40' to 50' Trawler

[Donna]

Not judging here. Just skeptical with all the scams out there. When taking on a boat, the maintenance alone runs into the thousands of dollars a year. Who is going to support that? Is it fair to expect the congregation to support the cost of maintaining such an endeavor for a select few? Ie: fuel, dockage, washing, painting, waxing, engine maintenance, fluid changes, leaking heads that need to be replaced, food, water, extra impellers, hoses, canvas repairs, bottom paint and monthly diver costs, replacing zincs and this is just a short list. We all know the costs that go into fixing and maintaining a boat. The list goes on.

[Fishing Fool]

Hi thorhooked:

Don't be dismayed by the negative answers and comments coming from this thread. You're doing a great thing and your heart is in the right place. You need to forgive these people and ignore them.

I understand where you're coming from and what you're trying to accomplish. My wife and I have similar aspirations when we retire. Currently we are in full-time pastoral ministry and have been for the past 34 years; and we have done extensive missionary work in the Caribbean and Central & South America.

We have brought teams of workers and helpers to many different countries in these areas to help, churches, schools, pastors, campgrounds, etc. We have also done lots of hurricane relief work and helped in these areas too. It has been a very rewarding life!

I also have a similar background as you, I too am a former diesel mechanic, welder, commercial fisherman, and my boating experience, and different my skill sets are varied and extensive also.

As a personal note, we purchased a 36' Grand Banks Classic Trawler that we plan on using for ministry when we retire and after owning it for a year, we realize that its probably NOT going to be big enough for our vision. So we are looking for something 48' or bigger. We also set up a 501-c3 non-profit organization with a board of directors made up of some great business men to help guide us in this ministry when we retire.

Just as an FYI, I have a friend in Maine who has been a very successful general contractor that bought a 80' motor yacht and does exactly the same thing as you want to do with your future boat. They keep their boat in the Bahamas and He invites pastors, missionaries, and other ministry related folks to come and stay on their yacht for a week at a time, and enjoy some R & R and spiritual renewal. This is all for free too. Of course, they have to work around hurricane season just as you do winter on the loop.

Those of us in ministry know that the average pastor in America is not well paid and works another job to make ends meet. He's also not on TV, doesn't have any published books or movies. They are pastors of a church that averages about 50 on Sunday mornings. Therefore they could hardly afford a retreat like this. As you know, I'm not knocking those that God has chosen to have a more public and larger ministry, I'm just saying that the great majority of pastors struggle to make ends meet.

I say all of this as an encouragement to you. You're doing great thing. I'd love to spend a week on your boat, somewhere on the loop, in our beautiful land and enjoy the creation! I get it. How it gets paid for is nobody's business. And you and I both know that there are lots of people who give away boats, cars, houses, planes and other things of value to many different charities around the world. I hear of it and see it all the time. I'm also a licensed yacht broker in Florida, working with a reputable company, so I speak from real knowledge and experience.

God bless you and your family and keep up the vision!!!

This is meant as personal message to thorhooked and to my friends here on the Trawler Forum, unless you have a positive response, please keep it to yourself and let's all stay nice and friendly and positive to another and treat people as you would like to be treated.

[siestakey]

Originally Posted by Fishing Fool

Hi thorhooked:

Don't be dismayed by the negative answers and comments coming from this thread. You're doing a great thing and your heart is in the right place. You need to forgive these people and ignore them.

I understand where you're coming from and what you're trying to accomplish. My wife and I have similar aspirations when we retire. Currently we are in full-time pastoral ministry and have been for the past 34 years; and we have done extensive missionary work in the Caribbean and Central & South America.

We have brought teams of workers and helpers to many different countries in these areas to help, churches, schools, pastors, campgrounds, etc. We have also done lots of hurricane relief work and helped in these areas too. It has been a very rewarding life!

I also have a similar background as you, I too am a former diesel mechanic, welder, commercial fisherman, and my boating experience, and different my skill sets are varied and extensive also.

As a personal note, we purchased a 36' Grand Banks Classic Trawler that we plan on using for ministry when we retire and after owning it for a year, we realize that its probably NOT going to be big enough for our vision. So we are looking for something 48' or bigger. We also set up a 501-c3 non-profit organization with a board of directors made up of some great business men to help guide us in this ministry when we retire.

Just as an FYI, I have a friend in Maine who has been a very successful general contractor that bought a 80' motor yacht and does exactly the same thing as you want to do with your future boat. They keep their boat in the Bahamas and He invites pastors, missionaries, and other ministry related folks to come and stay on their yacht for a week at a time, and enjoy some R & R and spiritual renewal. This is all for free too. Of course, they have to work around hurricane season just as you do winter on the loop.

Those of us in ministry know that the average pastor in America is not well paid and works another job to make ends meet. He's also not on TV, doesn't have any published books or movies. They are pastors of a church that averages about 50 on Sunday mornings. Therefore they could hardly afford a retreat like this. As you know, I'm not knocking those that God has chosen to have a more public and larger ministry, I'm just saying that the great majority of pastors struggle to make ends meet.

I say all of this as an encouragement to you. You're doing great thing. I'd love to spend a week on your boat, somewhere on the loop, in our beautiful land and enjoy the creation! I get it. How it gets paid for is nobody's business. And you and I both know that there are lots of people who give away boats, cars, houses, planes and other things of value to many different charities around the world. I hear of it and see it all the time. I'm also a licensed yacht broker in Florida, working with a reputable company, so I speak from real knowledge and experience.

God bless you and your family and keep up the vision!!!

This is meant as personal message to thorhooked and to my friends here on the Trawler Forum, unless you have a positive response, please keep it to yourself and let's all stay nice and friendly and positive to another and treat people as you would like to be treated.

Thanks well said

[OldDan1943]

Be careful when ferrying supplies to shore.
I know of one couple who accepted hurricane relief supplies from a 'disabled' larger boat, anchored off shore, with the innocent intentions to ferry relief supplies to shore. The mistake they made was not having the necessary paper work. The police decided to arrest the couple, they spent the night in the police station. They were fined a fair amount of money and the court would only accept cash. Not to worry, the Police drove them around to the various ATMs so they could get enough cash to pay the fine.
Wasn't that considerate of the police?
The lesson to learn is, even though your intentions are honorable, make sure you have the necessary, required paper work. Make a trip to shore unladen to find out what paper work is necessary to bring in the relief supplies.

[dhays]

So back to the boat.... There are a lot of boats that I’m not familiar with, but I don’t know of a design that seems like would suit your purpose in that price range. I think you may need to look in the 50+ size range to get three decent sized cabins and the privacy that you would need.

[Art]

Originally Posted by Island Cessna

Here’s an experienced purpose-built boat for you. Chelsea (Power) Boats For Sale

Hey, IC - that's cool of you to provide that link. Probably be a very serviceable boat for Thor's "loop needs" apparent. But... he better know how to handle and care for that pretty ol' baby!

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Art

Hey, IC - that's cool of you to provide that link. Probably be a very serviceable boat for Thor's "loop needs" apparent. But... he better know how to handle and care for that pretty ol' baby!

Doesn't meet his basic requirements of three staterooms. Doesn't meet his price range of $95k.

[Art]

Originally Posted by BandB

Doesn't meet his basic requirements of three staterooms. Doesn't meet his price range of $95k.

BB... Ya gotta start somewhere... make an offer Thor. You can work out accommodations on a boat that size.

However, and seriously... in addition to your other items of knowledge and background you mentioned in previous posts... GOD, knows - you better be really good at wood working too; or else, chalk this pretty ol' woody pleasure boat right off your list!

Good luck finding what you want and doing as you plan!

Amen

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Art

BB... Ya gotta start somewhere... make an offer Thor. You can work out accommodations on a boat that size.

However, and seriously... in addition to your other items of knowledge and background you mentioned in previous posts... GOD, knows - you better be really good at wood working too; or else, chalk this pretty ol' woody pleasure boat right off your list!

Good luck finding what you want and doing as you plan!

Amen

Someone posts their requirements, I try to only make suggestions that meet those requirements or tell the person it's impossible and they need to modify their requirements.

[Art]

Originally Posted by BandB

Someone posts their requirements, I try to only make suggestions that meet those requirements or tell the person it's impossible and they need to modify their requirements.

You recall Sgt. Joe Friday on TV show "Dragnet" "Facts Ma'am... just the facts!" LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMIZGrgWOO4

[1mick1jim]

Originally Posted by thorhooked

Wanted: Trawler, lightly used dependable, 40 to 50 foot long with max bridge clearance of not over 19 feet.

The trawler will be used for Ministerial work while traveling the Great Loop. Must be large enough to accommodate a crew of 4 and 2 guest. Using it for a Sabbatical Retreat facility for Clergy as we travel from port to port on the Great Loop. Offering Pastors and Ministerial Staff a place for prayer, worship, study, meditation and relaxation.

We have a 43 foot 1983 Ocean Alexander Trawler, fully redone and beautiful. Perfect live-aboard! We have just moved off the water and for medical reasons have to sell our Trawler. She has been reduced to $99,900 from $126,900 for a quick sale. Call for details --- 941-833-9181

[Judy at JWY]

I don't check in on Trawler Forums very often and reading this thread reminds me of why.

So the OP's big sin was that in post #1, he stated what he wanted to do with his trawler.

Several years ago, I had a minister contact me from BC and he wanted a trawler for ministerial work in Central America. I sold him a boat that was in Newfoundland. Once he got to Central America, he started a website with pictures of his ministering to locals in areas not easily accessible by land. His crew was his wife and 2 children (maybe 10 & 12?). While I was skeptical of his goals, I would occasionally check his website and I gotta tell you, I was impressed with his success in meeting his goals. We never discussed religion, just finding an appropriate boat for his purpose. Not sure the OP deserved getting 5 pages of mostly unrelated responses to his request for help from this group.

Tough group here. Surprising and disappointing.

Judy

[RonE]

Sounds like Thorhooked has a plan and has skills that will be valuable. If he is not careful he might find himself coming home with more money than he left with. Boats break and it seems like he might be able to fix most mechanical failures. From the start of this thread it seems that he "will have about $95K". Is he selling his house in Galveston and using the proceeds to begin the trip? He seems to have been planning this trip for several years and one should wish him luck. There are shipyards and marinas along the way, many of which need good diesel mechanics, so he should be able to offer his services to those he wishes to help and still be able to work his way around the loop. I wish him fair winds and smooth seas.

[manny navarro]

Originally Posted by thorhooked

Wanted: Trawler, lightly used dependable, 40 to 50 foot long with max bridge clearance of not over 19 feet.

The trawler will be used for Ministerial work while traveling the Great Loop. Must be large enough to accommodate a crew of 4 and 2 guest. Using it for a Sabbatical Retreat facility for Clergy as we travel from port to port on the Great Loop. Offering Pastors and Ministerial Staff a place for prayer, worship, study, meditation and relaxation.

Hello
I have a "De Fever 48 " , 1982 Totally rebuilt 2010
new engines cummins 500hp, 450hours, power plant, shaft, propellers,
a/a, water maker, stabilizers, many new extras, excellent price and mind
condition ready to navegate : more info email : m.navarro.sosa@gmail.com

[PhatDad]

95k, you find the boat you want at that price point and it will be a miracle.

[32blackfin]

I have a 2001 53' Selene with Twin 220 John Deere engines with low hours, Bow Truster,12KW Gen , Loaded , clean and ready to go. Arch will lay down to clear 19' . Ask is $595,000 but will present offers . Capt Chitwood 941 383 5232 (Sarasota Florida)

[NorWyn]

The guy has a dream.....shocking in a boater!

Not my dream (or perhaps yours) but why is it necessary to dump on it?

I’m with others who are a bit taken aback by some of the responses to this thread.

Good luck, Thor.

[Restitution]

Hey Fletch Baby, the man simply stated what he wants to use the boat for. No different than for fishing, towing, selling tacos, etc. It helps with the blog to know what he is using it for. Where are you from Fletch?.... Oh, I see.... So Cal. I get it now.


Very well put NorWyn. Best of luck to you Thor and safe travels in whatever boat you find.

Sam

[RonE]

Thor...……….Look for a 42' Grand Banks....two bedrooms, two baths...…….Let your daughter and granddaughter sleep in the salon when guests are aboard. Older 42' GB's can be had for around $60K in pretty good and seaworthy condition. Good luck with your plan.

[Benthic2]

A forum like this is to share opinions and experience. The OP explained his plan and people gave feedback on his plan. That is the essence of an internet forum. Are people supposed to only give positive feedback so the OP's feelings don't get hurt ?

If I asked what kind of row boat should I use to row to Bermuda, should everyone just recomend a nice row boat and wish me luck ???

If people think his plan is not a good one, they should say so....and many have done just that.