Which Trawler ?

[Wmiii]

I am thinking of selling my 1995 Island Packet 37 and getting a similar size trawler. As it has turned out, we seem to travel to a spot and then stay there for several weeks and then go back to our home marina and stay there for several months. This is primarily due to my wife and my mothers.
I am thinking that a 38-44ft trawler might be a good size. This would also give us the ability to run around Florida, over to the Bahamas, up and down the East coast and back and forth on the Tenn/Tom to Tennessee. Also be able to do the Great Loop when we are free to do so.

Anyway... As I search trawlers that are fiberglass and have desiel engine (s) between $100-175K, I find several newer 390 Mainships and a several older trawlers from the 80's like Defever 41's, Grand Banks 42, Island Gypsy, Gulfstar plus some others.
Question, Would I be better off getting a newer Mainship or an older 'better made' trawler?

Thanks for your opinions.

Wm

[AnchorageGuy]

Wm, Look at the interior and especially the STORAGE space for each of these models. Ask yourself where you will put everything aboard that you and the crew will need plus guests for extended periods. You might be surprised how that will eliminate some boats. All of your choices would otherwise suit your needs. We switched from sail to a trawler almost three years ago and love the new opportunities. Chuck

[David M]

I would pick an older boat that is in excellent shape. This means it has been maintained and possibly upgraded. Boats don't wear out like cars do. They are not throwaway items that get scrapped like cars do. Stay on top of the maintenance and they are as good as the day they were purchased. Older boats are a better value than new IF you find the right boat.

If it needs a bunch of work then forget it, it was never properly maintained and the cost to fix it up is probably more than the difference to purchase a well maintained boat that is ready to cruise, especially in this buyers market.

[donradcliffe]

Look at the window construction--the wood-trimmed ones have lots of problems with rot and leakage. Teak decks may be shot on the older ones.

[Wmiii]

Thanks Chuck,
We have been living aboard now for over 6 years and are aware of the needs for storage and room for the Grandchildren. Fortunately, we have been able to fit everyone aboard when needed.
As I look at trawlers in our price range I find I can get a big old one with lots of teak or I can find the Mainships for about the same price.
I understand the build quality may not be the same, but wondering if 10-15 years offsets that?

Wm

[Wmiii]

Very good thoughts,
Thanks,
Wm

[Me-and-Boo]

While I was looking at trawlers, new and used, I noticed something that may be hard to describe. Many of the older boats, such as Defevers and Marine traders were laid out for cruising. Several of the newer boats were laid out like for corporate get togethers. The emphasis seemed to be on a large "meeting" room and not meant to do more than putt out a few miles and drink merrily the night away and return to the slip the next.

I knew almost immediately that those types were not meant to spend weeks cruising. It was subtle.

The cruising trawlers felt different right from boarding, they felt like they are designed to take some water across the bow occasionally.

Like I said hard to describe.

[Wmiii]

I just did a search for trawlers 38-44', 2 desiel engines, fiberglass,1990-2005, $80,000-$175,000 and came up with 8 boats in FL.
There were 3 Carvers, 1 Bayliner, 1 Silverton, 1 Viking Convertable, 38' Marine Trader and a 42' Grand Banks.

Do I want to go on back into the 80's?

And then the question of 1 or 2 engines.....I know.

Wm

[Wmiii]

A search of single engine trawlers also came up with 8 boats.

7 Mainship 390's ond 1 38' Marine Trader.

[David M]

Look in YachtWorld. They will have more listings under your search parameters.

Advanced search for new and used boats and yachts. - YachtWorld.com

[Wmiii]

If I go to a search of 1980-1989, I find 57 different trawlers.

I guess the options are almost endless if I want a boat that old,

Just asking???

[Blue Stocking]

Delivered a Monk 42 from Georgian Bay to the Keys a few years back.
Really nice boat.
Twin Cummins 6s, about 200hp each.
Boat did about 10knts with 2 engines at about 2000rpm
9 1/2 with one engine at 2200rpm.
DeFever 38 is my next boat.

[David M]

As I said, age is pretty irrelevant if the boat was maintained well. Sometimes older boats can be better in some respects if the manufacturer went cheap on something or no longer does something right. I would though stay away from a wood hull, unless you don't mind more maintenance and enjoy the smell of a wood hull below decks.

[CarlF]

Don't forget. Every sailboat comes with a roll control system (called mast and sails). Trawlers don't. I looked at a couple of trawlers and went for a ride in a moderate beam sea that wouldn't have needed drink holders on my sailboat. I couldn't believe the roll. I rarely have a queasy stomach but I came close to losing it. You might be one of those people who is completely happy with the roll but take a ride offshore to see (and your wife too).

If you need a "roll" plan you have a few options:

-- Stay in the ICW and rivers. If you must go to the Bahamas (and not many trawlers do) go only in the best weather and have your wife fly to meet you (trust me on this).

-- Get a trawler with stabilizers. Work great but expensive and prone to failure at the worst moment. Quite rare in the size you're considering.

-- Get a semi-planing tawler and run fast (burning 20+ gallons an hour) to stop the roll.

-- Use "fish" or some other dragged stabilizer. Work OK but a pain to rig for short trips or when the weather changes.

---- Or, do what more and more ex sailors seem to be doing instead of a trawler - buy a motorsailer

Carl

[Wmiii]

Dave,
Thanks,
In my youth, I had a 1962 25' wood hull ChrisCraft. I learned my lesson. I think I will stick with Fiberglass :-)