Outboard powered Trawlers?

Ski in NC said:

OB's have one distinct advantage. Aixnything that goes wrong with it can be fixed with the "four bolt tuneup"!!!

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Quite frankly, this is one of the things that most appeal to me. An engine at $3k with a five year guarantee is essentially disposable. $600 a year is $50 a month for a motor. When I do the math on Seaweed's Beast (the gasoline monster) followed by BOB (blown bearing, etc.) ... well...

At present we are working with a much newer Kubota (from Yanmar Tractors/Parts/Service) and all is progressing well. Just this past Thursday we (that's the "royal" we, in that I mean my mechanic) located the flywheel needed for just $50 on eBay. Still gathering all required to turn this 18hp into a marine motor.

I am blessed.
But being able to unbolt and have fixed has definite appeal. Or, being able to get myself out of harms way -- an auxilary motor can do that too. The outboard isn't a today, or even next year event. But some day... well, yes.

In the meantime, I'm semi-actively searching for the motor mount so that part will be on hand when needed.
That's life from Carrabelle.

Oh, and here's a sneak peek at my new engine when it arrived:

janice142 said:

Quite frankly, this is one of the things that most appeal to me. An engine at $3k with a five year guarantee is essentially disposable. $600 a year is $50 a month for a motor. When I do the math on Seaweed's Beast (the gasoline monster) followed by BOB (blown bearing, etc.) ... well...

At present we are working with a much newer Kubota (from Yanmar Tractors/Parts/Service) and all is progressing well. Just this past Thursday we (that's the "royal" we, in that I mean my mechanic) located the flywheel needed for just $50 on eBay. Still gathering all required to turn this 18hp into a marine motor.

I am blessed.
But being able to unbolt and have fixed has definite appeal. Or, being able to get myself out of harms way -- an auxilary motor can do that too. The outboard isn't a today, or even next year event. But some day... well, yes.

In the meantime, I'm semi-actively searching for the motor mount so that part will be on hand when needed.
That's life from Carrabelle.

Oh, and here's a sneak peek at my new engine when it arrived:

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Remember that the OB leg should be as close to the transom as possible, otherwise it will suck air (ventilate) upstream of the prop, as there is massive suction in this area with a fast turning prop like a fine pitch OB revving at 3500revs. That's no problem with a flat bottomed or vee section OB bracket that goes down to the bottom of the transom; this will allow you to tilt up the motor.

RustyB- Yep you have shown what is the standard conversion here in Southeast Alaska. There are any number of similar outfitted conversions. While you are showing a "New" application, we (U.S) have many.
Grady White as an example, is a leader in this field.
In the end it is what "Turns your Crank" on boating.

CP-Okay, now I see the relationship. The subject had Rusty known, would have/should have begun in one of the two catagory instead of "General Discussion":dance;

Good point for future submissions-Thanks

Al said:

RustyB- Yep you have shown what is the standard conversion here in Southeast Alaska. There are any number of similar outfitted conversions. While you are showing a "New" application, we (U.S) have many.
Grady White as an example, is a leader in this field.
In the end it is what "Turns your Crank" on boating.

CP-Okay, now I see the relationship. The subject had Rusty known, would have/should have begun in one of the two catagory instead of "General Discussion":dance;

Good point for future submissions-Thanks

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Just looking at the Grady 33 canon. It weighs 4 tons, that sure is heavy in comparison to the alloy boat in post 1 which weighed about 3 tons.

Question : do you think the alloy 32' in post 1 is too light to operate as a sea boat?
How do Grady's go at displ. Speeds: do they have the ' vee weave'?

Is an outboard motor a good power choice for a trawler? Well, let's look at how many trawlers are or were offered by the manufacturer with outboard power. Very, very few and they are all really small trawlers. Rosborough comes to mind.

rwidman said:

Is an outboard motor a good power choice for a trawler? Well, let's look at how many trawlers are or were offered by the manufacturer with outboard power. Very, very few and they are all really small trawlers. Rosborough comes to mind.

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I agree in principle with what you're saying, but let me put my case

I Can't afford a recent model of trawler.
Buying an Old trawler could be buying someone else's problems.
I've heard horror stories of expensive custom made bits for out of production engines/new gearboxes/ heat exchangers/ rebuilt turbo's/diesel tanks / etc.

For say $100k:
I can buy a fabricated alloy hull 32' $64k
Fitting out home made windows: $3k
Outboard Suzuki 300 hp single $30k
Rigging steering etc: $1k

Let's call it $100k for brand knew 2014 boat with brand new outboard Vs 20 year old GB 32 with old redundant engines and jaded interior.....

Which do you choose?

Rustybarge said:

I agree in principle with what you're saying, but let me put my case

I Can't afford a recent model of trawler.
Buying an Old trawler could be buying someone else's problems.
I've heard horror stories of expensive custom made bits for out of production engines/new gearboxes/ heat exchangers/ rebuilt turbo's/diesel tanks / etc.

For say $100k:
I can buy a fabricated alloy hull 32' $64k
Fitting out home made windows: $3k
Outboard Suzuki 300 hp single $30k
Rigging steering etc: $1k

Let's call it $100k for brand knew 2014 boat with brand new outboard Vs 30 year old GB 32 with old redundant engines and jaded interior.....

Which do you choose?

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Well you asked, I chose the GB. Trusted and true and fits the boating I do.

Sorry but you asked, I have an outboard where it belongs on my 20" Pathfinder, and a 30 year old diesel on the forward end of my prop-shaft on the Pilgrim.

SCOTTEDAVIS said:

Well you asked, I chose the GB. Trusted and true and fits the boating I do.

Sorry but you asked, I have an outboard where it belongs on my 20" Pathfinder, and a 30 year old diesel on the forward end of my prop-shaft on the Pilgrim.

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I'm not proposing putting an outboards on a GB!!!

Is an outboard motor a good power choice for a trawler? Well, let's look at how many trawlers are or were offered by the manufacturer with outboard power. Very, very few and they are all really small trawlers. Rosborough comes to mind.

rwidman said:

Is an outboard motor a good power choice for a trawler? Well, let's look at how many trawlers are or were offered by the manufacturer with outboard power. Very, very few and they are all really small trawlers. Rosborough comes to mind.

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Just in case you missed the first post: 32 FT Commercial Crab Boat (1442) | Aluminum Boat Plans & Designs by Specmar

The boat in question, is it a trawler? It's light at only 3 tons, but it has the reverse tilted windows, looks like a commercial boat, is used by bona fide fishermen to make their living.

Has a GB ever been used as a beam trawler to drag nets over the sea bed?
Is it a commercial trawler design? Do lots of fishermen use them for fishing?

I'd say the crab boat is more of a trawler than the GB, and it's specifically designed for OB's even though it's designed for professional users.

Rustybarge said:

Just in case you missed the first post: 32 FT Commercial Crab Boat (1442) | Aluminum Boat Plans & Designs by Specmar

The boat in question, is it a trawler? It's light at only 3 tons, but it has the reverse tilted windows, looks like a commercial boat, is used by bona fide fishermen to make their living.

Has a GB ever been used as a beam trawler to drag nets over the sea bed?
Is it a commercial trawler design? Do lots of fishermen use them for fishing?

I'd say the crab boat is more of a trawler than the GB, and it's specifically designed for OB's even though it's designed for professional users.

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Ok if that is what you think, so be it. I really don't understand the question, if you like the boat and it fits you're mission the go for it.


Whats the problem, are you looking for validation or a support group??

Who cares about nets dragging, are you going to drag nets??

Are you fishing or cruising???

Rustybarge said:

I'm not proposing putting an outboards on a GB!!!

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I know

I would also draw the comparison between an 'ordinary' outboard that operates at trolling speed for extended periods. It is found more economical to actually fix a lower HP on to troll around at 6 knots or so and alleviate the low rpm main engine abuse. Then when you want to 'run home' from the fishing grounds you use the high speed engine.

The main distinction being, on a trawler you 'rush home' at the same 6 knots that you were fishing at!

Peter....whatever you do, don't make this thread a debate on what boat is closer to a trawler. To use a phrase coined by Marin, there are more "wannabe" trawlers out there than real ones. The subject being....what boat of your choices and options would serve you best. You make a good point about having a newer vessel that would be somewhat "trawler like", but even more important, would serve you better. The choices between the GB and the vessel you are suggesting are pretty extreme. I'd take the GB also. It's the style of boating.

I'm out of here !

Peter,
Okay, darn it, I am back!! Here is a site reflecting the post of #1.
Will this manufacture construct a boat to meet your critieria Peter? Maybe and maybe you can find a builder or constructed boat similar.
Run it at a slow RPM and the sea quality will reflect a SD hull. That is what I see here in Alaska where these style boats are used for commercial
and family pleasure.
By the way, the 32 foot Grand Bank is a single. If it is 20 years old I would think it is fiberglass, could be wrong on that.
Al



Tuff Boat Welded aluminum boats for work and fishing

After saying "Out of here" switched to our local online news blog site. found this advertisement currently in our area for sale.

21FT ALUMINUM TUFF BOAT
ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES!

-GARMIN GPS
-GARMIN SOUNDER
-HONDA POT PULLER
-NEW TRAILER
=95HP HONDA 4 STROKE
=5HP 4 STOKE HONDA
- MUCH MORE

PRICE: 20K (DEAL OF THE SEASON)

Another boat for sale on our local online blog site:
A common conversion of a former I/O boat to OB. So common as to not be unusual as a first choice over new engine/outdrive.

Staying with my 6.plus knot pocket trawler, like the comfort, time on the water watching and enjoying the passing shoreline with my Sirius radio ear head set tuned to Willie's Road House, cup of "gas boat" coffee.
So much is missed pounding through the water watching for drift and raising hell on the kidneys. Just saying.
Al



Boat for Sale
26 foot Olympic XL Hardtop with 225 hp Honda Outboard (20 hours) and 15 hp High Thrust Honda Kicker. Both Engines excellent condition & just like new! Both with 3 year warranty remaining. Rigged for sportfishing / dual station hydraulic steering. Includes Scotty Pro-Pak Downriggers, King 3-axle Galvanized Trailer in very good condition. New Stand-up Head. Lots of gear and too many extras to list. $35,000.00 OBO call 617-2413 Serious inquiries only.

Posted: Sat, 30 Aug. 2014
Expires: Mon, 29 Sep. 2014

Al, nothing at all wrong with the aluminum work boats you or the op brought up. But if you or he think they will give their optimum ride quality in lumpy water at 6 knots you are both kidding yourself. They are all planing hulls and as the owner of a planing hull can tell you that while they can run 6 knots all day every day when the water is calm, they are going to ride much better at the higher speed they are designed for when conditions get lumpy. Planing hulls are great for short weather window running or getting outta Dodge before the weather lands. But the only way to keep from falling out of your helm chair in snotty weather is to speed up or buckle a seat belt and my Owens ain't got seat belts.

Right CP. As I struggle along at 6 knots in a 27 foot boat in 3 foot seas, that aluminum boat with 300 plus hp is crashing along at 20 plus. They rarely drop down to displacement mode. At least not in my part of the country, full balls ahead!!!! No seat belts or comfortable helm seats, Sea Hawks seat cushion maybe , hanging on and a hearty wave as they fly by.
Two worlds CP. I do not have a planning hull. My hull it is a never going to exceed 7 knots with a fair tide. You have a hull that given the go ahead, would make a respectful 12-14 knots I'd suspect.
I'd agree if you were popping along at that speed you would be miserable as I am at the 5-6 knots, however were we side by side when that big 30 foot size aluminum hull came whipping by at that 20 plus knots, that captain would still wave at both of us!!
I think CP, we agree just with different strokes.
Al

healhustler said:

Here's the Rosborough 246 and the Motorcat MC-30.

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That Roseborough is a lot of boat in 24'. I have seen them up and down the ICW. Covered aft decks with room for dinghy and kayaks on the roof. Decent accommodations. A four stroke outboard would be my choice of power. Quiet and economical cruising.

Al said:

You have a hull that given the go ahead, would make a respectful 12-14 knots I'd suspect.
Al

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Try GPS verified 32 in flat calm water trimmed out


It's gonna kill me to give up that speed someday but this engine has way more horsepower than should really be in this boat. Passes everything but a fuel dock.

CPseudonym said:

Passes everything but a fuel dock.

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83 posts if you count Ron's.

There are trawlers and there are outboard boats.

manyboats said:

83 posts if you count Ron's.

There are trawlers and there are outboard boats.

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Agreed Eric. I think the 4 stroke outboard was a game changer. You can run them fast or slow. A good turn of speed when needed is a good thing. You can also use a small say 40 hp outboard with a 15 hp kicker for fishing and a get home engine. For protected water cruising I like the Roseborough. I have had them pull into an anchorage with me many times. Two came into Pelican Bay one night. Both carrying boats on the roof top. I think the 4 stroke outboard will carve out a niche on cruising boats.

manyboats said:

There are trawlers and there are outboard boats.

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Very well put Erik!

If it has not been mentioned what about a OB down east type. These boats are proven seaworthy and can run economically slow or faster and there is a wide selection from 24 to 30 foot many are trailer capable. To look into this try Downeast form for leads to this type.

Moonstruck said:

That Roseborough is a lot of boat in 24'. I have seen them up and down the ICW. Covered aft decks with room for dinghy and kayaks on the roof. Decent accommodations. A four stroke outboard would be my choice of power. Quiet and economical cruising.

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It must be, Don. One our most prolific and knowlegeable Manatee cruisers just sold his boat and plans to downsize to a Rosborough with outboard power. He and his Admiral want the peace and quiet.

Al said:

By the way, the 32 foot Grand Bank is a single. If it is 20 years old I would think it is fiberglass, could be wrong on that.

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You are correct.

Rustybarge said:

The boat in question, is it a trawler? It's light at only 3 tons, but it has the reverse tilted windows, looks like a commercial boat, is used by bona fide fishermen to make their living.

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It's good that you mentioned the reverse slanted windows, no doubt, the accepted mark of any serious trawler or trawler style of vessel.

Didn't anybody, anybody advise Rustybarge about slanted windows and anchors?? Sheeeee here goes the thread!! From OB powered boats to slanted windows in five pages. I guess in the schema of things this qualifies theam creep. Damn! I love this forum!!:lol:

Al