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.