good reason.

Full displacement boats are not the best for close quarter maneuvering, especially as many have a single diesel engine. Learning to drive a big displacement trawler is a worthy skill to develop as it builds confidence. One must understand the ship’s main rudder is designed and sized for optimum performance at sea, not close quarter maneuvering. That is why these boats have bow and stern thrusters. Just like every commercial ship out there. The right tools for the job.

Another potential downside of this hull shape has to do with where one cruises. These boats typically have deeper draft and so would not be ideal for shallow water cruising as one is finds in the Florida Keys, the ICW, and the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Having gone many thousands of miles on full displacement trawlers, I have great respect and appreciation of the beauty of this hull shape. Once out of sight of land, speed becomes the speed du jour, no big deal without reference on land. And a stabilized full displacement trawler is a great ride at sea, easy running and comfortable. Even in heavy weather there is generally little cause for concern…if at all.

One more comment on the speed of travel. I always found the underway travel and motion quickly settles crew into a normal routine, with everyone going about their day as if they were in a marina or back on land. Laundry gets done, writing takes place, leisurely cooking in the galley, maybe a brisket in the crockpot. There is always the need for some maintenance, catching up with cruising guides, email with family and friends, and other activities. This is in sharp contrast to traveling at speed, where the motion forces one to hold on, firmly seated at the saloon table, or wedged into a corner cushion. Baking cookies was a favorite memory and one the rest of that crew surely remembers. The boat smelled fantastic, even if I could barely keep up with the disappearing cookies off the cooling rack.

For many reasons, life on a small ship has much to recommend it.

Semi-Displacement

The other hull shape that defines the trawler style cruising boat is the semi-displacement hull. It is perfect for those who don’t need the fuel and storage capabilities of the full displacement trawler, and do not intend to spend a great deal of time making passages, cruising remote areas, or going all season without buying fuel. The semi-displacement trawler is a fabulous compromise. Designers have come up with ways to get more performance, reduce draft, and still serve as a comfortable home while traveling or living aboard.

One way to improve performance is to lose weight in the form of fuel and water tankage, reducing both the size and number of tanks in the boat. They may also cut back on some of the backup redundant equipment and tighten up accommodations. Going on a diet is definitely a path to higher performance. While those granite counters and flooring seem right at home in a full displacement trawler yacht, substituting lighter weight materials will result in a higher speed potential in a semi-displacement yacht. With less weight there is less boat in the water, less draft, wetted surface, and resistance, especially without a deep keel.

Changes to the hull shape come from modifying the typically rounded stern into a flatter hull form aft with hard chines. The flatter hull form will reach higher speeds when adding more horsepower to drive the boat up onto the leading wave. And the flatter stern adds stability, taking out some of the inherent roll associated with a full displacement trawler.

While these boats are quite happy to run along at displacement speeds, the semi-displacement cruiser can also really get up and go, if there is enough horsepower. With bigger engines pushing the boat, it can break free of the water, traveling at 12-15 knots or higher, depending on how much horsepower is in the boat.

This is by far the most popular trawler hull shape primarily for this reason. It can be powered by a variety of engines, still has good load carrying and accommodations, has reduced draft, and provides many—if not all—of the benefits of the full displacement trawler yacht.

Most trawlers in our cruising community are of the semi-displacement type, and brands like:

• Grand Banks
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander
• American Tug
• And dozens more prove it is a wonderful all-around platform for cruising

(Interestingly, almost all the trawlers built in Asia during the 1970s and ‘80s were semi-displacement trawlers. But they were powered by low horsepower diesels, often the venerable Lehman Ford 120hp and 135hp engines, so they were priced to sell and provide the economical trawler experience to a wide range of buyers. The fact that these boats could only run at displacement speeds gave many the impression that they were full displacement trawlers, a confusion that continues to exist today.)

(Below: The Nordic Tug 40 is a good example of a semi-displacement trawler.)

The top speed of a semi-displacement trawler is limited by how much horsepower the builder reasons is sellable in the new boats. In my opinion, it was downright shameful when the management of the high-quality Grand Banks brand, the hands down bullseye of the trawler market for many years, decided at one point that all its models had to be capable of cruising speeds above 18 knots. The phenomenally successful and classic beauty of the original GB hull did not lend itself to a pair of high horsepower engines. It was painful to watch the amount of water pushed by a Grand Banks making 22 knots, made worse by the fuel burn to achieve that performance.

To some extent, larger semi-displacement trawlers also take advantage of generators to supply onboard electrical power, as there is not enough room for dozens of dedicated house batteries for the boat’s electrical needs. In most cases a running generator is not as quiet or unobtrusive as one comes to expect on a full displacement trawler, but a modern installation with underwater exhaust does much to reduce the impact of a running generator.

The benefits of the semi-displacement trawler clearly explain why it remains the most popular choice for most people. It has reasonable storage and fuel capacity, comfortable accommodations, and can run at higher speeds. All things considered, for most people it is the best package of features one looks for.

But it is not perfect. One of the disadvantages of the hull form is its less-than-ideal handling in rough seas. Some of these boats have small rudders to allow better control at higher speeds. The boat’s motion tends to lose its normal composure in rough water, when the boat must slow down, and the rudders are less effective.

(On modern boats, this is somewhat negated by stabilizers and gyrostabilizer systems. They do a remarkable job of reducing the rolling motion in these boats, and owners are more than satisfied to have motion under control on their semi-displacement trawlers.)

Owners of semi-displacement boats really appreciate being able to run faster to their next destination. The difference between eight knots and 11 knots is readily apparent when one can see the destination ahead and the crew is anxious to get there.

One of the tradeoffs of the semi-displacement trawler is that when they achieve high speed, they burn obscene amounts of fuel, and quickly. To own a large, semi-displacement trawler capable of 20+ knots is an exercise in balancing economy with distance and time. Those who don’t have the time will spend more at the fuel dock. It is just that simple.

Everything considered, the semi-displacement trawler is justifiably very popular for most cruising, even when that includes long distance travel. Flexibility is its best feature.

Big and small, fast or slow, the full displacement and semi-displacement hull shapes are what we talk about when we talk about trawlers and the trawler lifestyle. Motoryachts most often fit into the semi-displacement category, and one will find them cruising along with the trawler crowd. But the motoryacht is much better staying at a luxury marina will full shorepower and other hookups. One rarely finds motoryachts anchored out for days on end, where trawlers often spend their time. It isn’t what motoryachts are designed to do.

For many years, the cruising scene consisted of sailboats and trawlers, and that was it. Visit any popular cruising destination, from Marsh Harbour to Roche Harbor, and the anchorage and marinas were full of sailboats and trawlers. Both excel at life on the hook, and the constant scurrying of crew, dogs, provisions, and gear by speedy dinghies are as much a part of the cruising life as sundowners on the beach watching for the Green Flash.

III. Not All Cruising Powerboats Today Are Trawlers

There are two other kinds of powerboats that we find cruising in North America today. And they have really grown in popularity in recent years.

One has taken the world by storm, in my opinion. Almost every sailing couple I know who came to the Dark Side has gone in this direction, but they are certainly not the only ones who choose these boats. For many people, the lure of being on the water, even if it is only for weekends, must be satisfied in short order. People with limited time have a need for speed that full-time cruisers do not. These people want efficient, high-speed running, and it is more desirable than load-carrying ability or accommodations. Without a planing hull, they can’t go.

The planing hull quickly moves from hull speed up on top of the water. A burst of horsepower drives the boat up, and it doesn’t take as much power to stay there. It is an efficient speed machine. Some boats in our niche can really blast along in calm water, cruising efficiently at 25 knots…or higher. Some examples are:

• Nimbus Boats

A planing hull has a shallow draft, with a sharp entry and a flat, minimal underbody. This allows a planing boat to reach its destination quickly and then slow down if owners choose to gunkhole in skinny water. But watch that running gear, as there is nothing to protect the props and rudders designed for minimal drag.

This boat is best suited for those in a hurry. But they are still cruising boats, and they open up possibilities for those with only so much available time. The Great Loop becomes possible for those who can’t spare a year or more. Boaters headed to Florida for the winter and don’t have months to do the ICW. Puget Sound owners with weeks instead of months to explore the Inside Passage, or East Coast boaters who want to experience the Abacos but don’t have all winter to do so.

Get there quickly, then slow down and smell the flowers. Sounds like a plan to me.

(Below: Sidonia & Fred kept their 62-foot trawler, but purchased this Nimbus 405 to complete the Great Loop. Read their story .)

One potential disadvantage of the planing boat is that high-speed efficiency is directly tied to weight. Given that many of these boats are built with the latest infused fiberglass construction, often using high-tech cored material, the goal is to save weight where possible. Keeping weight down is important. And limited bilge and accommodations spaces don’t offer much general storage anyway.

But this is not a problem for owners not planning to live aboard. They are not spending weeks on the hook, nor are they expecting guests to accompany them on their Great Loop. They are bringing along just what they need to enjoy the boat as is, and no more. (Our recent series following a couple doing the Loop on their Nimbus 405 Coupe showed this lifestyle perfectly. A great trip on the Great Loop.)

Unfortunately, when the weather turns sour, any boat designed for efficient, high-speed running will be at a decided disadvantage when it is time to slow down, where they experience less control. Some handle this transition better than others, but generally small rudders do not have enough surface area to be effective at slow speed. But these boats are still all-around great cruising boats which explains they popularity and growing numbers out cruising. If the weather is bad, they don’t go anywhere. Their speed potential allows them to pick their travel when the weather window improves.

A relatively recent move is to power these boats with outboard engines. Using one or two large outboards (or up to four engines on some of the more extreme machines) makes a statement about using technology to advance boat design. The area in the hull usually dedicated for machinery and propulsion is now open for tanks, storage, and a more relaxed interior for accommodations.

The move to outboards eliminates the need for rudders and traditional steering systems, which removes complexity from the boats. Modern outboards are quiet and smooth, and this translates into a better running experience under way. Many find it a worthy tradeoff to the longer engine life offered by diesels. The access on outboard engines makes maintenance easier, and systems integration simplifies the boats at the same time.

Some builders tell me how easy life becomes when one can lift the engines out of the water when they are tied up in a marina. No more worries about underwater growth on running gear, eliminating corrosion issues, and fouled surfaces that require frequent cleaning.

During those times where one is living on a planing boat at anchor or without shorepower, the smaller house battery bank means one must run a generator more frequently, often several times a day. That assumes there is a genset on the boat, which is usually required if the boat has air conditioning.

The degree of self-sufficiency on a planing boat is directly tied to the need to keep things light and only having the essential systems, tankage, and accommodations. If your cruising involves staying at nice marinas with great facilities, who needs all that storage and extra staterooms? For Loopers, it offers flexibility and travel at a different level than chugging along, mile after mile, seeing the same landscape all day long.

The motion on a boat doing 20+ knots does not allow much activity on the boat and crew is restricted in what they can do while making miles to the next destination. That is not to say it isn’t thrilling to blast along, threading the needle among the San Juan Islands. Heading down Chesapeake Bay at speed is satisfying in ways that eight knots just doesn’t cut it. The same is true along Hawk Channel, Biscayne Bay, or Lake Ontario.

IV. Catamarans

The second type of cruising powerboat that does not fit the description of a trawler is the power catamaran. A somewhat fringe boat within the cruising powerboat category, power cats are nevertheless a great platform for anyone looking for a cruiser that offers space, outstanding maneuverability from widely spaced engines, and excellent shallow water cruise ability.

Power cat builders have evolved mostly from builders of sailing cats, so it is not surprising that the early boats were nothing more than sailing cats without masts. But more companies came out with boats design as powerboats. (The compromises of creating a power cat from a boat designed for sailing went away for the most part.)

Companies that offer (or did offer) power cats included:

• Fountaine Pajot

Some of these companies are no longer in business but made enough boats that they are usually available on the used market.

There is a lot to be said for a cruising catamaran. Economical cruising at 15-18 knots is the domain of the displacement catamaran, while planing cats, which are not suited for liveaboard cruising, can run quite well at 30+ knots.

The advantages of power cats include relatively shallow draft, great initial stability, and open interiors. The bridgedeck adds great living spaces, where one might find extra accommodations.

Many cats can be safely beached without a problem, which is a unique ability for any cruising boat.

(Below: Example of an Endeavor Power Catamaran.)

The economy of running a power catamaran is quite addicting. I owned a 41-foot power cat that would run along at 18 knots with hardly any wake, while getting exceptional fuel burn at that speed. The wide platform made for great living aboard, and the separation of the twin diesels, particularly when running at speed from the flybridge, seemed magical. It was quiet with lack of vibration, and quite relaxing as we reeled mile after mile on calm seas. It was a great cruising boat with outstanding maneuverability from widely spaced engines. I could literally walk the boat sideways using the two engines, while everyone on the dock assumed I used bow and stern thrusters to make it happen. (The boat had neither.)

The only issue I have with the power cat is the height of the bridgedeck between hulls. If it is too low, it can slap in head seas with an unnerving bang and motion that feels most unsettling, as if the boat is going to break. Multihull pioneer Malcom Tennant took me around several waterfront marinas in New Zealand to show me various interpretations of power catamaran bridgedeck design. When the bridgedeck nacelle stayed 36 inches or more above the water, the power cat would not slap under any conditions. The buoyancy of the hulls took over long before the bridgedeck met waves. And I reminded myself this was in New Zealand, where going to sea invariably involves rough seas and strong winds. (From my limited experience, the definition of pleasure boating in New Zealand has a decidedly different definition from anywhere else!)

While the displacement power catamaran has reasonable load carrying ability, it is generally prudent for a power cat owner to still keep an eye on weight and its distribution around the boat. While the larger power cats (one Tennant 20-meter cat comes to mind) can take 3,600 gallons of fuel for extremely long legs, cats under 48 feet are best kept light when possible.

I am quite smitten with the concept of the power cat for general cruising. I wish more builders would enter this market with well-engineered, lighter weight designs that showcase the benefits of the concept rather than simply building stable platforms that can hold a crowd. But unfortunately, heavy party barges are what one sees at the boat shows.

V. Hybrid and EV Powerboats

I suppose I would be negligent to not mention the push for electric and hybrid boats to mirror the somewhat political trend in the automotive world. To be honest, we own a Prius, but I much prefer driving my older Porsche. I also happen to like the smell of a diesel engine. In automobiles, I’m just not sold on a concept that requires such major (and overwhelmingly expensive) changes to our nation’s infrastructure.

As it relates to recreational boating, electric and hybrid power has come and gone in a variety of prototype cruisers, from Reuben Trane’s early solar catamaran to Greenline’s models of hybrid powerboats. I know the sailing community is generally united in their campaign to ditch the diesel engine, and YouTube influencers are falling all over each other trying to get the first serious system that offers a viable solution.

As well articulated by experienced broker, Seattle Yachts’ Dan Bacot, we won’t see much interest in this form of power cruising until someone builds a boat that can honestly make 100 miles in a day at six knots under electric power. That will make it feasible for the Great Loop and other cruising plans.

Until that milestone is reached (and I’m sure they will) such alternatives are just not worth serious consideration.

The Lifestyle

Now that we have looked at the various hull shapes and categories that define the trawler and other cruising boats, let’s see how to find a match from these different platforms to fit your plans.

It is important to think through this process with as much honesty as possible. It is so easy to slip into the unrealistic world of the ultimate boat. But most eventually agree these are more fantasy than anything remotely close to what any of us will do. Buying a boat that is capable of crossing oceans to reach exotic places like Tahiti is just not appropriate if you really intend to do the Great Loop in the next few years. That is also true if the idea of spending winters (or summers) in the tropics or the rugged Northwest Territories isn’t ever going to happen because you can only take a couple of weeks off at a time.

VI. How Many People Will be Aboard?

Is it just the two of you for most of the time? Will you have guests or family only occasionally, or do you expect to have others with you for most of the cruise? Families with growing children will have different needs than retired empty nesters who rarely have company.

The answer to this question will help determine the size of the boat, its layout and accommodations, and help define the boundaries of your search.

(Below: Obviously this image from the Mid-Atlantic Nordic Tug Owners Get-Together would be a little much!)

A word of advice from the stories of many cruising couples: Don’t buy a boat bigger than you need and make the assumption you will always have company to share your adventure. As I’ve heard many, many times, couples go ahead and buy a boat with multiple staterooms with the above assumption. Once they leave home and begin cruising, however, they make lots of new friends, all on their own boats. After a couple of years, they realize they don’t use those extra staterooms very often. And they can accommodate occasional family members with other arrangements, such as setting up the saloon. They eventually downsize to a smaller boat because they don’t need that extra room and a smaller boat is easier to handle and less expensive to own.

Two people can comfortably cruise on a boat that is 36 feet or so. This is certainly true for people who are down in the islands for the winter on a Monk 36, or cruising north on a Nordic Tug 37. No problem. But they are not living full time on the boat, or cruising with friends enough to require separate cabins. Both will drive up the space needs considerably. And it is not just about space. A water and holding tank large enough for two people will seem much smaller after only so many days. And I’m not talking about rationing water or limiting showers. This is cruising, after all, not minimalist camping.

A boat’s layout is as important as size, at least until one reaches the greater flexibility afforded by larger boats. There is a classic separation of living spaces in some boats, such as the Grand Banks 42 and the Selene 40. They have two nice staterooms, with the master in the stern and guest stateroom in the bow. That works great, offers privacy, and people share common spaces in the saloon and galley. Other boats group all staterooms forward, with the master and one or more guest cabins located near the bow. This is what one finds on the Nordic and American Tugs, Fleming, Krogen, Northwest Yachts, and most others. And all have proven successful, especially when extra people are family.

VII. Where are You Going?

I am not going to spend time with trawlers best suited for crossing oceans, as so few people really intend to do that these days. The world is a different place, the changing climate has more severe weather, and the relative ease of shipping one’s boat worldwide makes this a lot less desirable than it was decades ago. And a boat designed to cross the Atlantic to explore Europe is not the best type of boat for exploring Europe once you arrive, particularly if you want to head into the extensive canal systems.

Not to get off the point, and before anyone questions why I am such a fan of full displacement boats like the Northern Marine when I admit having no plan to cross oceans, let me clarify that the joy of owning such a great yacht is much more than being able to cross an ocean. All the benefits that make these great boats are just as valid for living aboard and coastal cruising, and many other adventures. One does not need to spend two weeks at sea to enjoy them.

The majority of people have plans that include the Great Loop, British Columbia and Alaska, the ICW on the East Coast, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Mexico, the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Canadian Maritimes, and New England. One can spend several lifetimes exploring right here in North America. Doable, affordable, and close enough to family, friends, and support.

The best boats for many coastal and inland adventures are more about ease of operation and maneuverability, and keeping the draft down and the height within whatever restrictions exist for the chosen cruise.

It is quite possible to travel from Alaska to Maine as one big extended coastal cruise, although that would be a long trip. And all of it is within sight of land with very few and short exceptions. If you consider the new SeaPiper 35, add a truck and suitable trailer and you are good to go!

(Below: The Triangle Loop is a great trip for trawler boat owners.)

VIII. For How Long?

Which brings up how long one expects to be on the boat. Obviously, a full-time liveaboard couple will have space requirements unlike those planning a month on the boat. And the need for creature comforts is also a sliding scale, as occasional cruisers can live without comforts that would be unacceptable if the same people were to spend several months on the boat.

For example, if you use a dishwasher at home, you might be fine with hand washing dishes after each meal on the boat…for a time. But after a while that might seem too much like camping and not what you had in mind when you dreamed of cruising. The same goes for a separate shower versus the wet head found on smaller boats. (Definitely consult your spouse on these points!)

Again, I feel that 36 feet is about the minimum for full-time living aboard and cruising. Some have gone smaller, or somewhat bigger on a planing boat, but it is accepted because the duration of the planned cruise is short. The couple who did the Great Loop on their Nimbus 405 Coupe had plenty of space because they had what they needed, and nothing more. It served their needs for this trip. They take their longer cruises aboard their other boat, a 62-foot custom trawler.

Some couples expect to have the same creature comforts on their trawler as they enjoy ashore. But that usually means a generator, air conditioning, and/or a diesel furnace. While they may not know it, they also require large water tanks as they are not thinking about water management, and they want space for all the provisions and personal possessions. If they are liveaboards, where do they plan to store holiday decorations?

For most people, the length of time they expect to be aboard dictates comfort levels and determines which compromises they are willing to make.

These points also point to their style of cruising.

The diversity of cruising is its chief attraction, and each day brings something new, something different. Anchor out or stay in a marina…or even reserve a slip at a luxury marina with lots of facilities? Eat aboard or enjoy local cuisine? Wait for a perfect weather window or go no matter what? Move from one location to the next or stay in one place for a long time and take lots of small side trips?

As should be obvious, your style of cruising will have a huge impact on selecting the right boat. If you tend to be the sort who has a plan and follows the plan no matter what, then you will be far happier with a more seaworthy boat that can take whatever conditions come up each day. That is quite different from the fair-weather cruiser who waits for ideal weather and is content to wait.

If you like the idea of keeping on the move rather than staying in one place, then you will likely be more interested in the underway characteristics of the boat than one that is most livable when tied up at a marina.

Boat speed figures into this question as well. I know successful cruisers who swear the best plan is to get under way as early as possible and run the boat at speed for four or five hours. On a faster boat this gets them miles down the road, but then they stop early in the afternoon. They refuel, wash everything down and then play tourist for the rest of the afternoon. It is far more leisurely than nonstop travel. And they also take days off. Three days running, then two days off, staying put wherever they stopped. It keeps the cruise from becoming a blur.

Those who lust to spend weeks on the hook in paradise are going to be very unhappy if they must run the generator twice a day to keep the refrigerator running, and which requires them to refill their water tanks frequently. As for the holding tank, that is obvious as well.

On the flip side, if you love the energy and varied activities of resort marinas, you will be thrilled with the conveniences of an all-electric boat that relies on shorepower facilities, using the generator only when away from the dock.

IX. What Does A Trawler Boat Cost?

This is where an experienced broker can make all the difference. One can expect to pay anywhere from between several hundred thousand dollars to a couple of million to find a suitable boat. It may not be close to home, and a good broker will use the available resources to identify the right boat and then find one that fits and is in the condition one is willing to pay for.

New boat prices are high, and I don’t see that changing. Working with a broker is vital to success here, even after you have done your homework and know (or think you know) what you want. The broker will help locate boats that may be close enough to what you are looking for, and he or she may even steer you in a slightly different direction if they think it may serve you better for what you describe as your ideal trawler.

I strongly recommend buying a new or newer boat whenever possible. It just makes sense, and I would go down in size rather than get an older boat. A newer boat will be less problematic than an older boat with vintage systems, engines, wiring, plumbing, and construction. Leaks are a pain to deal with, and you are not buying a boat as a project.

Honestly, spending your time looking for discontinued parts and then repairing a boat when you and your spouse are supposed to be out cruising is no fun. It sucks. And it quickly wears down the excitement of the adventure, even if you like to tinker on the boat. And your spouse will get tired of reading books on the settee while you make another repair. This is not what you both planned. I’ve seen it over and over, enough to be 100-percent convinced.

Buy a new or newer boat and just enjoy the adventure.

Keep in mind there are other costs beyond the purchase price, and your broker will be very helpful, flushing them out and identifying some you may have missed. There is annual maintenance, for example, insurance, dockage, and the need for occasional repairs. Parts wear out, which will happen most often on an older boat. The mindset of “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t make it go away. That hidden cutless bearing needs replacing on occasion, as do many other moving parts on a boat.

There is a ballpark figure that floats around the cruising community. Some suggest 10 percent of the cost of the boat is about right for these annual expenses. I have never verified that to be accurate with my own boats, but it is worth considering.

(Below: Currently a pre-owned Nordic Tug like this can range from $250,000 - $600,000 and more.)

X. Putting It All Together

From my experience, validated by many owners over the years, it is easy to spend too much time agonizing about what kind of boat to buy. If it allows you to enjoy your time on the water, it can be made to work. No boat is perfect. They all represent compromises in one way or another.

Besides your efforts to find the right boat for the kind of cruise you intend, there are two other key factors that contribute to a successful ownership experience. The first, and one that I have been making throughout this guide, is to buy a boat that is as new as possible, even if it means you might have to downsize a bit with your available budget. If it will work for you otherwise, but you must lose the hot tub on the flybridge, it is a worthy tradeoff. You will still have a genuine cruising boat.

The horror stories of old Asian trawlers built to low standards are now mostly irrelevant, as these examples of boats to avoid are now so old one should not even consider them. Besides, there is the reality of today’s marine insurance industry, hit by the large number of damage claims from named storms in recent years. One will find it difficult to get insurance for boats even at 20 years old, let alone 50+ years.

There is another factor that should figure into this buying equation, and it will make all the difference between wonderful and satisfying ownership and a money pit that needs continuous repair by outside services wherever one travels.

That is accessibility. If you can’t get to everything easily, things will be neglected, and system parts will wear out and break. Being able to see, touch, inspect, and take apart every major component on the boat is vital, no matter if it is a Nordic Tug, a lavish Hampton motoryacht, or an expedition trawler. It is even more important on a planing boat like the Nimbus or Back Cove, where available space is at a premium and the builder had to be creative during construction to fit it all in.

Owning a boat with a non-working stern thruster that can’t be inspected, serviced, or repaired without removing the genset shoehorned just above it would cause me great distress, to put it mildly.

If you study the differences, pros and cons, and other considerations, you will be much better equipped to step aboard boats at a boat show. All lined up with brokers standing by to answer your questions, it will feel good to examine each boat on your list to see how it feels, and whether it might fit the needs of what you hope to do. This process can take a couple of years, which is fine. In fact, I know folks now searching for their retirement trawler that is still five years away. There is nothing wrong with taking one’s time.

I would caution, however, not to take too long. Because life goes on, and things happen. Reality changes. Aging parents, volatile portfolios, world stability, and inevitable family medical issues are all things that command our attention at some point.

In addition to the above issues, it is good to remember that nothing in life remains static. When you find your plans or goals change, it is okay if that perfect boat is no longer the right choice. Edits may be needed to the original blueprint. It is very important to realize and accept this.

The notion that there is only one boat to satisfy every dream is totally wrong. But there is a boat for everyone looking to go cruising, that fits every plan, purpose, or budget.

My purpose for this guide is to help you find a boat that brings you the most fun and adventure, in comfort and safety and within your budget. Successful cruising can happen on most any boat.

The key to this adventure is to get started and go!

Enjoy these Trawler-related articles :

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

Time For Spring Commissioning: But Have You Thought Of This?

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Used Trawler Boats For Sale

126' Inace Explorer 2024

$ 14,995,000

Fortaleza, Brazil

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100' Custom Tri-Deck Explorer Yacht 2026

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Unknown, United States

86' Trawler 27M Trawler 2024

$ 2,439,000

Mugla, Turkey

85' Terranova Yachts T85 2018

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$ 4,900,000

Queenstown, United States

78' Commercial Trawler 1980

Eleuthera, Bahamas

Price Reduction

77' Custom Commercial Fish Crab Freezer 1977

Bayou La Batre, United States

75' Northern Marine 1998

$ 4,300,000

Anacortes, United States

United Yacht Central

74' Custom Robinson Modified Monk 1991

Poulsbo, United States

70' Marlow 70E 2003

$ 1,049,000

Fort Lauderdale, United States

Description

With many different kinds of trawler yachts being built today, it's important to really understand the kind of long distance cruising that you plan to do. Cruising on your yacht for days, weeks, or even months on board can present a variety of challenges, but is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in boating. Owning a trawler with the ability to run long distances brings out your inner explorer, quenching your desire to discover places you've never seen while also feeding it. Whether you plan on cruising the Pacific Northwest, island hopping in the Caribbean, or taking on the Great Loop, before you make a selection on a trawler, it's best to discuss your plans with an experienced, knowledgeable broker that can walk you through the differences in some of the brands, styles, and capabilities.

SPEAK TO A SALES PROFESSIONAL

Finding yourself slowing things down in your world due to the crazy rush of information and speed all around us? Decided you’re ready for a boat, or have one but feel a shift in your style and aren’t ready to dig too deep into your pockets for one but would like a more economical choice to escape the frenzy in? Well, then fast your gaze upon what is known as a trawler - a perfect option for those seeking all of the above points just mentioned. Please meet the well-known boat type - a trawler - which is simply a price conscious motorboat with a full-displacement, ballasted hull that possesses just that perfect cruising range for those long-ocean passages you’ll be heading out on to decompress from the never ending present day chaos.

Below are some of the well-known trawler yacht brands in the industry :

• American Tug
• Fleming Cruising Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Yachts
• Mainship Yachts
• Marlow Yachts
• Nordhavn Yachts
• Outer Reef Yachts
• Ranger Tug Boats

As Ferrari is to sexy race cars, trawlers are to functional ‘workboat-look’ recreational boats. Yes, ‘trawler’ is a classic, non-Euro ‘look’. This lends itself to a specific so called, ‘trawler lifestyle’ which translates to a sailor’s cruising lifestyle with the power of a motorboat. Those who appreciate their boat to have excellent sea keeping skills coupled with the range to take you to far - off hideaways, are in for a real treat when setting out on a trawler. Invite your family and friends as the trawler yachts offer long-term living accommodations - perfect for desiring an ‘at anchor’ remote boat getaway. These ‘small packages with a punch’ will carry, launch, and retrieve your tender too - thanks to her efficient crane.

Listing some of the trawlers other features, such as anchor accommodations, reverse windows, a pilot house, and walk around decks for line handling and docking, you’ll find this type of boat is well equipped for leisure and fun!

So get your calendar out and block off a stretch of time, as the trawler embraces trips like those!

Once a commercial fishing boat, the trawler has evolved to meet all boater requests of this present day resembling a comfortable home with the benefit of never having to jump in and out of your car as you’ll be motoring above sea level from one port to the next sipping on your favorite island cocktail and popping shrimp cocktails! You can choose from a more basic trawler or go all out with designing one that rivals a luxury yacht with all it’s out of this world comforts.

Don’t be surprised if that block of time turns into calling your realtor to put your house on the rental market as you’ve decided to set out aboard your sweet ride on the water for months on end or even decided to drop the home and move aboard! We don’t see why you couldn’t if your spirit has been calling you out to a sea salt life as there’ll be no compromise in comfort with the trawler’s private staterooms for nights dreaming above the ocean, full galleys to prepare scrumptious fresh-caught fish dinners, and roomy galleys to gather in and share island stories. Why should long-distance cruising be any less as it’s equally important getting to your dream destination. Slow and steady, you’ll be pleased to see the fuel bill is allowing you extra funds for elaborate dinners out or that new tender you’ve been eyeing.

If you’re more of a tropical breeze cruiser, then by all means, get her ready to cruise south for the winter to extend the warm months aboard. The journey up and back on the intracoastal waterway has been traveled by many with the same idea to keep that summer warmth going! You’ll appreciate how little fuel she’ll consume and that excellent range we continue to remind you of too. Built for voyages such as these, the builders have kept the size of the engine areas to a minimal and chose displacement hulls to aid in cutting through the seas instead of sucking up tons of power. Your search for a super trawler is doable as you’ll find many to be ocean-crossing water babies. If you want the speedier versions, there are a few builders who can accommodate you in making that dream come true on your trawler too. And don’t be fearful you’ll have to give up the low fuel bills, as even the fast trawlers typically offer superior fuel economy than many different powerboat styles.

What we find our clients greatly appreciate is the trawler’s expansive cabin space even on the smaller models and some can offer aft cabins in the rear and some manufacturers pulled all stops out and in their larger models have been known to add multiple deck levels to these ever evolving sweet ‘floating packages’.

We hope you’ve come to see that there are numerous reasons many of our clients love trawlers of all sizes because you don’t always need a yacht-sized vessel to make your dreams of venturing to remote ports in comfort and efficiency a reality without exhausting the retirement savings account.

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