In the market for my first trawler for the Great LooP

[Art]

IMO - You know how to handle single screw sail boat... that means a single or twin screw trawler is eazie pizie for you to learn to handle.

Get an older, good condition 34 to 36 foot tri cabin for comfort. There are boats in good condition in mid 30 to mid 50 thousand dollar costs. Do some shopping!

Then spend a couple weeks learning how to handle it, making sure it's in good running condition and stocking it.

Then get it on and do the loop. Cruising a boat in protected waters is not rocket science; it is FUN!.

[FOG]

I went from many sailboats in California and bought a trawler to do the Loop here on the East Coast. Made a list of my priorities and went shopping.

Operating my twin screw trawler is different than a sailboat. But the basics are still the same. Good luck.

[BruceK]

With relative inexperience, I suggest avoid gasoline engines. Diesel is safer, marine mechanics probably see more diesels than gassers, it costs less, but mostly, it`s a safety issue. Unless you are well attuned to gasoline safety in the enclosed marine environment, and some certainly are and are 100% comfortable with it, it`s an added responsibility you could do without. I`ve seen what can happen, it`s not pretty.

[ksanders]

I do not see a challenge here.

Get away from the computer and go look at real boats for sale in your size and price range.

You will very quickly figure out what you like.

The trick is to stop web surfing and get dock walking.

Too many people nowdays with the internet, in my opinion do too much analyzing and not enough looking at actual, real my goodness floating in the water boats.

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by ksanders

I do not see a challenge here.

Get away from the computer and go look at real boats for sale in your size and price range.

You will very quickly figure out what you like.

The trick is to stop web surfing and get dock walking.

Too many people nowdays with the internet, in my opinion do too much analyzing and not enough looking at actual, real my goodness floating in the water boats.

Well said!
It's not only informative...
It's fun

If you don't think it's fun and interesting I'd rethink the whole boating adventure?

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by ksanders

I do not see a challenge here.

Get away from the computer and go look at real boats for sale in your size and price range.

You will very quickly figure out what you like.

The trick is to stop web surfing and get dock walking.

Too many people nowdays with the internet, in my opinion do too much analyzing and not enough looking at actual, real my goodness floating in the water boats.

The second worst place to learn about boats is a traditional boat show.

I always said they were the greatest collection of lies and deception right behind magic shows.

That's the boat part at least...looking at gear is their real value.

[Donsan]

To RTF's list of CONS for a gasser, you might want to add the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, specially if you have a gas powered genny.

To Peter B, in my 70 years, I have never seen gasoline called petrol in the USA. Not even sure I have seen it called that in Canada. That is probably why we call them gassers.

[Art]

Originally Posted by psneeld

The second worst place to learn about boats is a traditional boat show.

I always said they were the greatest collection of lies and deception right behind magic shows.

That's the boat part at least...looking at gear is their real value.

That is true - at least for a novice/newbie looking into boats at boat shows. For "old salts" who've been-there/done-that the BS thrown around by boat sales persons [many who know little more than what is the bow and stern] is simply a distraction whilst we salts focus on hull designs, running gear, superstructures, interior layouts, finish work etc... You as much as anybody on TF know what I mean!

For a newbie the results of boat show sales BS can be not only misleading but also dangerous in the long run. Sure are some shiny, new boats to look at though!

And yes, looking at the gear is the show's real value... for salts who understand that is!

IMO: I place the difference between boat show credibility[s] in the 1950'/60's/70's as compared to today on the sliding scale of 1 to 10 [10 being best] - The old shows get a 7.5 / new shows get a 3.25. That the way I see it anyway.

Over the decades, because of the BS increasing at shows, I've slowed way down regarding show attendance.

[psneeld]

Too many times boats I went aboard, had engine rooms and other major maintenance areas sealed off...

That's when I stopped going other than my working in the shows dried up as the sales guys don't like info guys around....gets in the way of their sales talk.

That's when I recommended visiting marinas with boats people liked....and to talk to the owners. Not always the best info, but if the boat wasn't for sale, was probably better than boat show speak.

[Recb]

Regarding the question of options to get some experience without paying for private lessons, we found trawlers available for charter in Florida, the Chesapeake and the Pacific Northwest. That was a few years ago so options may have changed since then. We also chartered a 36' trawler out of Tortola in the BVI.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Peter B

............... I always wonder why you North Americans always call petrol engines gassers, when they are not. Vehicles that run on LPG or CNG are gassers, if you like, but petrol engines run on petrol, or petroleum to some, or ok, gasoline to US types, but not gas..! Just sayin'...

To be technical, it is very difficult to find "gasoline" in the USA. Most of the time, it has been adulterated with ethanol and is properly called "fuel".

[bilge53]

Perhaps the biggest differences between operating under power a sailboat vs. single screw power boat are 1) windage and the effect on the boat 2) lack of effectiveness of the rudder and need to use prop walk to accomplish many things. That said, a single screw with a bow thruster will do much to alleviate angst once you get comfortable.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by meridian

Join the AGLCA and attend a rendezvous. You will be able to talk to 50-75 trawler owners currently on the LOOP

If you are seriously thinking of doing the Great Loop, I can't think of any good reason not to join. These people have done the Loop, are currently doing it or are planning on doing it.

Just like this forum, don't use that as your only source of information. You will get good and bad information on any web forum. It's up to you to figure out which is which.

Many folks have done the Great Loop and then written books about their experience. amazon.com will have most of these and they are pretty interesting even if you're not planning on doing the great loop.

As for boat shows, these are another resource. A good way to see the insides of many different boats and different styles of boats. With your budget, you won't be buying any of these boats new, but it's a good chance to figure out what you like or don't like about berths, galleys, saloons, cockpits, etc. You can apply what you learn at boat shows to used boats you might consider.

Personally, I think a flybridge is a great feature for a trip like this because you can really see the sights from a flybridge (in good weather). You cruise a boat around the Great Loop to see the country and with a flybridge, you get to actually see it. A flybridge also gives extra "free" room and makes a boat of a given size seem larger.

As for handling, there are basically three choices: Single engine, single engine with a bow thruster and twin engine. I have a single engine with a bow thruster and that works for me. Whatever boat you get, it will take a while to get used to how it handles but they all work.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by BruceK

With relative inexperience, I suggest avoid gasoline engines. Diesel is safer, marine mechanics probably see more diesels than gassers, it costs less, but mostly, it`s a safety issue. Unless you are well attuned to gasoline safety in the enclosed marine environment, and some certainly are and are 100% comfortable with it, it`s an added responsibility you could do without. I`ve seen what can happen, it`s not pretty.

Mechanics on the loop see far more gas than diesel engines. Probably something like 30 to 1 for gas.

[BandB]

If the loop is your interest, read books by those who have done it. Look at the type boats they had. I'd always consider boats like Mainship and Bayliner but also Carver and Sea Ray.

Now, while we broke every rule of Captain John's, here is a link to his discussion of a loop boat.

Your Great Loop boat requirements and restrictions

The reality is if the draft and the air draft fit, then most any boat will work. I've known 72' Hatteras's to do the loop and 24' sail boats with the sails removed.

[alormaria]

You should buy a trawler if you like trawlers. You can do the loop in any boat.

[mramoo]

When you find some boats that you like, make sure to check them out very well. I don't remember where I found this set of check lists, but they are very good.
( Boat System Check Lists ) Do a web search for this title.

[silentfaith]

kadey krogen manatee, the perfect boat in every way you can think of.

[Art]

Find a well cared for Tollycraft... size and model of your choice! They are well built to have long lives with comfortable accommodations galore. Current value-cost is affordable. Ongoing value-hold last and lasts.


If we wanted to, which we don't, our Tolly could be sold for about the same price we paid for it nearly a decade ago... maybe even a touch more.

[psneeld]

If you want few headaches, less responsibility, more time to relax during the trip, etc...etc...

Then charter vessels to run you around the loop.

That way you can pick the most suitable boat for each region.

Then again.....practical?

So buy a boat that can do it and you like and you can afford. As many have said, almost anything can do it.

So leave the bazillion to one worries at home, be careful when necessary and enjoy.....otherwise....why do it?