Newbie search

[HGP]

Hi
I am new to the trawler world of boating. I have been boating for some time with sailboats and regular motor boats. To pass the time while lying under blankets with the flu, I figured I would look at the boat listings. In my price range, under $75k, I see Grand Banks, CHB, Prarie Works, Cheoy Lee, Island Gypsy, Monk, Marine Trader..... I know with older boats, upkeep and maintenence are key but I was wondering which manufacturers ranked in the bottom, middle and top tier. Is there a Catalina (sailboat reference) in the Trawler line up.
TY

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[sneal4600]

It took me five years of research, market timing and educating myself with books like "Mid Size Power Boats" by Dave Pascoe before finding our trawler. A DeFever 44OC. The price point, reliability and features stood out to me. Other brands we considered: Grand Banks, Selene, Kadey Krogen, Jefferson, and a few others. If you are patient, you will find a good used trawler in your price point. Every boat is a compromise.

 

[Jklotz]

Make sure you can get insurance. A lot of the companies are not insuring boats 30 years old or older.

 

[BruceK]

As the years pass, maintenance is more important than brand. There will be good and bad examples of all the brands you list. At this stage, in that range, just look for a good one,in any of those brands. Argument vulnerable I`m sure, but Cheoy Lee crosses the divide between sailboat and trawler, and made a neat 34 (or was it 32, or 36).

 

[Crux]

Make sure you can get insurance. A lot of the companies are not insuring boats 30 years old or older.

Consider plenty of liability only.....no lien and you shoulder physical loss should it occur.

 

[Mac2]

I would focus on construction materials used in the build-specifically the coring material. It’s the one thing you can’t see and one of the most expensive things to repair. Krogens use PVC coring, which can’t rot. Every penetration of the skin of a boat is a failure point-think of all those screws used for stanchions. Good luck.

 

[johnma]

Mainships we’re made by the same company that made Hunter sailboats.

 

[Nepidae]

One brand i didn't see you list was an Albin.
GB are popular but due to no bow flair, they are wet boats. Otherwise, both are well made boats.
As you said, maintenance & upkeep will dictate a good boat.
You can find a great boat in any of the brands you mentioned.
I believe that finding a boat is like finding a car, looks will be part of the decision making process.
Generally, for $75K you may not find the best maintained boat but keep looking. Perseverance will find you the best boat.
Enjoy the search and good luck.

 

[Captain DJ]

Cheoy Lee crosses the divide between sailboat and trawler, and made a neat 34 (or was it 32, or 36).

I have had both a Grand Banks 42 Classic and now a 36 Cheoy Lee Pilothouse Trawler in the price range. GB has better joinery and a bigger engine room and Lazarette. But I like my Pilothouse Cheoy Lee for bigger seas.
The Cheoy Lee is from the oldest boat building family company on the planet. They build sail boats, Trawler, motorsailers, mega yachts and have been refining the art for about 160+ years. The integrated fg fuel tanks are a big plus. I had my 650 gallons of fuel removed and interior of tanks inspected and New gaskets made for the huge inspection ports, about 18-24 inch diameter x 4. Never fouled a racor filter since that was done and we have cruised about 1400 miles in 4 seasons.

My boat m/v "Ramble On" has twin Ford Lehman 120 s that use between 1.3 to 2 gallons per hr each. Gives 8 knots at great comfort and efficiency. The commercial scale paravane stabilization makes it far more comfortable in a beam sea.
No blisters ever on this super solid, but heavy boat. It is like a little economical version of a Nordhavn by PAE. Mine is available. I am torn about selling it because it is the best Pacific Northwest trawler for under $75 Grand and is extremely rare.
Only one sistership found in all of North America, in RI. Here is a link to her: her owner did a 6 year, open checkbook refit. (Not saying mine looks this good, but it clearly shows the layout, and mine has things this one doesn't).

You can private message me or email at mexicoecoresort@gmail.com
For more information.

Darrin Jones

 

[Taras]

Make sure you can get insurance. A lot of the companies are not insuring boats 30 years old or older.

That certainly hasn't been my experience. I recently bought a 44 year old trawler and the insurance was very reasonable and easy to get. The only stipulation was I had to address the items called out on the marine survey (but this is probably the case with just about any new boat purchase)

 

[Jeff F]

Welcome. Reading your list I see one (Prairie Works) that was built in the US. Almost all the rest were built in Asia, mostly Taiwan.

Relative to Catalina think Tayana, Baba, Passport, CT, etc. Closest thing to a Catalina in the old trawler world is probably Mainship.

 

[ranger58sb]

Relative to Catalina think Tayana, Baba, Passport, CT, etc. Closest thing to a Catalina in the old trawler world is probably Mainship.

Or maybe the closest thing to a Mainship in the sailing world might have been a Hunter... another Luhrs Group brand.

-Chris