Trawlers? Monk versus Albin.........

[Bob4203]

Here I am a sailor getting close to transitioning into the trawler world. After 45+ years of sailing and owning over nine sailboats, we have decided to try a Trawler for ICW cruising and possibly the Greatloop.

We have narrowed down our choices to the Albin 36 or Monk 36. The concensus thus far from everything I have read and heard is that the Monk is preferable as a better quality boat, but the Albin comes close. We are dead set on a single diesel and bow thruster combo in the 36 foot model.

Its a long shot here, but has anyone had any experience with any of these vessels and would forward any info. good, bad or ugly?

Anything is always appreciated.

Thanks
Bob
Catalina 30 Mark II
Georgia

 

[Ray T]

If they are close in quality I would go with the layout I liked best. CORRECTION I would go with the layout my wife liked best.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Herrasy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Herritic!!!!!!!!! Talk about powerboats on a sailing forum!!!!

Sheesh, could at least do the motor sailor with the furling jib and main. LOL

 

[Cpt. Jon]

Herrasy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Herritic!!!!!!!!!

I'm suprised you weren't at the pirate festival... you could have talked like that the whole weekend.

Bob, I've seen an albin with a rear cabin and the boat looked really neat (i don't think it was 36' though), I only saw it from the outside. Do you have any pictures of the 2 you are looking at or aren't you that far yet? I do think that if they are close, I would pick out the the one that has the better layout and is better equipped with less new owner work to do.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Two items

Given the size, if Zi was looking, I'd check

1. Do they have sliding doors from the helm station on BOTH sides?

2. Are there fairleads and easy access from the stern cleats - some larger trawlers have a raised aft deck and the access to the stern cleats is poor at best

Good luck, you're starting with a nice size, and two good vendors.

Glad you asked here, you never know when some appreciative folks will start comin' outta the woodwork!

Pick the one that has the best electrical system. Seriously - /cuz unless it's got a big generator with an electric (eegads!) stove, you'll run it like a sailboat, which is the way many trawler operators have learned: inverters for quiet AC, minimize AC stuff, propane stove, and an electrical system that properly charges you house bank without overcharging on long motors - a well manageable system with good components. O)r have a few grand to spend making it yours.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I would have loved to go to the pirate festival to show them what a real pirate looks like....LOL. I had to work, damn it.

 

[larryw]

My cousin has a Monk 36 trawler that had fallen on hard times. He loves it, but is still working on it all the time. I agree with Stu about the electrical; no one likes the guy who runs his generator from 0700 to 2200 hrs every day.

 

[Capt. Kermie]

FeedBack Request!

OK you are going to a Trawler after being a Sailor, not a terrible choice, you could do worse and get a gas guzzling noisy speed boat. That said I too have often wondered, what will I do when my health declares, no more sailing. The idea of a Trawler sounds appealing in that it travels about the same speed as a sailboat under power, has a bit more room to move and would likely be easier to operate when my leg finally gives out. I do not relish the idea of no boat at all so if I have to give up sailing I will switch to a trawler, 36' sounds about right. So when you get this new to you Trawler and try it out for a seasons, perhaps you could report your findings back here and telll those of us who may be contemplating the switch how it worked out, how the transition went and the pros, and cons of Trawler ownership vs sailboat ownership. I for one am very interested in what I might expect from the eyes of another sailor. Thanks in advance.

 

[Hermit Scott]

The biggest complaint I have about sailboats is the draft. I would love to own a 32' trawler so I could do the great loop. I'd be happy with my C30 if it had 3' less draft, no mast and a 50 hp diesel to push it. Doing that to a sailboat would be equivalent to putting a trailer on posts and calling it a beach house. I keep an eye out for trawlers for sale, but they are all too much for me right now.
I thought I had the money today. I bought a penny stock at .0035(about 1/3 a penny) and today it went to.66 cents. Turns out they did a reverse stock split. I think I actually lost money. lol

 

[Prime Time]

Why a trawler?

My dad thought about doing this a few yrs ago. He was going to sell his good old boat and get a trawler. After her priced it out he decided it was more cost effective to just use his sail boat as a power boat when he was short handed. Trawlers cruise at about 8 knots at about 1 mile per gallon. He cruises at 6 knots at 3/4 of a gallon an hour.

No doubt a trawler will give you more room though.