Its a sailing forum, I know, but the question of "Trawlers" as a transitional vessel for sailors has come up a few times with a pretty healthy response. So, in a few years and once I get my vessel sold or out of what is now Lake Lanier, my wife and I plan on living aboard again, but for the sake of room and amenities, we will most probably choose to move onto a Trawler. We do expect to pick up parttime jobs in our semi-retirement, so our vessel is not meant so much for a "Great Loop" trip or extensive ICW exploration. Weekend excursions would be more like it or the occasional, "run as far as we go in a week and back trip" would be our style for awhile. That brings up the question of single diesel with bow thruster versus twin diesel with no bow thruster? I am seeking opinions here. Not many single engine/bow thruster combos on the market aside from the Mainship brand, but it sure makes alot of sense to me. I have to consider maintenance and operating costs. I always thought bowthrusters were cool to have anyways. Any opinion on this is welcome. Thanks Bob
Anyone ever own a Trawler?
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Its a sailing forum, I know, but the question of "Trawlers" as a transitional vessel for sailors has come up a few times with a pretty healthy response. So, in a few years and once I get my vessel sold or out of what is now Lake Lanier, my wife and I plan on living aboard again, but for the sake of room and amenities, we will most probably choose to move onto a Trawler. We do expect to pick up parttime jobs in our semi-retirement, so our vessel is not meant so much for a "Great Loop" trip or extensive ICW exploration. Weekend excursions would be more like it or the occasional, "run as far as we go in a week and back trip" would be our style for awhile. That brings up the question of single diesel with bow thruster versus twin diesel with no bow thruster? I am seeking opinions here. Not many single engine/bow thruster combos on the market aside from the Mainship brand, but it sure makes alot of sense to me. I have to consider maintenance and operating costs. I always thought bowthrusters were cool to have anyways. Any opinion on this is welcome. Thanks Bob
Not sure of engine configuration, but
if I were to sell my sailboat and buy a trawler, I like the Grand Banks Europa 42. The Europa style has a better use of length/volume than the tradtional trawlers, IMHO.
if I were to sell my sailboat and buy a trawler, I like the Grand Banks Europa 42. The Europa style has a better use of length/volume than the tradtional trawlers, IMHO.
Not sure of engine configuration, but
if I were to sell my sailboat and buy a trawler, I like the Grand Banks Europa 42. The Europa style has a better use of length/volume than the tradtional trawlers, IMHO.
if I were to sell my sailboat and buy a trawler, I like the Grand Banks Europa 42. The Europa style has a better use of length/volume than the tradtional trawlers, IMHO.
I have watched twin engine trawlers maneuver
in our marina and in the hands of a skilled pilot the boats will do a slow dance turning within their own foot print. Trawlers don't require engines as large and powerful as the higher speed planing cruisers have. Two engines does give a measure of reliability.
in our marina and in the hands of a skilled pilot the boats will do a slow dance turning within their own foot print. Trawlers don't require engines as large and powerful as the higher speed planing cruisers have. Two engines does give a measure of reliability.
I have watched twin engine trawlers maneuver
in our marina and in the hands of a skilled pilot the boats will do a slow dance turning within their own foot print. Trawlers don't require engines as large and powerful as the higher speed planing cruisers have. Two engines does give a measure of reliability.
in our marina and in the hands of a skilled pilot the boats will do a slow dance turning within their own foot print. Trawlers don't require engines as large and powerful as the higher speed planing cruisers have. Two engines does give a measure of reliability.
Lots of great vessels to be had
Searching the Trawler market, their must be hundreds if not thousands for sale in varying interior configurations in the 38 - 42 foot range. It seems that the only major manufacturer that starts off with a single diesel and bow thruster is Mainship. These are in the 35 - 39 foot models. For now I am just grappling with the singel versus dual engine set up which will limit vessel choices considerably. The Mainship is a sharp well made vessel though. Bob
Searching the Trawler market, their must be hundreds if not thousands for sale in varying interior configurations in the 38 - 42 foot range. It seems that the only major manufacturer that starts off with a single diesel and bow thruster is Mainship. These are in the 35 - 39 foot models. For now I am just grappling with the singel versus dual engine set up which will limit vessel choices considerably. The Mainship is a sharp well made vessel though. Bob
Lots of great vessels to be had
Searching the Trawler market, their must be hundreds if not thousands for sale in varying interior configurations in the 38 - 42 foot range. It seems that the only major manufacturer that starts off with a single diesel and bow thruster is Mainship. These are in the 35 - 39 foot models. For now I am just grappling with the singel versus dual engine set up which will limit vessel choices considerably. The Mainship is a sharp well made vessel though. Bob
Searching the Trawler market, their must be hundreds if not thousands for sale in varying interior configurations in the 38 - 42 foot range. It seems that the only major manufacturer that starts off with a single diesel and bow thruster is Mainship. These are in the 35 - 39 foot models. For now I am just grappling with the singel versus dual engine set up which will limit vessel choices considerably. The Mainship is a sharp well made vessel though. Bob
Charter first
You can get a feel for a trawler by chartering first. I got a very reasonable week charter of Grand Banks 36 at Chitwood Charters.com in Sarasota Fla. They also have larger models. You can leave their docks and go to all kinds of barrier islands in sw florida. I had the 36 out on a very windy week. That boat would crab side ways almost as fast as my little O'Day will sail! It was a well made boat but once I actually tried sailing, I was hooked and rarely think much about power boats anymore. I would opt for a single engine but if going over36 feet, I would get an optional larger engine or you will be taking a step back in speed over a sail boat. Have fun, Lance
You can get a feel for a trawler by chartering first. I got a very reasonable week charter of Grand Banks 36 at Chitwood Charters.com in Sarasota Fla. They also have larger models. You can leave their docks and go to all kinds of barrier islands in sw florida. I had the 36 out on a very windy week. That boat would crab side ways almost as fast as my little O'Day will sail! It was a well made boat but once I actually tried sailing, I was hooked and rarely think much about power boats anymore. I would opt for a single engine but if going over36 feet, I would get an optional larger engine or you will be taking a step back in speed over a sail boat. Have fun, Lance
Charter first
You can get a feel for a trawler by chartering first. I got a very reasonable week charter of Grand Banks 36 at Chitwood Charters.com in Sarasota Fla. They also have larger models. You can leave their docks and go to all kinds of barrier islands in sw florida. I had the 36 out on a very windy week. That boat would crab side ways almost as fast as my little O'Day will sail! It was a well made boat but once I actually tried sailing, I was hooked and rarely think much about power boats anymore. I would opt for a single engine but if going over36 feet, I would get an optional larger engine or you will be taking a step back in speed over a sail boat. Have fun, Lance
You can get a feel for a trawler by chartering first. I got a very reasonable week charter of Grand Banks 36 at Chitwood Charters.com in Sarasota Fla. They also have larger models. You can leave their docks and go to all kinds of barrier islands in sw florida. I had the 36 out on a very windy week. That boat would crab side ways almost as fast as my little O'Day will sail! It was a well made boat but once I actually tried sailing, I was hooked and rarely think much about power boats anymore. I would opt for a single engine but if going over36 feet, I would get an optional larger engine or you will be taking a step back in speed over a sail boat. Have fun, Lance
Nordic Tug
I took a demo ride in a Nordic Tug 37 after the Annapolis Powerboat show in October. It also has a single engine diesel, a 385hp. What a lovely boat, very nicely built, a gorgeous engine compartment you climb down in to, and in my mind a transition boat between a sailboat and powerboat. The fuel numbers are nice. You take your choice on how much you want to burn vs how fast you want to go: at 7 knots, it uses about 2 gallons per hour (not too far off what we are used to as sailors). But, if you want to go fast it will go 17 knots. It will use something like 18 gph at that speed. Bow thruster standard. I do wonder about losing maneuverability in docking with only a single engine, compared to having 2. You'd have to talk to owners and try it yourself to understand that part. It is fairly deep, 4 feet, so doesn't drift off sideways too easily in a light breeze. Price new $500K or so with all the bells and whistles including gen and 3-zone heat/cooling. Too rich for me but there are quite a few in brokerage. American Tug also is single diesel I believe.
I took a demo ride in a Nordic Tug 37 after the Annapolis Powerboat show in October. It also has a single engine diesel, a 385hp. What a lovely boat, very nicely built, a gorgeous engine compartment you climb down in to, and in my mind a transition boat between a sailboat and powerboat. The fuel numbers are nice. You take your choice on how much you want to burn vs how fast you want to go: at 7 knots, it uses about 2 gallons per hour (not too far off what we are used to as sailors). But, if you want to go fast it will go 17 knots. It will use something like 18 gph at that speed. Bow thruster standard. I do wonder about losing maneuverability in docking with only a single engine, compared to having 2. You'd have to talk to owners and try it yourself to understand that part. It is fairly deep, 4 feet, so doesn't drift off sideways too easily in a light breeze. Price new $500K or so with all the bells and whistles including gen and 3-zone heat/cooling. Too rich for me but there are quite a few in brokerage. American Tug also is single diesel I believe.
Nordic Tug
I took a demo ride in a Nordic Tug 37 after the Annapolis Powerboat show in October. It also has a single engine diesel, a 385hp. What a lovely boat, very nicely built, a gorgeous engine compartment you climb down in to, and in my mind a transition boat between a sailboat and powerboat. The fuel numbers are nice. You take your choice on how much you want to burn vs how fast you want to go: at 7 knots, it uses about 2 gallons per hour (not too far off what we are used to as sailors). But, if you want to go fast it will go 17 knots. It will use something like 18 gph at that speed. Bow thruster standard. I do wonder about losing maneuverability in docking with only a single engine, compared to having 2. You'd have to talk to owners and try it yourself to understand that part. It is fairly deep, 4 feet, so doesn't drift off sideways too easily in a light breeze. Price new $500K or so with all the bells and whistles including gen and 3-zone heat/cooling. Too rich for me but there are quite a few in brokerage. American Tug also is single diesel I believe.
I took a demo ride in a Nordic Tug 37 after the Annapolis Powerboat show in October. It also has a single engine diesel, a 385hp. What a lovely boat, very nicely built, a gorgeous engine compartment you climb down in to, and in my mind a transition boat between a sailboat and powerboat. The fuel numbers are nice. You take your choice on how much you want to burn vs how fast you want to go: at 7 knots, it uses about 2 gallons per hour (not too far off what we are used to as sailors). But, if you want to go fast it will go 17 knots. It will use something like 18 gph at that speed. Bow thruster standard. I do wonder about losing maneuverability in docking with only a single engine, compared to having 2. You'd have to talk to owners and try it yourself to understand that part. It is fairly deep, 4 feet, so doesn't drift off sideways too easily in a light breeze. Price new $500K or so with all the bells and whistles including gen and 3-zone heat/cooling. Too rich for me but there are quite a few in brokerage. American Tug also is single diesel I believe.
Some Observations
I don't know what your target size and budget is which makes a huge difference. For newish models of moderate cost, Mainship seems very attractive. It's domestic, it's part of the huge purchasing power of Luhrs group, and has the advantage of excellent factory engineering and support. I would second the thought about the better efficiencies of a single engine compared to a twin at least up to 40-ish feet and most especially with a thruster, for which I question the need south of the mid-thirties. Just having the reduced complexities of a twin is IMHO a big asset. You are already going to have to deal with a genset as it is. Most of the folks I know move to CHB's. They are a fraction of the cost of GB's and readily available. The 34's are most common and most are singles, altho one of my friends had a twin Volvo. It also sold for 30% more used. The 38 CHB's are a lot larger than the 34's and not such a rounded hull. I think most of those are twins. The Spindrift semi-displacement hulls are really nice as are some of the knock-offs. You just have to be careful as always with the details, and they are not as efficient as a true trawler hull, but very nice live-aboards. My favorite is a Roughwater 41. It has an enclosed bridge, no lower station, small aft cockpit, lots of light below and most were singles, Perkins as I recall. Good luck; Rick D.
I don't know what your target size and budget is which makes a huge difference. For newish models of moderate cost, Mainship seems very attractive. It's domestic, it's part of the huge purchasing power of Luhrs group, and has the advantage of excellent factory engineering and support. I would second the thought about the better efficiencies of a single engine compared to a twin at least up to 40-ish feet and most especially with a thruster, for which I question the need south of the mid-thirties. Just having the reduced complexities of a twin is IMHO a big asset. You are already going to have to deal with a genset as it is. Most of the folks I know move to CHB's. They are a fraction of the cost of GB's and readily available. The 34's are most common and most are singles, altho one of my friends had a twin Volvo. It also sold for 30% more used. The 38 CHB's are a lot larger than the 34's and not such a rounded hull. I think most of those are twins. The Spindrift semi-displacement hulls are really nice as are some of the knock-offs. You just have to be careful as always with the details, and they are not as efficient as a true trawler hull, but very nice live-aboards. My favorite is a Roughwater 41. It has an enclosed bridge, no lower station, small aft cockpit, lots of light below and most were singles, Perkins as I recall. Good luck; Rick D.
Some Observations
I don't know what your target size and budget is which makes a huge difference. For newish models of moderate cost, Mainship seems very attractive. It's domestic, it's part of the huge purchasing power of Luhrs group, and has the advantage of excellent factory engineering and support. I would second the thought about the better efficiencies of a single engine compared to a twin at least up to 40-ish feet and most especially with a thruster, for which I question the need south of the mid-thirties. Just having the reduced complexities of a twin is IMHO a big asset. You are already going to have to deal with a genset as it is. Most of the folks I know move to CHB's. They are a fraction of the cost of GB's and readily available. The 34's are most common and most are singles, altho one of my friends had a twin Volvo. It also sold for 30% more used. The 38 CHB's are a lot larger than the 34's and not such a rounded hull. I think most of those are twins. The Spindrift semi-displacement hulls are really nice as are some of the knock-offs. You just have to be careful as always with the details, and they are not as efficient as a true trawler hull, but very nice live-aboards. My favorite is a Roughwater 41. It has an enclosed bridge, no lower station, small aft cockpit, lots of light below and most were singles, Perkins as I recall. Good luck; Rick D.
I don't know what your target size and budget is which makes a huge difference. For newish models of moderate cost, Mainship seems very attractive. It's domestic, it's part of the huge purchasing power of Luhrs group, and has the advantage of excellent factory engineering and support. I would second the thought about the better efficiencies of a single engine compared to a twin at least up to 40-ish feet and most especially with a thruster, for which I question the need south of the mid-thirties. Just having the reduced complexities of a twin is IMHO a big asset. You are already going to have to deal with a genset as it is. Most of the folks I know move to CHB's. They are a fraction of the cost of GB's and readily available. The 34's are most common and most are singles, altho one of my friends had a twin Volvo. It also sold for 30% more used. The 38 CHB's are a lot larger than the 34's and not such a rounded hull. I think most of those are twins. The Spindrift semi-displacement hulls are really nice as are some of the knock-offs. You just have to be careful as always with the details, and they are not as efficient as a true trawler hull, but very nice live-aboards. My favorite is a Roughwater 41. It has an enclosed bridge, no lower station, small aft cockpit, lots of light below and most were singles, Perkins as I recall. Good luck; Rick D.
Mainship 34
I ran a Mainship 34 hardtop trawler to Annapolis for the show. She had a single Yanmar 370 hp with a bow thruster. Trawlers are heavy boats and therefore not so easy to manuever at slow speeds. The bow thruster did a great job of taking care of any handling issues. It also makes it very nice to walk away from a dock when the wind has you pinned to it. As far as the engine was concerned it had plenty of power to drive her at 17-18kts. The ride was stable once you got the trim right and she'd bust through wakes with very little shake or shudder. Just a very stable boat. The quality of the cabin materials was far above they're previous models, a nice change. Other than a lack of optional electronics she was well equipped. While I didn't try to calculate fuel consumption I can tell you the fuel gauge barely moved after apx 11hrs of running. I think the nice part about boats like this is they give you a greater cruisng range when you only have a week to go. It won't cost you an arm and a leg to fill the fuel tanks either. The only thing I didn't care for was degraded visibility as compared to being "outside" when night time fell. Something I'm sure I could get used to or be addressed with a fly bridge model. Not sure where the closet Trawler Fest is near you but it would be worth while attending one if possible. Here's the link http://www.trawlerfest.com/Default.aspx?TabID=324
I ran a Mainship 34 hardtop trawler to Annapolis for the show. She had a single Yanmar 370 hp with a bow thruster. Trawlers are heavy boats and therefore not so easy to manuever at slow speeds. The bow thruster did a great job of taking care of any handling issues. It also makes it very nice to walk away from a dock when the wind has you pinned to it. As far as the engine was concerned it had plenty of power to drive her at 17-18kts. The ride was stable once you got the trim right and she'd bust through wakes with very little shake or shudder. Just a very stable boat. The quality of the cabin materials was far above they're previous models, a nice change. Other than a lack of optional electronics she was well equipped. While I didn't try to calculate fuel consumption I can tell you the fuel gauge barely moved after apx 11hrs of running. I think the nice part about boats like this is they give you a greater cruisng range when you only have a week to go. It won't cost you an arm and a leg to fill the fuel tanks either. The only thing I didn't care for was degraded visibility as compared to being "outside" when night time fell. Something I'm sure I could get used to or be addressed with a fly bridge model. Not sure where the closet Trawler Fest is near you but it would be worth while attending one if possible. Here's the link http://www.trawlerfest.com/Default.aspx?TabID=324
Mainship 34
I ran a Mainship 34 hardtop trawler to Annapolis for the show. She had a single Yanmar 370 hp with a bow thruster. Trawlers are heavy boats and therefore not so easy to manuever at slow speeds. The bow thruster did a great job of taking care of any handling issues. It also makes it very nice to walk away from a dock when the wind has you pinned to it. As far as the engine was concerned it had plenty of power to drive her at 17-18kts. The ride was stable once you got the trim right and she'd bust through wakes with very little shake or shudder. Just a very stable boat. The quality of the cabin materials was far above they're previous models, a nice change. Other than a lack of optional electronics she was well equipped. While I didn't try to calculate fuel consumption I can tell you the fuel gauge barely moved after apx 11hrs of running. I think the nice part about boats like this is they give you a greater cruisng range when you only have a week to go. It won't cost you an arm and a leg to fill the fuel tanks either. The only thing I didn't care for was degraded visibility as compared to being "outside" when night time fell. Something I'm sure I could get used to or be addressed with a fly bridge model. Not sure where the closet Trawler Fest is near you but it would be worth while attending one if possible. Here's the link http://www.trawlerfest.com/Default.aspx?TabID=324
I ran a Mainship 34 hardtop trawler to Annapolis for the show. She had a single Yanmar 370 hp with a bow thruster. Trawlers are heavy boats and therefore not so easy to manuever at slow speeds. The bow thruster did a great job of taking care of any handling issues. It also makes it very nice to walk away from a dock when the wind has you pinned to it. As far as the engine was concerned it had plenty of power to drive her at 17-18kts. The ride was stable once you got the trim right and she'd bust through wakes with very little shake or shudder. Just a very stable boat. The quality of the cabin materials was far above they're previous models, a nice change. Other than a lack of optional electronics she was well equipped. While I didn't try to calculate fuel consumption I can tell you the fuel gauge barely moved after apx 11hrs of running. I think the nice part about boats like this is they give you a greater cruisng range when you only have a week to go. It won't cost you an arm and a leg to fill the fuel tanks either. The only thing I didn't care for was degraded visibility as compared to being "outside" when night time fell. Something I'm sure I could get used to or be addressed with a fly bridge model. Not sure where the closet Trawler Fest is near you but it would be worth while attending one if possible. Here's the link http://www.trawlerfest.com/Default.aspx?TabID=324
Great Information
Great insight, especially on the Mainship. The Mainship plant is in St. Augustine and very accessible off US 1 and the ICW. We saw the plant on a recent trip to St. Augustine. We saw a 34 last year at the Atlanta Boat Show. What is unique about the 35 model is that the master suite is in the v-berth location. A used late 90's 35 ft. hard top trawler with single diesel (cummings 300 hp), dual steering station and fairly loaded run in the 130K to 150K range. A big chunk of change, but compared to vessels made in the late 90's like the Albin, President, Kha Shing or the Nordic Tug to name a few, the Mainship is a bargain! I personnally feel that for ICW work, a single engine diesel and bow thruster may be the right ticket. Thanks Bob
Great insight, especially on the Mainship. The Mainship plant is in St. Augustine and very accessible off US 1 and the ICW. We saw the plant on a recent trip to St. Augustine. We saw a 34 last year at the Atlanta Boat Show. What is unique about the 35 model is that the master suite is in the v-berth location. A used late 90's 35 ft. hard top trawler with single diesel (cummings 300 hp), dual steering station and fairly loaded run in the 130K to 150K range. A big chunk of change, but compared to vessels made in the late 90's like the Albin, President, Kha Shing or the Nordic Tug to name a few, the Mainship is a bargain! I personnally feel that for ICW work, a single engine diesel and bow thruster may be the right ticket. Thanks Bob
Great Information
Great insight, especially on the Mainship. The Mainship plant is in St. Augustine and very accessible off US 1 and the ICW. We saw the plant on a recent trip to St. Augustine. We saw a 34 last year at the Atlanta Boat Show. What is unique about the 35 model is that the master suite is in the v-berth location. A used late 90's 35 ft. hard top trawler with single diesel (cummings 300 hp), dual steering station and fairly loaded run in the 130K to 150K range. A big chunk of change, but compared to vessels made in the late 90's like the Albin, President, Kha Shing or the Nordic Tug to name a few, the Mainship is a bargain! I personnally feel that for ICW work, a single engine diesel and bow thruster may be the right ticket. Thanks Bob
Great insight, especially on the Mainship. The Mainship plant is in St. Augustine and very accessible off US 1 and the ICW. We saw the plant on a recent trip to St. Augustine. We saw a 34 last year at the Atlanta Boat Show. What is unique about the 35 model is that the master suite is in the v-berth location. A used late 90's 35 ft. hard top trawler with single diesel (cummings 300 hp), dual steering station and fairly loaded run in the 130K to 150K range. A big chunk of change, but compared to vessels made in the late 90's like the Albin, President, Kha Shing or the Nordic Tug to name a few, the Mainship is a bargain! I personnally feel that for ICW work, a single engine diesel and bow thruster may be the right ticket. Thanks Bob
Ever consider a .......
Dont know your woodworking skills, welding skills, time and money available. But have you ever considered a steel hull shrimp boat? Many come up for sale now and more in the future. Lower catches and unreliable crack heads for deckhands have all but destroyed this industry, not to mention all of the shrimp farms blossoming in south america. Most are 40 to 75 foot with shallow draft in the 3 to 4 foot range. Most are single diesel engines....commonly the Detroit Diesel 671. Cabins could be extended and rigging can be sold. WOOD IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. I owned one and converted it into a cabin cruiser. Never finished it but did sell it. Just a thought. Tony B
Dont know your woodworking skills, welding skills, time and money available. But have you ever considered a steel hull shrimp boat? Many come up for sale now and more in the future. Lower catches and unreliable crack heads for deckhands have all but destroyed this industry, not to mention all of the shrimp farms blossoming in south america. Most are 40 to 75 foot with shallow draft in the 3 to 4 foot range. Most are single diesel engines....commonly the Detroit Diesel 671. Cabins could be extended and rigging can be sold. WOOD IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. I owned one and converted it into a cabin cruiser. Never finished it but did sell it. Just a thought. Tony B
Ever consider a .......
Dont know your woodworking skills, welding skills, time and money available. But have you ever considered a steel hull shrimp boat? Many come up for sale now and more in the future. Lower catches and unreliable crack heads for deckhands have all but destroyed this industry, not to mention all of the shrimp farms blossoming in south america. Most are 40 to 75 foot with shallow draft in the 3 to 4 foot range. Most are single diesel engines....commonly the Detroit Diesel 671. Cabins could be extended and rigging can be sold. WOOD IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. I owned one and converted it into a cabin cruiser. Never finished it but did sell it. Just a thought. Tony B
Dont know your woodworking skills, welding skills, time and money available. But have you ever considered a steel hull shrimp boat? Many come up for sale now and more in the future. Lower catches and unreliable crack heads for deckhands have all but destroyed this industry, not to mention all of the shrimp farms blossoming in south america. Most are 40 to 75 foot with shallow draft in the 3 to 4 foot range. Most are single diesel engines....commonly the Detroit Diesel 671. Cabins could be extended and rigging can be sold. WOOD IS OUT OF THE QUESTION. I owned one and converted it into a cabin cruiser. Never finished it but did sell it. Just a thought. Tony B
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