Yacht Carpet

First Time Yacht Trawler Buying Tips – Part II

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE TRAWLER

When you think you have the perfect layout identified, what is the right boat in terms of length?  The room in a 36 footer is much different than it is in a 43.

30 – 35 foot: This is fine for day cruising and two people. One head and shower may make day-to-day living a job.  Long-term guests aboard may be difficult. Fine for inland and light offshore use. Consider this to be analogous to a pop-up camper.

36 – 39 foot: This size boat is easy enough for a couple to handle and suitable for light cruising and offshore use. It’s large enough to cruise comfortably for 2 people and accommodate guests. Think of this as a condo.

40 – 44 foot: This boat length has the beam to insure stability and roominess. Think of this as a single family home. They have more than enough room to accommodate guests for extended periods. This is likely the most favorite length trawler found in the cruising community.

45′ – Larger:  This size boat is your long-range passagemaker.  Built for enduring long ocean trips, these vessels come with the most luxurious features of any boat afloat.  These compare to a villa in the islands.

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD

Now we have surveyed the basic trawler designs, what do we need to consider for accommodations?  Trawlers typically have 2,3 or maybe 4 staterooms (bedrooms) with heads (baths).  A galley (kitchen) with dinette (dining room) is there as well.  The salon (den) is where we can watch the TV if we want.  And like most trawlers, you can expect teak to be used throughout the boat.

Sundeck model boats have covered steps from the salon to the sundeck.  Most boats are built with teak and holly soles down below. The sole in the salon also allows for engine access.  Most salons in the 40-44 range will allow a couple chairs a sofa and a coffee table.  The staterooms are the private areas aboard.  Sundeck and double cabin model boats have the staterooms separated by the galley and salon.

One of the major issues with trawlers is storage; different boats have different storage in their staterooms and the price of the boat is never an indicator of such.  Most trawler staterooms have teak and holly soles but if you wish, you can cover it with carpet.  But most owners prefer not to hide the beauty of the teak and accent it with an oriental rug.

You will spend a considerable amount of time in the galley. Galleys will come equipped with a cooktop, sink and refrigeration as a minimum.  Larger boats may have more.  Again, storage will be different in each boat.  Some boats have the galley up while others are down; it’s a personal choice.

The galley down usually has a dinette that is convertible into a bunk.  Dinettes usually will seat from 4-6 people.  Storage is usually found under the seating for rarely used appliances.

Most boats of the 40 foot and larger class are provided with two heads; a master and one available to the guest cabin and common areas.

Depending on the trawler, the master suite will have a private bath, toilet and shower.  Older toilets were manual but modern electric and Vacuflush are much easier to use. Small boats will have only one bath which may be shared by all on board.

TRAWLER ENGINES

Boats can be had with both twin and single setups.  There is no shortage of debates on the advantages or disadvantages of either.  The principle advantage of twins is ease of docking and having a get-home engine if one fails.  Of course, there are two of everything to maintain..

TRAWLER MARKET

We have looked at the differences between trawler styles and layouts.  So where can you locate that perfect boat.  Here are several hints.

Find a Broker to act as your agent; if he does not have the right one in inventory, he can locate one for you in his MLS.

Scour the internet; Yachtworld.com is the best location.

Go to every marina and boat show you can find.

Brag on an owner’s trawler and you will likely ask you aboard for a tour.

Have fun shopping.

About the Author

Mike Dickens, the author, is a boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts.

Paradise Yachts is a Yacht Brokerage offering used yachts to customers worldwide.

Visit our website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats .

National and international sales. We ship Used Yachts and Used Boats worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431

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