Hi: I had previously looked at your boat in Stuart - it also is a good example of the incredible spaciousness of the Island Trader 46. For my Great Loop intentions a
Ketch however, is not desirable. I need to be able to easily lower the
mast with a tabernacle to clear the various bridges. Height restriction is 15'6" so I can get into the Finger Lakes, and ideally into
Canada.
On a
sloop rigged boat, installing a
single tabernacle, and operating it, is not a difficult thing. Managing multiple masts on a
ketch makes
propulsion quite tricky, especially when locking through with a Mizzenmast hanging off the back.... Also, for the Island Trader 46's its 5'6"
draft is a limiting factor. You have to sign a waiver going into some of the Canadian waterways if your draft exceeds 5'. So I looked hard at the Island Trader 40. Also a nice boat, but their idea of a "queen-berth" is 48 inches - not quite our idea of comfort...
So now, this sailor is looking (cannot believe I am saying this) at a
TRAWLER. Looking specifically at a 44
Marine Trader
Trawler - same yards built them - same set of problems - only redeeming factor is that the one I am considering has a small staysail.... So I am not a complete 'traitor' yet

So, is anyone on this - or other - thread(s) able to shine any light on why I should either stick w the 46, reconsider the 40, or stay away from (or enthusiastically embrace) this specific Trawler. Other vessels that you would suggest I pursue?
I would very much prefer a
motorsailer as my Great Loop Boat - hence my interest in this thread - but when you start looking at the applicable limitations for Looper
boats, there just aren't many designs that I have found:
Draft: Not to exceed 5 Feet, ideally 4'6" or less;
Height (Tabernacled
mast down) Not to exceed 15'6";
Ideal Beam: Not to exceed 12 Ft. (= a pipe dream, most are 14 - 16 ft., but 12 would make you fit into most standard berths in marina's and make you spend less time on the T-dock...
Should be large enough to offer a couple and guests a reasonable degree of privacy... two heads (backup); either twin prop, or
single w Bow thruster with a sail plan as back-up - efficiency secondary, but should be able to beat off a lee shore....
Now ironically, with a few clicks, I can find a dozen different designs in Western
Europe - "French
Canal Boats", but in the US, those designs appear to be in short supply, definitely among the more economically priced vessels.
Any suggestions would be very much appreciated - or I might have to buy that Trawler after all...
Good and safe sailing to all!