Why Do I Need A Trawler?

If I am going to do exclusively coastal cruising and don't plan any trips further than the Keys and the Bahamas why do I need a trawler?

Can't I just buy a boat like the Meridian 341 or Bayliner 3587 and coastal cruise in that. The initial purchase price on these boats is considerably less than a trawler with considerably more amenities.

The Camano trawler I rented last summer could not even come close to the comfort that the aforementioned boats offer.

So why do I need a trawler? Because I think trawlers are cool? If that were the case I'd buy a cool Porsche instead of the efficient Camry that I drive.

Xraycharlie said:

If I am going to do exclusively coastal cruising and don't plan any trips further than the Keys and the Bahamas why do I need a trawler? Can't I just buy a boat like the Meridian 341 or Bayliner 3587 and coastal cruise in that. The initial purchase price on these boats is considerably less than a trawler with considerably more amenities. The Camano trawler I rented last summer could not even come close to the comfort that the aforementioned boats offer. So why do I need a trawler? Because I think trawlers are cool? If that were the case I'd buy a cool Porsche instead of the efficient Camry that I drive.

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You'd be just fine without a trawler in those areas. But range might be a problem depending on where in the Bahamas you want to go.

First, most of the trawlers represented here have no more seaworthiness than the boats you mentioned, size for size. They are coastal cruisers, just like the boats you mentioned.

Unless you need the extreme fuel range of a passagemaker, I'd buy a boat that is comfortable to you.

Like on any boat, watch the weather and enjoy

Another thought is keel. If you get a boat we a keel it will take much less steering correction at displacement speeds.

Btw, I had a Bayliner 3488, same interior at the 341 meridian. For its size I think the 341 interior is about as comfortable as you'll find. That boat has great livability.

Heck...for the Bahamas and the Keys...there are many houseboats that would be fine.

I almost got one till my divorce then the call of the closer Caribbean Islands changed my mind.

Greetings,
Mr. Xray. You don't need a trawler. As has been mentioned, watch the weather and your fuel usage and enjoy. Personally I'm biased towards diesel BUT there are thousands of gasoline vessels that travel without incident all the time. One just has to be a bit more careful given the flammability of gas.

Well, I disagree with your factual premises: cheaper and more roomy. Don't compare a Bayliner 3587 or a Meridian 341 to a Camano. The Camano is 6' smaller. A more valid comparison would be to a Mainship 34T.

But more importantly than price or amenities, I just don't like the swoopy looks of a Bayliner or Meridian.

Look at the Meridian's helm. Where do you put an integrated chartplotter/radar display? It is made for afternoon cocktail cruising, not a 1,000 mile trip down the ICW and to the Bahamas.

Most Meridian's I looked at on Yachtworld were gassers. Nothing wrong with that, and to make a diesel pay you need to use it more than 200 hours each year. Most owners don't.

But if I were using one to cruise down the ICW from say mid Atlantic states to the Bahamas for a month, I would much prefer a real trawler (if there is such a thing, but that is a different debate). Better fuel economy with a diesel, looks more nautical, easier maintenance, places to put your instrumentation, etc.

They are different boats, built for different purposes.

Xraycharlie said:

If I am going to do exclusively coastal cruising and don't plan any trips further than the Keys and the Bahamas why do I need a trawler?

Can't I just buy a boat like the Meridian 341 or Bayliner 3587 and coastal cruise in that. The initial purchase price on these boats is considerably less than a trawler with considerably more amenities.

The Camano trawler I rented last summer could not even come close to the comfort that the aforementioned boats offer.

So why do I need a trawler? Because I think trawlers are cool? If that were the case I'd buy a cool Porsche instead of the efficient Camry that I drive.

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You don't need a trawler necessarily but don't judge all trawlers on the basis of the Camano. There are Krogens, Grand Banks, Berings, Flemings, Northern, and many more that have amenities even superior to the boats you mentioned and more usable space. Still, many people get years of pleasure from the boats you mentioned. The one issue I would look at is the range to go where you want. Personally, I'd try to get diesel as well with your plans.

Just consider all the options and don't group all boats of a given genre together.

djmarchand said:

Well, I disagree with your factual premises: cheaper and more roomy. Don't compare a Bayliner 3587 or a Meridian 341 to a Camano. The Camano is 6' smaller. A more valid comparison would be to a Mainship 34T.

But more importantly than price or amenities, I just don't like the swoopy looks of a Bayliner or Meridian.

Look at the Meridian's helm. Where do you put an integrated chartplotter/radar display? It is made for afternoon cocktail cruising, not a 1,000 mile trip down the ICW and to the Bahamas.

Most Meridian's I looked at on Yachtworld were gassers. Nothing wrong with that, and to make a diesel pay you need to use it more than 200 hours each year. Most owners don't.

But if I were using one to cruise down the ICW from say mid Atlantic states to the Bahamas for a month, I would much prefer a real trawler (if there is such a thing, but that is a different debate). Better fuel economy with a diesel, looks more nautical, easier maintenance, places to put your instrumentation, etc.

They are different boats, built for different purposes.

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My 3488/341 had a 10 display on the dash, and had a pair of 330 hp cummins diesels.

It could cruise at 7 knots or at 27 knots and get about 1 nmpg at 27 knots.

OK, this has turned out to be a disconcerting thread...

I'm on a steep learning curve here, which is fine... that's why I came here; but I had kind of settled on the idea of a 50-something foot displacement Trawler (preferably with a steel hull) for several reasons. One of the big ones was sea-worthiness. I don't know that I would ever sail to Europe, but I certainly would want to be ABLE to do so. At the very least I would envision the sort of use that would qualify as genuine "Blue Water" travel. Trips to Bermuda and Hudson Bay if nothing else.

So, what makes a boat "sea worthy"? What defines the difference between a coastal cruiser and "passage-maker"?

Greetings,
Mr. MC. My take on this. Seaworthy is a very vague term. A dug-out canoe can be accurately described as "seaworthy".

MC Escher said:

OK, this has turned out to be a disconcerting thread...

I'm on a steep learning curve here, which is fine... that's why I came here; but I had kind of settled on the idea of a 50-something foot displacement Trawler (preferably with a steel hull) for several reasons. One of the big ones was sea-worthiness. I don't know that I would ever sail to Europe, but I certainly would want to be ABLE to do so. At the very least I would envision the sort of use that would qualify as genuine "Blue Water" travel. Trips to Bermuda and Hudson Bay if nothing else.

So, what makes a boat "sea worthy"? What defines the difference between a coastal cruiser and "passage-maker"?

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There is no single definition of sea worthy or blue water or passage maker. Just some more capable than others. For the area you're discussing most 50 foot steel trawlers would be quite capable. You would want to select your window to Bermuda carefully simply because the transit time would be so great, requiring you 3 days for many trawlers.

There are 50' steel trawlers capable of crossing oceans. Now, as to sea worthy it's not just the boat. Handling seas is often more dependent on the seamanship of the captain.

Don't extrapolate the answer to one question, which was must the OP have a trawler, to impact your choice.

MC Escher said:

OK, this has turned out to be a disconcerting thread...

I'm on a steep learning curve here, which is fine... that's why I came here; but I had kind of settled on the idea of a 50-something foot displacement Trawler (preferably with a steel hull) for several reasons. One of the big ones was sea-worthiness. I don't know that I would ever sail to Europe, but I certainly would want to be ABLE to do so. At the very least I would envision the sort of use that would qualify as genuine "Blue Water" travel. Trips to Bermuda and Hudson Bay if nothing else.

So, what makes a boat "sea worthy"? What defines the difference between a coastal cruiser and "passage-maker"?

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A coastal cruiser has the ability to cruise in the ocean between ports.
A passagemaker has the ability to cross oceans.

As a FYI the longest distance that I can find between places to avoid bad weather in North America is 210NM between Yakutat and Hinchinbrook island Alaska. The longest distance that I've been able to find between fuel is a little more than that at 240 NM between Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria Mexico. Turtle Bay to Cabo is 410NM, if you don't call ahead at Bahia Santa Maria. In the USA we have Yakutat to Whittier, Alaska at 260NM.

So, any boat that can make 210NM within a reasonable weather forecasting range of 72 hours, and have a total safe fuel range of over 300NM should be considered to be capable of coastal cruising in North America.

I have an idea...

Www.whydoineedatrawler-forum.com

:lol: :lol:

Baker said:

I have an idea... Www.whydoineedatrawler-forum.com :lol: :lol:

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Sorry Baker, I was denied access.

Xraycharlie said:

If I am going to do exclusively coastal cruising and don't plan any trips further than the Keys and the Bahamas why do I need a trawler?

Can't I just buy a boat like the Meridian 341 or Bayliner 3587 and coastal cruise in that. The initial purchase price on these boats is considerably less than a trawler with considerably more amenities.

Click to expand...

I thought about that same question as I looked into buying or building a vessel like this Pilgrim 40:
http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/redesigning-pilgrim-40-trawler-canal-boat-11212.html

I love the looks of this vessel, and its liveability in only 40 feet.

BUT, as I got to looking around in the used market for power cruisers, there are certainly some nice appealing deals out there right now. So much so that it cast a lot of doubts about getting into the building of new vessels until this glut of used ones get bought up.

CPseudonym said:

Sorry Baker, I was denied access.

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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

And to the OP......the simple answer is...you don't. It all depends on what you want to do with the boat and what your expectations are. I think the question alone says that you have somewhat of a "mature" view on boats in general. There is no reason to pigeon hole a particular type of boat unless you want it for a particular reason. My point being...people fantasize about boats. The problem comes when the fantasy falls short of reality. When that happens, the boat sits unused. So you are already questioning the "fantasy" of buying a particular type of boat...in this case, a trawler...and thinking in practical terms without getting caught up on a particular type based on emotion or what people think you should have.

I don't know if that makes sense. Bottom line is that you have to be honest with yourself in how you will use the boat. And then you get a boat to fit the mission. I know that sounds overly simple but it is true. I live in one of the largest sailboat populations in the country. And I see Hans Christian after Tayana after Pacific Seacraft after Island Packet.........just SIT!!! Why???? Because those people had a dream of blue water sailing when in reality they would just be weekenders. Those boats mentioned aren't the greatest boats for weekending. They are heavy...full keeled(except Pac Seacraft)...hard to maneuver in tight places...and overall not good light air boats. SO the dream trumped reality and the boat becomes a burden to take out instead of a joy. SO the boat sits......

And if you are considering gas over diesel...... I have not owned diesel boats because of fuel economy. Fuel economy is about 4 down the list when it comes to advantages of diesel over gas. Ahead of that is carbon monoxide poisoning...explosion hazard....engine longevity....engine reliability....then fuel efficiency...okay, number 5.

A very few trawlers , perhaps 1 in 100 have the construction scantlings , and all the compromises required for a Blue Water Passage.

There are very pricy ( perhaps 300% for the same size) and only needed by a few folks , so few are ever built.

Whatever you choose would be fine for Brown Water cruising.

If you can,, the looks of the boat should delight you ,

a Roomasran or quality house boat may work fine , but a beach ball is hard to love.

FF said:

a Roomasran or quality house boat may work fine , but a beach ball is hard to love.

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No truer words were ever spoken....

Hey FF, I love my beach ball. And the real bonus is chilling in the oxygen tent at anchor with a sundowner in hand!!!

AS they say , Beauty is in the eye of the beholder , , Baskin Robbins has dozens of flavors.

Nothing is ever better than what works for YOU!

WE seldom Strut the Yachty Club Dock , so our work boat look does fine by us.

FF said:

Nothing is ever better than what works for YOU!

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The quote of the year right there!!!

But I was just poking fun at your "redneck eloquence"!!!...

It all depends on how much time and money you have. If you need to get there quick and fuel economy is not a consideration, you don't need a trawler. If you have plenty of time and want to operate on a budget, then a trawler is it. You and you only can decide what your cruising style will be like.

There are plenty of variations too. There are what is sometimes labelled as "Fast Trawlers" but those with trawler design, semi-displacement hulls and capable of 20 knots. Grand Banks is a good example. Then you also can go to some of the older MY's and while more expensive to operate many are very worthy boats, such as Hatteras. Or go the route of a tug.

Many people who do "trawler boating" do not have Trawlers.

BandB said:

There are plenty of variations too. There are what is sometimes labelled as "Fast Trawlers" but those with trawler design, semi-displacement hulls and capable of 20 knots. Grand Banks is a good example. Then you also can go to some of the older MY's and while more expensive to operate many are very worthy boats, such as Hatteras. Or go the route of a tug.

Many people who do "trawler boating" do not have Trawlers.

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All very excellent points!!! It does't have to be as black and white as windmill is saying it is. I know he was just making a simple point. I went from sailboats to a displacement speed trawler to a planing semi-planing boat...and now I have a modified V fully planing boat(I must be in a continuous state of reversion.. ) Get what you want but realize the limitations of your choice and that there is no free lunch. For example, a semi-planing boat does just fine on plane but realize that it is not as efficient as a planing hull while planing. And realize that a planing boat at displacement speeds can be not-so-fun in a rough seaway. Just things like that. But in the end, get what is right for you!!! And ask tons of questions like the one that started this thread!

PS...FYI....Grand Banks has been making planing hull boats for about a decade now with their Heritage series as well as East Bay.

Baker said:

All very excellent points!!! It does't have to be as black and white as windmill is saying it is. I know he was just making a simple point. I went from sailboats to a displacement speed trawler to a planing semi-planing boat...and now I have a modified V fully planing boat(I must be in a continuous state of reversion.. ) Get what you want but realize the limitations of your choice and that there is no free lunch. For example, a semi-planing boat does just fine on plane but realize that it is not as efficient as a planing hull while planing. And realize that a planing boat at displacement speeds can be not-so-fun in a rough seaway. Just things like that. But in the end, get what is right for you!!! And ask tons of questions like the one that started this thread!

PS...FYI....Grand Banks has been making planing hull boats for about a decade now with their Heritage series as well as East Bay.

Click to expand...

GB Heritage and Aleutians are boats I would consider at the upper edge of semi-displacement although I also understand you terming them as planing. Maybe slow planing. At displacement speeds they tend to plow a bit through the water, so give a displacement comfort ride but not as economic as a displacement boat would.

A couple of things GB has also done in moving away from their history is they don't offer any single engine models now, nor anything under 43'. I find that a bit disturbing as that was part of their bread and butter at one time. They sold a lot of 32' and 36' boats.

Every boat is a compromise and the key to selecting one is determining what things are most important to you, where you can compromise, and what you just absolutely can't be comfortable compromising on. Buying a boat is like buying a house and car at the same time and the cars are each tied one to one with the house. So you can't mix car D with house B.

There are some more recent and smaller entries into this market too. One I find most interesting is Elling. As a trawler for the loop, they're well designed. On the other hand, I prefer a flybridge.

Bering fits a unique niche as a steel trawler starting with 50'. There aren't a lot of steel boats in that range.

BandB said:

GB Heritage and Aleutians are boats I would consider at the upper edge of semi-displacement although I also understand you terming them as planing.

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With all due respect, it has nothing to do with what I "term them". I did not "term them". Grand Banks did. Ray Hunt played a major roll in hull design as did Sparkman and Stephens. Google is your friend...check it out. People wanted faster boats. And in 2005, Grand Banks obliged them....with a modified V planing hull.

I think this is an excerpt from Passagemanker Magazine....

<<The look is unmistakably Grand Banks; the timeless profile with molded-in faux planking, teak planked transom, flawless gelcoat, highly polished stainless steel, oversized cleats and hawses, and seriously wide side decks—everywhere you look this yacht connotes upscale quality and experience. The topsides are fuller, the radiused corners are more rounded, and the bow has more rake. There’s noticeably less frilly teak on deck.

This new design has a modified-V planing hull with running gear recessed in tunnels, and there’s a whole lot more going on under the water. Displacing 41,000 lb., she’s powered by two 6.7-liter Cummins 480hp diesels mated to Zeus pod drives, which have rear-facing counter-rotating stainless steel propellers. The 43 EU is designed from the keel up to be a planing boat—but one that can also cruise comfortably at lower, more economical speeds. That’s a claim made by many so-called “fast trawlers,” but this boat really pulls off the fast trawler trick because the Zeus drives deliver exceptional maneuverability at both low speeds and high. I found this yacht like driving a sports car: sure-footed, silky-smooth, and easy to handle at all speeds.

POLITE WAKE

Unlike my vintage semi-displacement Grand Bankses, which created big wakes trying to climb over the bow wave at anything above 9 knots, this new GB 43 EU moves right on up and over the bow wave, flattens out as she comes on plane, and leaves a polite wake at a fast cruise>>

Trawler Style cruising usually means cruising at .9 to 1.15 X the SQ RT of the LWL.

Thats where its CHEAP to operate , its the speed ,not the hull shape or weather the deckhouse is 50s retro or egg modern.

Folks that desire to cruise slow usually attempt to maximise on the economy so chose single engine and a non plaining hull.