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Top 15 Trawlers for 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• October 13, 2023

For every shoe, there’s a foot, and for every boating enthusiast, there’s a yacht. For those individuals who like to cruise their yachts across blue water, spend months on board or voyage to remote beaches and quiet coves, a trawler yacht is the go-to vessel choice. But even within this yacht genre, there are many options. For example, there are some mighty midsize trawlers that are easily capable of transatlantic crossings for an adventurous couple, and then there are megayacht-size craft with next-level amenities that require extra crew. Some trawler-yacht builders offer significant customization and others work from a fixed options list. There are single-engine trawlers and twin-engine trawlers. One thing that is common is that these trawler yachts are designed from the ground up for yachtsmen with wanderlust in their hearts.

Top Trawlers 

The following 15 trawlers are all vessels we’ve written about. They are listed in no particular order.

• Nordhavn 96 : Built for an owner who desired to self-sufficiently while cruising the world, literally.
• Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 : This trawler can travel nonstop for 1,000 nautical miles.
• Kadey-Krogen 52 : This twin-engine-capable, all-oceans trawler is a solid fit for voyaging cruising couples.
• Bering Yachts B76 : The B76 is the builder’s first fully custom trawler in this size range.
• Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge : This vessel is equally comfortable at a 7-knot stroll or an 18-knot jog.
• Beneteau 48 Swift Trawler : Based on the builder’s Swift Trawler 47, this yacht has a resin-infused fiberglass hull.
• Kadey-Krogen 50 Open : The 50 Open can cruise at 6 knots nonstop for 5,000 nautical miles.
• Outer Reef 620 Trident : It has a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels.
• Grand Banks 60 Skylounge : This yacht is efficient across a variety of cruising speeds.
• Krogen Express 52 : Headroom to spare, two staterooms, a chef-ready galley and long range define this trawler yacht.
• Grand Banks 85 Skylounge : Grand Banks’ V-warp hull form makes for a level running attitude, seakindliness and long range.
• Vicem Yachts 82 Classic : Construction is in cold-molded, strip-planked mahogany with epoxy.
• Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht : Power on this Outer Reef is a pair of 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels.
• Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot : Did someone say this is a 20-knot Nordhavn?
• Marlow 58E : A high level of customization and admirable performance are at the heart of the Marlow 58E.

Nordhavn 96

The Nordhavn 96 is the yacht builder’s second-largest yacht its 17-model fleet, which ranges from 41 to 120 feet length overall. (There is a new 112 on the drawing table.) The builder says the N96 is based on its earlier 86-footer with a 10-foot cockpit extension, which increases both main-deck, skylounge and below-deck volume. The N96 we reviewed was built by an owner who previously had an 86-foot Nordhavn, but with his plans for extended cruises to remote destinations, the 96 was the right size for his voyaging plans. In fact, since the owner took delivery of the boat, it has been on a continuous circumnavigation.

Quick Specifications

Beneteau Grand Trawler 62

Beneteau’s Grand Trawler 62 has 1,000-plus-mile range and 20-knot speed with twin 730 hp i6 MAN diesels . The Grand Trawler 62 is the builder’s flagship in its Trawler series, which also includes the Swift Trawler 35 , Swift Trawler 41 Sedan ,  Swift Trawler 41 Fly and Swift Trawler 48 . Small touches set the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 apart. They include sea rails on all lockers to keep stowed food and gear in place, leather-wrapped interior handrails for security in a seaway, and leather drawer pulls like those found on larger yachts. Long-range cruising accommodations include a full-beam master stateroom aft, a forepeak VIP and twin-berth guest stateroom. A Quick X3 gyrostabilizer helps mitigate any potential rocking and rolling on rough days.

Kadey-Krogen 52

The Kadey-Krogen 52 is the trawler-yacht builder’s smallest offering in its raised-pilothouse series, complete with a Portuguese Bridge. Owners can choose from either a two- or three-stateroom layout, and between a single-diesel engine or twin-diesel engines, for owners seeking redundancy. The standard engine is a 231 hp John Deere diesel. With the single-engine setup, draft is 5’5” and with twins it’s a shallower 4’6”. At 6 knots, range is an ocean-crossing 4,850 nautical miles. At 7 knots, it’s 3,300 nm. At 9 knots, it 1,700 nm. The builder states, “The entire Krogen 52 is built from only three molded pieces for maximized structural integrity. There are no additional secondary bonds or caulk joints that can inevitably cause issues. All deck and superstructures are cored and vacuum-bagged to maximize strength while minimizing weight.” Additionally, six longitudinal stringers enhance overall strength.

Bering Yachts B76

Lemanja  is the first custom boat that Bering has built in this size range. The yacht is notable for its steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and for its 4,000-nautical-mile-plus range with its twin 404 hp Cummins QSL9 diesel engines. As rugged as the Bering 76 is built on the outside, it also offers homelike comforts in its skylounge inside, offering panoramic views out large windows surrounding the space. Sole-to-ceiling glass offers similar views in the open-plan salon. Accommodations are fox six guests in three staterooms with a master stateroom and two guest staterooms, plus crew accommodations. In addition to its traditional diesel engines, the B76 has a solar-rechargeable battery bank for hybrid propulsion.

Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge

The Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge is a long-distance cruiser with creature comforts. Our expert found the R-43 Command Bridge to be a solid candidate to cruise The Great Loop . We agree. Twin Volvo Penta IPS450 pod drives give the boat efficient low and high cruise speeds at 7 and 18 knots, respectively. For those that have work during their cruise, the R-43 Command bridge’s master stateroom is set up with an office with a desk. Long trips require extra stowage and a way to clean salty clothes, so on the R-43 Command Bridge there is a washer, dryer, auxiliary refrigerator/freezer and stowage under the dinette, which rises on electric rams. Voyagers who buy a R-43 Commander Bridge can opt for a Factory Delivery Experience, which is three days of instruction on Puget Sound, and includes in boat systems, handling and maintenance.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 has a 1,300-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, but can also speed away at 26 knots if the weather goes south in a hurry. Based on the builder’s 47-footer , the three-stateroom, two-head Swift Trawler 48 has a resin-infused fiberglass hull. Power is a pair of 425 hp Cummins diesels. The main-deck layout includes a galley aft setup, which is accessible to the cockpit. There, the seating and dining area can be fully enclosed, with tracks in place for side curtains. The helmsman is kept comfortable on long passages with a bolstered, pedestal bucket-style seat with a flip-up footrest. The Swift Trawler 48 we reviewed had upgraded 12-inch Raymarine HybridTouch displays (9-inch screens are standard).

Kadey-Krogen 50 Open

Designed for serious extended cruising,  Kadey-Krogen Yachts 50 Open provides owners with amenities that will enhance those longer passages. The galley is fitted with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a four-burner Wolf range, a microwave and an optional dishwasher. Unlike in many trawlers and their traditional pilothouse design, the galley is located on the same level as the helm and salon. Belowdecks is the master stateroom amidships with two hanging lockers, 12 cabinets, additional drawers for stowage and an en suite head, shower and two sinks. Forward of the master is an office. The 50 Open’s hull has soft chines and a curved after end, much like the characteristics of a sailboat built for cruising. The result is an efficient hull form that provides a gentle landing into troughs when the sea gets a temper. This trawler can cruise at 6 knots for 5,000 nautical miles; 7 knots for 3,000 nautical miles; 8 knots for 2,100 nautical miles; and 9 knots for 1,200 nautical miles.

Outer Reef 620 Trident

Outer Reef Yachts 620 Trident delivers a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels that allow this vessel to approach a top hop of 21 knots. Cruising speed is a little over 16 knots, burning about 34 gallons of fuel per hour at 2,750 rpm. The amidships master stateroom has 6-foot-8-inch headroom, a walk-in closet and a shower enclosed in smoked glass. In the forepeak VIP stateroom, there are seven drawers, a hanging locker, a 31-inch Samsung TV and 7-foot headroom. The portside guest stateroom can convert to an office, too. The aft galley has a U-shape countertop, a three-burner electric cooktop, a Bosch microwave and a Vitrifrigo refrigerator and freezer. Cherry, walnut and oak are the available wood options.

Grand Banks 60 Skylounge

It’s obvious after a quick peek inside the Grand Banks 60 Skylounge that the  Grand Banks Yachts  trademark external DNA is retained. The deck, cabin house and skylounge are all composed of infused carbon fiber, reducing weight aloft and creating a lower center of gravity. With twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels , the 60 Skylounge can accelerate to 31 knots and cruise at about 25 knots. The 60 Skylounge can also travel up to 2,000 nautical miles at 10 knots on a 1,530-gallon fuel tank. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s are also available.

Krogen Express 52

The Krogen Express 52 runs on twin 440 hp Yanmar diesels and can cruise at 8 knots for 1,680 nautical miles or at 16 knots for 500 nautical miles. Top hop:  22 knots. In the interior,  Krogen Express  has outfitted the 52 with a master stateroom and a guest stateroom. The former has a queen island berth, more than 7-foot headroom, hanging lockers and smaller cubbies to port and to starboard, and an en suite head with a molded fiberglass shower stall with a seat, a VacuFlush toilet and a granite countertop. A power lift elevates the berth and grants access to more stowage underneath. The Krogen Express 52’s salon has a 26-inch HD LED TV and a home-theater system, leather Stressless chairs to port and a built-in, L-shape settee to starboard. The galley boasts granite countertops, a three-burner Force 10 propane range with an oven, a refrigerator, a GE microwave oven, a deep Elkay sink and a pullout sprayer faucet. There is a Buff Ultraleather Stidd helm seat for extra comfort during long runs.

Grand Banks 85 Skylounge

The Grand Banks 85 Skylounge comes in at more than 87 feet length overall and displaces 108,000 pounds, with a 22-plus-foot beam and an air draft of just under 26 feet. Owners can choose either a three- or four-stateroom layout. The standard motors are twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS diesels, twin 1,300 hp MAN straight-shaft diesels are optional. With the larger engines, owners can also choose an optional stern thruster, in addition to the standard bow thruster. With the IPS diesels, top speed is 26.5 knots and fuel burn is 100 gallons per hour, resulting in a range of 699 nautical miles. At a 21-knot cruise speed, fuel consumption drops to 57 gph, and range climbs to 972 nm. At a 9-knot jog, fuel burn falls to 9 gph, and the Grand Banks 85 Skylounge can cruise nonstop for about 2,500 nautical miles.

Vicem 82 Classic Flybridge

The Vicem 82 Classic is a flybridge model built in cold-molded mahogany, which creates a stout hull form with reduced weight. The yacht is notable for its timeless Downeast lines and strong joiner work. For cruising enthusiasts, the Classic 82 Flybridge is powered with twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels . The yacht has a top-end speed of 17.8 knots, and the cruising speed is 15 knots. At 9 knots, and considering a 10-percent fuel reserve, range is reportedly 1,100 nautical miles.  Accommodations three en-suite-equipped staterooms. The master stateroom is full-beam and amidships with a king-size berth is on centerline. The starboard-side guest stateroom and a forepeak VIP each have queen-size berths.

Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht

Built for an enthusiastic cruising couple after a three-year boat search, the Outer Reef Yachts 610 Motoryacht (part of the builder’s Classic series ), was customized with a fore-and-aft berth in the owners’ stateroom (as in, not athwartships), and berths rather than bunks in the smaller of two guest staterooms. This Outer Reef 610 was designed to be used as a liveaboard vessel, so the salon is not set up for dining (there are tables in the pilothouse, on the aft deck and on the bridge). A pair of swivel chairs in the salon face the built-in couch and the pop-up TV to port. The 610 is built with hand-laid fiberglass, PVC coring above the waterline, resin infusion and a vinylester barrier coat against osmosis. Power is twin 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels turning ZF transmissions . The 610 tops out at about 13.5 knots with full tanks and 21 people aboard. The engines burn 20 gph at 1,800 rpm for 11 knots at 45 percent engine load. Those numbers should allow it to cross oceans without shortening engine life.

Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot

Nordhavn has long been known for its stout circumnavigation -capable craft, and the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot carries on the the tradition of a beefy build with addition of…speed. Twenty-knots-plus, actually. Twin 715 hp Cummins diesel inboards and a new semidisplacement hull form  are said to be key to the performance equation. The Nordhavn 59CP has a 777-nautical-mile range at a 9.3-knot cruise, and a 255-nm range at its 20.3-knot top-end. Construction is a solid fiberglass hull bottom supported by full-length longitudinal stringers and a series of transversal supports for added backbone. High freeboard should keep the decks dry in a seaway, while rails keep the crew secure during transits. Nordhavn says the 59CP has a “CE category A unlimited offshore rating, ensuring the vessel has the seakeeping and strength capabilities to take on most serious coastal cruises up to 1,000 miles.”

Marlow Yachts 58E

Following on the successful Marlow 57 , the Marlow 58E was started from scratch on a blank sheet of paper. The essence of the 58E is that it has better performance and more internal and external volume than her predecessor. The centerline length grew 10 inches over the 57, but the waterline length increased 16 inches and the beam widened 4 inches. If you were to examine the two boats out of the water, you would see more bell-shaped forward sections making for a soft impact with the vee’d portion. Power options start with twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels, but the 58E we got aboard had beefier twin 1,015 hp Caterpillar C18 diesels. Top speed: 27.9 knots. At 8 knots, the Marlow 58E can cruise nonstop for 1,400 nautical miles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a trawler yacht?

A true trawler typically has a full-displacement hull form and robust construction to handle open-water operation, and it’s designed to operate self-sufficiently for long periods of time. They are slow-cruising vessels, but over the years, hybrid yachts called fast trawlers have emerged to offer displacement-speed operation as well as the ability to run at planing speeds when desired.

What is a full-displacement hull form?

A displacement-hull form is known is for its rounded nature and deep draft. Full-displacement vessels do not plane on the water, but rather push through the water. This hull design makes displacement-hull vessels incredibly seakindly, but it also makes them relatively slow (think 5, 6, 7, 8 knots) when compared to semidisplacement- and planning-hull designs.

Is a long-range cruiser the same as a trawler?

While all trawlers are certainly long-range cruisers, not all long-range cruisers are trawlers. True trawlers will have full-displacement hull designs and not all long-range cruisers have them.

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We wanted a compact yacht because we will load her on a cargo ship to explore new playing grounds like the Pacific Northwest or Northern European seas… It’s easily doable with a 42′ boat, and at a reasonable price. We want to see our new boat like a life enhancer and not as a financial or technical burden. This is why sizing the project, refining the specifications and a sound cooperation with the shipyard is essential, and Selene’s teams were ready to help from day one. We have found our perfect yacht…

I spent ten years as a full time vessel master and live-aboard owner. After obtaining my United States Coast Guard Master’s license, I spent countless hours cruising the waters of the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands.

Our constant, and the place we call “home” is M.V. Ellipsis, a Selene 60 Ocean Yacht delivered in 2007. We boat now without boundaries and enjoy navigating the rugged open waters off the west coast as much as we do the Inside Passage.

Summer and fall 2018, we will explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers, getting some experience with the locks on the river. 2019 should find us heading south in the Pacific, spending time cruising Mexico.

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Everywhere I looked I was impressed with the quality. These are not production boats, but customized, handcrafted, solid vessels. Thank you for building us a beautiful and well founded boat! We look forward to many years of cruising in safety and comfort!

We want everyone in the yard to know just how happy we are with this wonderful boat you have made for us. Please convey our pleasure to everyone involved.

Our Selene « Adagio » has actually exceeded our expectations. Exceptional safety underway, comfortable for extended periods of live-aboard time, and excellence of workmanship are some of the reasons for our high level of satisfaction.

I went out on « Argo » today. The boat looks and performs fantastic. Convey my thanks to all the key people at the yard. The galley looks absolutely amazing. The new sound insulation you have done is really working with minimal vibrations!

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All Tranquil on Tranquility Base

Australia’s Pacific Coast lets one cruising couple stretch their legs on a Krogen 48 North

 From the fine entry to the wineglass transom, Kadey-Krogen’s Pure Full Displacement hull design uses full end-to-end symmetry to provide a softer ride with less pounding, better tracking in a following sea, and a safer and more comfortable ride.

A low displacement-to-length ratio allows us to drive the hull through the water easily, making the most of the power on board, with lighter, lower-horsepower engines further reducing weight and improving efficiency.

Having a yacht that can cross oceans means more than just efficiency. The hull and components must hold up in those conditions, and contribute to the experience. Every aspect of Kadey-Krogen trawlers is carefully considered to meet expectations.

Krogen 44 AE

Krogen 48 AE

Krogen 50 Open

Krogen 60 Open

When cruisers really dig into our boats, when they come and see us in person at a boat show or soon after and we take them through all the onboard systems, we discover they’ve really done their research and know what they want. They understand many of the features, the construction, the hull design, they know what sets us apart. When you speak to someone who knows your product this well, you know you’ve found someone who can see the difference. That’s just another reason why we love our jobs here.

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  Pre-Owned Kadey-Krogen Yachts and other proven passagemakers that meet our standards.

2017 Krogen 58 EB

1988 Krogen 54

2022 Summit 54 Motoryacht

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Why Buy Factory Direct?

At Kadey-Krogen, when we say people matter, it’s not just marketing hyperbole and lip service. It’s deeply rooted in our ethos. We are a team of passionate boaters who love making the dreams of other passionate boaters come true. We feel we may have the best jobs in the world, and our direct-to-customer model allows our team to work directly with you. The customer benefits throughout the sales and build processes as well as after delivery when the real fun begins!

• Every customer deals directly with Kadey-Krogen dedicated sales and production professionals
• Nobody knows a Kadey-Krogen better than the folks that build and design them
• 44-year legacy of building high-quality cruising yachts
• Trusted by nearly 700 customers worldwide

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• 46 Pilothouse
• 43E Pilothouse
• 38E Pilothouse
• Fabrications
• About Helmsman Trawlers
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• Trawler Talk

43E PILOTHOUSE

38E PILOTHOUSE

46 PILOTHOUSE

Sedan, pocket, pilothouse & walk around trawler yachts.

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 46 PILOTHOUSE

Designed for long-range cruising! This expedition pilothouse trawler features a full beam salon, a 2nd stateroom convertible to an office, massive engine room and large flybridge/boat deck

SPECS | LAYOUT | PHOTOS | 360S

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 43E PILOTHOUSE

Innovative lowrise pilothouse trawler design with excellent visibility from the helm, an expansive full beam salon, two staterooms, two heads, a full engine room and sizable flybridge/boat deck

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 43 SEDAN

The 43 Sedan builds upon the tough and proven hull design of our 43E Pilothouse, and offers a contemporary and stylish trawler design with full covered walk-around side decks and sizeable flybridge/boat deck

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 38E

Innovative lowrise pilothouse trawler design with excellent visibility from the helm, an expansive full beam salon, separate day head for guests, a full engine room

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 38 SEDAN

A sedan-style trawler with classic lines and walk-around side decks, all-round visibility from the lower helm, spacious flybridge/boat deck, single or two-stateroom versions

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS 31 SEDAN

A salty pocket trawler built on the renowned Camano 31 hull that features a full bed, separate head and shower compartments, and a comfortable flybridge

HELMSMAN TRAWLERS®  are solidly built and finely-crafted motor yachts. Models range from the pocket trawler class Helmsman 31 sedan to our new Expedition 46 Pilothouse.  Helmsman Trawlers’ pilothouse and sedan trawler yacht designs provide roomy and comfortable interiors, rich in fine woodwork and evocative of classic yachts while modern in every way -- and suited for both cruisers and liveaboards.

Helmsman Trawlers® are crafted to please the most discerning owners, though are surprisingly affordable. With modern wide-beam hull designs, top name equipment, and fit-and-finish achievable only with labor-intensive craftsmanship, they are a prize choice for those who won’t compromise quality but have no desire to pay too much. The Helmsman Trawlers® factory has considerable experience in the construction of these fine yachts, offers many options, and can expertly accommodate custom modifications.

The hulls of Helmsman Trawlers are robustly constructed of solid fiberglass using modern fiberglass hull construction techniques. Other FRP elements are manufactured using vacuum infusion. Full keels provide capable sea-keeping ability and modern diesel engines provide dependable long-range performance and trouble-free maintenance. Multi-layered construction of interior decks with sound attenuating elements reduce engine noise, and new insulation in our 38E and 43 models helps control temperature and deadens exterior sounds.  

Helmsman Trawlers® most popular yacht is the 38E Pilothouse Trawler. This boat offers the spaciousness of a much larger boat while fitting into a 40-foot slip. The low-rise pilothouse has excellent visibility and open communication with the salon and is a social area too while underway or in port. The full-beam salon is expansive and comfortable, with exceptional light and ventilation. A day head is a rare and practical feature, and the convertible settee and day head can be enclosed to provide a private suite for guests when needed. The flybridge is set back to maintain a low profile – which benefits windage and center-of-gravity. A high, flush bow, sturdy railings, full covered cockpit, deep pilothouse side deck footwells and secure flybridge stairs on both sides increase practicality and safety in adverse conditions.

The Helmsman Trawlers 43 Pilothouse is in steady production. This yacht design is derived from our 38 Pilothouse Trawler and expanded in every dimension. With the additional volume achieved from a longer and wider hull and additional freeboard we’ve added a second stateroom, expanded the salon, added more interior seating, and increased the cockpit area. 

We are pleased to offer the Helmsman Trawlers® 31 Sedan – an update to the original Camano 31. The Camano, with over 270 built, is well-known for many reasons including its outstanding hull design with great sea-keeping characteristics and economy through a wide range of cruising speeds. Helmsman Trawlers® has updated the lines on this boat, completely redesigned the interior, and has created a true pocket trawler yacht offered at an affordable price.

The Helmsman Trawlers® 37 is built on the same hull as the 38E and is available in one or two stateroom versions for cruisers who prefer the classic Europa-style lines and walkaround decks.

We are also excited to introduce the Helmsman Trawlers®46 Expedition Pilothouse – an expedition trawler yacht for the long-range cruiser and explorer.  

We appreciate your interest in Helmsman Trawlers®. Please feel free to contact us – we wish to be helpful in any way and welcome the opportunity to talk about these fine trawler yachts.

Helmsman – take the wheel!

• Articles and Guides

Best Trawler Yacht Brands for Bluewater Adventures

16th nov 2023 by samantha wilson.

The rise of the trawler yacht is one of the most exciting developments in the boating industry in decades. It has opened the world of long-range travel to those who don’t care to sail and whose budget doesn’t run to a superyacht or explorer yacht. It has actually filled a gap that we didn’t even realize we desperately needed. Imagine being able to cruise the world in comfort on a yacht under 60 feet, or even under 40 feet. Or being able to cruise across blue water, with several guests staying aboard, to far-flung destinations on a yacht the size of a cabin cruiser. 

Trawler yachts are almost an oxymoron—the idea of a sturdy and functional fishing trawler being a luxury yacht would once have been laughable. But today that’s exactly what these robust, spacious, and elegant long-range cruisers are. Here we take a look at our pick of some of the best trawler yacht brands on the market;

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Trawler Yachts Reviews

Trawler yacht reviews from Motor Boat & Yachting magazine

1 - 20 of 25

Bering 76 sea trial review: The Turkish trawler yacht with globetrotting ambitions

Numarine 22xp review: this long-range trawler explorer is a sign of the times, review price: £3,520,694.00, sirena 68 review: is this the best model yet from the fast-growing turkish yard, review price: £1,630,000.00, beneteau grand trawler 62 review: french boating giant breaks new ground, review price: £2,000,000.00, bénéteau swift trawler 44 review: from the archive, beneteau swift trawler 42 review: cruise control – from the archive, bénéteau swift trawler 50 review: from the archive, absolute 68 navetta review: this bullet train of the seas is much more than a trawler, review price: £2,600,000.00, sirena 64 yacht test: fast trawler shows new turkish yard means business, review price: £2,230,000.00, sundeck 550 yacht test: bespoke italian trawler looks set to turn heads across europe, review price: £1,170,000.00, absolute navetta 73: this rugged trawler is a bouncer among bridesmaids, beneteau swift trawler 47 boat test – 24 hours on board, absolute navetta 48 review – the inland yard’s outstanding offshore cruiser.

Having topped the range with the Navetta 73, Absolute is now looking to tail it with the 48 – its smallest Navetta yet

Azimut Magellano 66 review

The storage throughout the Azimut Magellano 66 is exceptional – if you need any more, you should probably buy a support vessel

Review Price: £2,100,000.00

Cranchi eco trawler 43 review.

The Cranchi Eco Trawler 43 won European Powerboat of the Year in 2015 and comes to market with a host of layout options and IPS engine choices. Jack Haines gets to grip with it in Italy.

Review Price: £412,591.00

First drive of the absolute 58 navetta.

We put the Absolute 58 Navetta to the test at the Genoa Boat Show

Nordhavn 76 review: Behind the wheel of a globe-trotting trawler yacht

Dave Marsh finds the new four-storey boat from Nordhavn surprisingly easy to manoeuvre

Motor Boat & Yachting tests the Cranchi Eco Trawler 53 LD

MBY is one of the first mags to get its hands on the new Cranchi - take a look at out our photos

Nordhavn 78

Sturdy passage maker meets European stlying

Bénéteau Swift Trawler 34

A minnow trawler, but an undoubted crowd-pleaser from the French yard

Review Price: £241,555.00

Latest videos, watch: makai m37 sea trial – £720k cruising cat like nothing you’ve seen before, pearl 82 tour: must-see £6m ‘mini superyacht’, princess s65 sea trial and tour: £2m sportsfly ticks all the boxes, watch: beneteau swift trawler 54 sea trial – £1.4m cruiser is the ultimate home.

Mainship Trawlers

Mainship trawlers for sale.

The Most Popular American made trawler, began as a spin-off of the 1978 Silverton Mainship 34 Trawler. In late 1990s, Mainship began focusing exclusively on trawler and downeast designs, ranging from 30 to 43ft. Mainship is well known for providing an excellent value, by using modern low-cost production methods and an extensive list of standard features. This included standard diesel power, no exterior wood work, and deep full walk arounds on trawler models. This is one of the most popular manufacturers seen on The Great Loop.

Mainship Pilots are now manufactured by Marlow Marine at the Marlow-Hunter Marine Plant in Alachua, FL.

• Paddle Board

A Complete Guide to Trawler Boats: All You Need to Know!

If you’re looking for a dedicated fishing vessel for use at sea, the trawler is your best option. This vessel suits ocean-going fishing experiences thanks to its longer length, powerful motors, and deep hull. The trawler is similar to the motor yacht, with a shorter length and a design catering to anglers.

These models are ideal for spending days or weeks out on the water, giving you everything you need for the longest fishing trips. These models come with plenty of storage space for all your gear and room for plenty of fish.

Traditionally, the trawler is a working vessel used by fisheries. However, in recent years, boat manufacturers started producing designs suitable for the private market. Many models come with luxury fittings and living areas aboard the vessel, allowing you to live the life aquatic with all your creature comforts.

Many modern trawlers feature a full-displacement hull with a weighted keel, while others utilize a semi-displacement hull variation. The full-displacement model is ideal for moving through the water rather than on top of the surface. They make seaworthy vessels, but they are slower than the semi-displacement models.

The semi-displacement hull design also provides a low riding position on the water compared to other fishing boats . However, they rely on planning through the water rather than pushing through it. One design element that links both full and semi-displacement models is the distinctive look of the boat.

What Is a Trawler?

A Trawler is an ocean-going fishing boat provides a full or semi-displacement hull ideal with a ballasted design offering you excellent economy as the boat planes through the water.

As a result, they are suitable for long trips, spending days or weeks out on the water between refueling.

The trawler is ideal for slow cursing along the coastline, and it has the capability to reach deepwater offshore. As a result, it’s a great choice for deep-sea fishing, with all the accessories, including fighting chairs, to land large game fish.

The trawler provides the passengers with accommodations in the lower deck, with v-berths extending through the vessel’s bow. The quality of the berth depends on the price tag of the boat. Some trawler models come with fittings and accommodations that are similar to high-end motor yachts, offering a luxurious time out on the water.

Other models may have fewer luxury finishes, but they offer generous spaces for sleeping. The type of finishes and fittings in these boats determine the price tag. Models can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1-million, depending on the size of the vessel and the quality of the customizations made to the boat.

Since these boats are large, they don’t suit trailering, and if you need to remove them from the water, you’re going to have to hire a professional transportation service to take the boat to the shipyard for repairs or to other launch areas on the coastline.

Some models may also have the capability to launch a small dinghy to reach the shore, allowing you to leave the boat on the water, anchored in place. There are cranes on board the boat to launch the tender into the water.

The trawler comes in a range of sizes, with 50-foot models being the most common choice. Boats smaller than 50-feet in length won’t offer you the same level of stability as the larger models, and the semi-displacement hull may cause smaller models to bounce up and down on the water –  not ideal if you’re sensitive to seas sickness.

Benefits of Trawlers

The trawler has several benefits as a fishing boat. Here are the top reasons for investing in one of these fishing vessels.

The longer models with full-displacement hulls offer you exceptional stability in the water, even in rough swell conditions. The hull displaces the water, allowing the boat to plane through the water at lower speeds.

Extended Range

The trawler boat is the ideal choice for reaching remote fishing locations and for extended fishing trips where you want to stay out on the ocean for days or weeks at a time. They have a fantastic range, with large fuel tanks and diesel engines providing excellent economy for longer trips at sea.

Live Aboard Accommodations

Trawlers are large boats, and they offer you plenty of room. All models come with liveaboard accommodations for fishing crews. These boats have enough space for up to 12-people or more, depending on the size of the vessel.

The type of accommodations can vary widely depending on the size of the boat, the manufacturing brand, and the price tag of the boat. Some models are like floating hotels, offering you the same luxury accommodations you would expect to find on a high-end motor yacht .

Full Amenities

Most models come with complete kitchens, full bathrooms, and several sleeping quarters. You get luxuries like microwaves and refrigerators for storing your food and perishables. Most models will have four-burner stoves featuring gas-powered operation and onboard gas tanks for power or trickle battery chargers to ensure you never run out of power at sea.

The trawler is second only to the motor yacht in terms of its luxury liveaboard accommodations. Cabin cruisers and some pontoon boats are close competitors, but you don’t get the extended range and offshore capabilities that you get with a trawler.

Plenty of Customizations

The customizations and accessories are huge for trawlers, and you could end up spending as much as 40% of the sticker price on the customizations and fittings you make to your boat. Make sure you enquire about the costs of the customizations with your sales agent. Look for boats offering you the best range of standard customizations to avoid breaking your budget.

Many models come with split-level designs featuring triple stories with captain’s decks on the top, lounge areas in the mezzanine deck, and sleeping accommodations at the bottom of the vessel. The hull will typically also cater to large fish storage areas with ice machines and cold rooms.

Good Fuel Economy

The trawler operates on diesel motors, allowing for better economy and longer trips at sea. The range on these boats is excellent, allowing you to take long seafaring journeys to remote fishing spots.

Sealed Cockpits and Air-Conditioning

You get a captain’s deck positioned high on the boat for a better view of the water and the horizon. Some models come with sealed cockpits, including air conditioning to keep you cool on hot, humid days. All the sleeping quarters will usually include air conditioning units for a comfortable night’s rest out at sea.

Walk-Around Decks

The trawler allows you to reach all sides of the boat, and they come with a walk-around design that’s easy for the angler to navigate as they fight fish swimming under the boat .

Fishing Capabilities

Trawlers come with all the bells and whistles you need for your fishing trips. You get full electronics setups, including GPS and fish finders , as well as communications for reaching the coast guard and other vessels on the water.

These vessels also include fighting chairs, rod holders, rod racks, and plenty of storage for your gear all over the boat.

Disadvantages of Trawlers

The trawler is a fantastic boat for offshore fishing, but it comes with a few limitations some people may see as drawbacks.

No Watersports Capability

The trawler is a purpose-built design for fishing, and you don’t have any options for watersports with this model. Some boats may come with jet skis for reaching land and enjoying water sports or spearfishing out on the open ocean or at reef atolls.

Limited Speed and Handling

The trawler is a slow-moving boat designed for economy and cruising, not performance. The handling is good and smooth in the water. However, don’t expect to make any high-performance turns or reach high speeds with this model.

Not Trailerable

The sheer size of these vessels makes them unsuitable for trailering. You’ll have to organize a slip at your local marina for storing your boat when not in use, which adds to the vessel’s running costs. The motors are also expensive to repair since they have an internally mounted design.

Expensive to Maintain

The maintenance costs for your trawler can get expensive, especially in the luxury models with larger motors. As mentioned, you’ll have extra costs to consider, such as slip fees, when purchasing one of these boats.

Top Trawler Brands and Models

There are dozens of boat manufacturing brands and trawler models to choose from when selecting your boat. Here are our top picks for the best trawlers available.

Grand Banks

Grand Banks is one of the most established brands in the world for fishing trawlers. This company started building boats back in 1956, and they have a huge following in the commercial and private markets. The company was the first to introduce the cruising trawler back in the early 60s, with two of the most popular models of all time, the Chantyman and GB42 coming from its shipyard.

Grand Banks builds its boats in Singapore, and its trawlers offer you semi-displacement hulls, with excellent finishes and quality with the fittings for the vessel. We love the use of teak wood throughout the boat, giving it a premium, classy look.

Grand Banks offers you a range of models with classic styling and excellent performance out on the water when deep-sea fishing. This company has over 70-years of building some of the best trawler boats in the world.

Beneteau Swift

The Beneteau Swift is a top-rated model from one of the world’s best trawler, sailboat, and powerboat brands.

This trawler model includes a semi-displacement hull for better stability and smoother operation at sea, and you get plenty of spacious accommodations on the lower deck and mezzanine level of the boat . Beneteau takes incredible attention to detail with their vessels, giving you a model that’s luxurious and versatile.

Kadey Krogen

This Florida manufacturer has a reputation for building some of the best trawler models in the United States. You get a classic trawler style with modern upgrades to the vessel for a professional fishing experience out on the open ocean.

Kadey Krogen is well-known for its Pure Displacement Hulls (PHD) technology, incorporating it in their designs for the last 40-years. You get a boat offering you superior stability at sea, no rocking, and clean, smooth planning through all water conditions.

This manufacturing brand has its headquarter in Dana Point, California. They are the premier shipbuilder on the west coast when it comes to making top-quality fishing trawlers that offer you everything you need for deep-sea fishing trips. The company builds its yachts in Taiwan, and they have a reputation for endurance on the open ocean.

Nordhavn builds its boats to cross entire oceans, allowing for the longest fishing trips. Hop in the boat in California and take it to Hawaii or Tahiti on a single trip. Nordhavn has a reputation for building technically perfect vessels, focusing on excellent engineering and design.

The Selene is another fantastic choice for your trawler. The company has its headquarters in China, but don’t let that fool you – these boats are functional, with high-quality design and materials. The Selene is available in a range of lengths from 42′ to 92′, with nine models available.

You get excellent standard features with this boat, including stern and bow thrusters, a lightweight fiberglass design, and easy maintenance.

Wrapping Up

The trawler is a great choice for dedicated anglers looking for an offshore model. Due to the price of these boats, many private owners choose to opt for smaller models like cabin cruisers . You get the same functionality as the trawler with better handling and a much lower price tag.

The trawler is a good choice if you’re thinking about starting an offshore deep seas fishing company where you take people out onto the water for fishing trips. The trawler is the ideal model for these excursions, allowing tour operators to accommodate as many people as possible for a profitable fishing trip.

However, if you’re a private owner, you can use the trawler for a range of activities, from deep-sea fishing to cruising between islands in the Caribbean or the Keys.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

A Complete Guide to Micro Skiffs: All You Need to Know!

A complete guide to narrow boats: all you need to know, a guide to aluminum fishing boats.

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Buying And Owning A Trawler Yacht

Chapter 1 is a trawler yacht for you.

Captain Robert Beebe first launched his purpose-designed and -built long-range yacht, Passagemaker , in 1967. Then, some eight years later, he published his ground-breaking book on crossing oceans in small, low-powered vessels, Voyaging Under Power .

Until that time, transoceanic crossings by yachtsmen in small vessels were pretty much the exclusive preserve of sailing yachts. But in the decade following the appearance of Beebe's widely-read book, the idea you could cross oceans in reasonable safety and comfort in small powered yachts took hold in the world of yachting.

Since then, the growing fascination with long-range cruising in power vessels has spawned terms like 'trawler yacht' and 'expedition yacht' which are used to designate relatively low-speed small pleasure craft intended to cruise both alongshore, between islands such as those of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and even across oceans.

Along the way, the term 'trawler yacht' gained ground in referring to yachts built for long-range cruising. The term originally referred to a form of commercial fishing vessel that pulled a "trawl" - a large conically-shaped net that is dragged along the sea bottom in gathering fish or other marine life. Commercial trawlers collected huge amounts of fish for their size and so needed to have a large load-carrying capacity. Consequently, they were characterized by voluminous underwater volume relative to their waterline length. Indeed, a true trawler has a full-displacement hull form that exhibits a displacement to length ratio (D/L) greater than 500 - where D/L = displacement in long tons / (.01 x LWL)3.

Early in the history of voyaging under power, a few true commercial trawlers were converted into yachts. And some builders of true commercial trawlers, for example, Delta Marine of Seattle, turned to building yachts on the same hulls as their commercial trawlers. But it quickly became clear to even amateur naval architects and yachtsmen that pushing around the huge underwater volume of a true trawler made little sense for pleasure cruising. For even if filled with enough fuel, water, and stores to cross the Atlantic, a yacht conversion on a true trawler hull generally required additional deadweight ballast just to get the hull down onto her intended lines. Which is a ridiculously inefficient course to follow. Consequently, there soon emerged in the yachting sector pleasure vessels with profiles, superstructures, and overall looks that were reminiscent of commercial trawlers but with more power-efficient hulls with lower D/L ratios. This genre became known as "trawler-yachts", of which the most well-known brands were Grand Banks , Alaskan , Kadey-Krogen , Fleming , American Tug , De Fever , Marlow , Nordhavn Yachts , Nordic Tug , Ocean Alexander , Outer Reef , and Selene Yachts .

Of course, a prime law of marketing is that no accurate description of a product shall be left intact if it can be if it can be stretched and distorted to attract a broader cross-section of the market. Hence, over the last three or so decades, marketing and sales arms of many yacht builders have jumped onto the "trawler" bandwagon, until today, all manner of pleasure craft, from semi-displacement motor yachts to full-powered planning types are tagged with monikers like "Fast Trawler", "Swift Trawler", and - I guess - "Euro-Moderno Bateau". Just kidding on this last one.

The point is most of these contemporary "trawlers" have little if anything in common with genuine trawlers or even, for that matter, trawler-yachts. Therefore, the first step in searching for a trawler yacht is to get as clear as possible on what you're looking for in a yacht in general, then determine if the trawler-yacht genre satisfies more of your needs and requirements than any other type you might purchase.

Requirement = want + high priority...

Keep in mind, though, that needs are not the same as wants and requirements. For example, on a long-range cruising power yacht you need substantial tankage for fuel. But although you may require active fin-type stabilizers, you don't need them to get along.

A high-priority want becomes a requirement, if you're determined to end up with a yacht, you'll keep for many years to come. Occasionally, a prospective trawler yacht - or any yacht, for that matter - may lack something you want or even require, yet you might decide to do without it because, overall, you're strongly attracted to the remaining package. However, if the trawler-yacht you're looking at buying lacks something you've identified as a true need, that generally becomes a deal-breaker - assuming, of course, it can't be added or retrofitted.

Experienced buyers usually have a long list of "wants" but most of the time only a few of those wants rise to the level of a requirement. Understanding this helps with developing a prioritized list of the qualities you're looking for in a yacht - which is the key to avoid wasting weeks, months, and maybe even years searching for a yacht but never seeming to find the right one.

There are several other questions you need to ask yourself when developing your list of parameters. Foremost among these is the question of what your primary waters of operation will be? Are you going to run mostly alongshore? Out to, say, 50 or 100 miles of the shore? Are you going to be happy hopping from the mainland to an island chain offshore, and from there, between the islands of a chain like The Bahamas? Or are you determined to cross oceans?

Consider that almost every trawler-yacht sailor, at one time or another, pays at least lip service to making a transoceanic passage. But the fact is most are unlikely ever to cross an ocean on their yacht's own bottom. Indeed, I'd venture to say that trans-ocean crossings represent less than 3% of the thousands of passages made each year. And most yachtsmen are content to put their feet up each night after, say, a broiled lobster dinner and sleep at a dock or over the hook every night.

Which doesn't mean you won't see open waters in your trawler yacht, for you likely will - at least, occasionally. But that open-water operation will probably consist of island hopping, that is, mainland to offshore island(s) or between islands. And in such circumstances, a yacht needs to carry less fuel and be less stout than one which could find herself in the middle of, say, the Atlantic Ocean with a mean gale churning up 20-foot or taller breaking seas.

So, if you are one of the overwhelming majority who will cruise alongshore and island hop, coming to terms with that reality early will enable you to avoid paying unnecessarily for the added initial and ongoing costs of having a yacht that is transoceanic capable.

Finally, keep in mind that, as you look around at prospective yachts to buy, and as you learn more about what you really want and what may not be so important to you in a yacht, your list of needs and requirements will change. Consequently, as your search progresses, it pays to circle back from time to time to review some of the yachts you may have already rejected - to ensure that those ruled out earlier in your search do not now fit your revised criteria.

Chapter 2 Finding the Right Trawler-Yacht

As you look around for a trawler-yacht, keep in mind that the genre which developed primarily in the Taiwan yachtbuilding industry is not the only type. The Dutch have a long history of building some truly beautiful North Sea styled trawler-yachts - one of which was the Banjer 37, originally available as either a straight power yacht or a motorsailer.

Just about everyone agrees that how your plan to use your yacht (most of the time) is a key determinant in which yacht is best for you. But few people can tell you what that really means. Here are some key points to consider:

If you're going to spend most of your time on the water cruising alongshore and island-hopping, you'll likely want a trawler-yacht with a semi-displacement hull and the ability to run at higher than pure displacement speeds, say, at 12 to 18 knots.

That's because most alongshore cruising and island-hopping is destination oriented - that is, traveling primarily to a destination where you have things that you want to do, whether that involves eating out or exploring a town or even just relaxing on a deserted beach. And in such cases, you generally don't want to spend a full day or more slogging through seas at 6 knots top speed when you could be making the same passage at 12 to 18 knots in 1/2 to 1/3 of the time.

Few of us really want to spend any extended time on the open sea. Instead, we cross open waters for the purpose of getting somewhere where we want to cruise along the shore and even on navigable inland waters of a given region of interest, a destination.

There are those of us who want to liveaboard for an extended period, some keeping on the move continually and some rarely moving at all. And some of us who only want to use a trawler-yacht as a kind of weekend cottage or retreat.

All these uses are legitimate and - to my mind - worthwhile. Moreover, they are non-exclusive, that is, you can have more than one of these uses in mind when you are searching for the yacht of your dreams. And there are yachts which can handle all of these uses with aplomb. The catch is that the more generalized a given yacht is in its ability to serve a wider variety of purposes, the larger and more expensive that yacht is likely to be.

Consider also that some experienced yachtsmen believe, for a given budget, you're better off having a larger but less well-equipped trawler-yacht than a smaller one that is packed to its gills with expensive gadgetry and equipment - provided, of course, the yacht is within your capabilities to run and handle it.

There is little doubt that increased size often makes for greater comfort, especially in liveaboard or extended cruising circumstances. As well, increased size in a trawler-yacht often makes it possible to use stouter, more durable commercial-grade gear and equipment... which fit quite well with the trawler-yacht ethos.

Single- or twin-screw...

At some point in your search for a trawler-yacht - preferably earlier rather than later - you'll need to decide between single-engine or twin-engine main propulsion power. If you're an experienced yachtsman, you likely already have an opinion about the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each type. Nevertheless, consider the following points:

With contemporary bow and stern thrusters, as well as vectoring electronic controls available, single-screw trawler-yachts are much easier to dock and undock than they used to be. So, close-in handling with a small crew is not the determining factor it used to be.

Single-engine installations have been generally thought to be more economical than twin-engines, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing operation. However, that is pretty much a misconception. Granted, a single engine of a given HP generally costs less initially than two engines whose combined HP equal that of the single engine... but most trawler-yachts wander far from immediate help even if they are operating alongshore and island-hopping. And most trawler-yacht owners want a way to "get home" if a main propulsion engine fails while underway.

The common approach to a single main-engine installation is to rig some form of alternative get-home propulsion power - perhaps using a jack-shaft or hydraulic PTO or even an electric motor driven by a genset. The downside is that every one of these and similar alternatives are expensive to assemble and far less reliable than simply splitting the marine propulsion system into twins. And this generalization applies independent of whether your looking at Caterpillar, MTU, MAN, Cummins, or John Deere engines. But don't take my or anyone else's word for it... work the numbers for yourself.

And while you're at it, also consider that a single-engine main propulsion installation does not necessarily use less fuel because, single engine or twin, a given yacht requires a given amount of horsepower (and fuel burn) to achieve a given level of speed. Whether you supply all the required horsepower from a single engine or half of the required horsepower from each of two smaller engines, the rate of fuel burn at a given boat speed will be virtually the same. Theoretically, anyway.

It doesn't always work out that way since a 200-HP engine may weigh more than half of a 400-HP engine. But in general, you will find that the twin-engine rigs don't compare as badly to single-engine rigs cost-wise as many people (even some pros in the industry) think - provided you factor in the additional costs of an auxiliary "get-home" rig.

How many berths does she have...

Most yacht buyers are understandably concerned with general arrangement and interior accommodations. Trawler-yacht buyers are no exception. In fact, it may be the case that trawler-yacht buyers are more concerned than many other yacht buyers and owners because most trawler-yacht buyers are all about cruising and only cruising.

Many die-hard sportfishing men and women are happy to sleep dormitory style on hard narrow berths if the yacht will take them to the offshore grounds for marlin, swordfish, dorado, and other sportfish - and bring them home again ahead of anyone else. Poker-run offshore race guys want to "get there" first and fast, and each evening hit the restaurants and lounges, then flop in a good hotel. But most trawler-yacht people want to spend much of their non-running time on their yacht, at dock or over the hook, relaxing and doing a lot of what they might otherwise do if living ashore. Consequently, interior layout and accommodations become key issues in considering which yacht to buy.

So, you ask, how many berths do I need? To which question the answer is, one for each person who is going to sleep aboard.

Yea, I know that's not very helpful. But the fact is on a trawler-yacht intended for lengthier cruises, it takes more than sleeping space. If you want to cruise or liveaboard for extended periods, you also need enough common space to lounge comfortably without feeling crowded in, sufficient space and load-carrying capacity for fuel, water, stores, and the myriad items (okay, junk) that you consider prerequisite to comfortable living. The important thing is to get away from thinking of yachting as camping and to never talk yourself into compromising on any aspect of day-to-day living that you would otherwise consider essential.

That's not to say there aren't people who'd be happy to cruise 'round the world on a Hobie Cat with a tent and a backpack (and some life jackets and a radio) strapped to the trampoline.

Most likely, you're not one of them. So, you'll be best served in your search for a trawler-yacht to assess with a high degree of self-honesty the level of comfort, even luxury, you'll require.

This is something only you can judge with any accuracy. However, there are, again, some basic points to keep in mind.

The number of people - guests, crew, whatever - a yacht will accommodate comfortably for more than just a day trip is limited not only by the number of berths she has but by the number and type of bath/toilet compartments she has. For living in close quarters requires meticulous attention to personal hygiene, and that is made difficult if you have six or eight people waiting in line to use a single loo.

Another limiting factor is the ability to seat everyone at a table or tables for meals. Most people can manage for a day or so eating off paper plates set in their laps, but if you intend to spend extended periods cruising and living aboard, you (and any guests you expect to have for any significant length of time) need to be able to take meals in a relaxed environment, not worrying about dropping a soggy paper plate of beans on the floor or, worse, the carpet.

Yes, I know you're probably rolling your eyes and thinking how obvious this all is. But make no mistake, obvious or not, you'd be surprised by the number of prospective buyers who insist on having eight berths on a yacht that can only sit four at the dining table. They might squeak by for a day or so, but by the end of even just a long weekend, they're likely to be at each other's throats.

A reasonable rule of thumb is to look for one toilet per every two guests or crew likely to be aboard for more than a day or two. For example, if you and your spouse want to be able to have another couple aboard for an extended time, you should look for a minimum of two full bath and toilet compartments. If you anticipate having a total of six persons aboard for any significant length of time, you should look for three bath/toilet compartments.

Stay somewhat flexible, though. For example, six people can manage with two full bath/toilet compartments plus a day head - especially if the yachts stern or swim platform is fitted with a good freshwater handheld shower.

And speaking of staying flexible, you don't have to sit everyone at a formal dining table in the saloon, galley, or pilothouse if you have room for everyone at your flybridge table or on the quarterdeck. The point is to be able to have for certain functions a measure of land-based normalcy if you want still to be enjoying yourself a couple of cruising years.

Galleys are highly idiosyncratic. For example, before my wife and I spent seven years cruising and living aboard our 18-ton wheelhouse motorsailer, we kept a magnetic plaque on the refrigerator of our land-based kitchen which said, "I came, I saw, and I ordered take-out!" And rest assured, we did not change our habits when we moved aboard our beloved trawler-like yacht, the Noka.

When we cruised and lived aboard, my wife and I spent a lot of time partaking of local cuisine ashore. Which meant we did not require a gourmet-level galley. A refrigerator, small freezer, three-burner propane stove, and a small micro-wave oven were enough. And that would not have changed even if our yacht had been much larger than it was. Your habits and needs, however, will likely be different. The important point is to understand what those needs and requirements are and whether the yacht you're considering provides for them - or at least, can be modified to accommodate them.

A four-foot long bathtub is still a shower pan...

A lot of interior layouts that look great on paper or in photos are disasters in person. Almost always because they lack that little bit of extra elbow room that's necessary to make them truly functional.

My advice to new-build clients is to design (or decide on) an accommodations layout, then make the yacht 10% longer and 10% wider, but do not add anything to the accommodations. You will then end up with a yacht in which your (and the designer's) great ideas work in the real world. No children's-sized sofas. No tables for six that have a seating width per person of 18". No counter-tops with the depth of a book shelf. In a trawler-yacht, indeed in any yacht. It's better to leave something non-essential out altogether than to mini-size it just to be able to say you have it. Always remember a four-foot long "bathtub" is still just a shower pan.

Of course, if you're searching for a pre-owned or already-built trawler-yacht, you pretty must accept (or reject) what you're presented with. But if you're presented with a yacht that in most respects has what you need and require, you should think hard about whether what it lacks is really a deal-breaker.

Think hard about whether modifications can be made to add or retrofit items or features you find wanting. Provided the added cost of modifications plus the total cost of purchasing the yacht is within reason and your budget, you might be better off settling for less than your ideal (at a lower price, of course) and then, after closing on the acquisition, adding what you feel the yacht needs in order to bring it up to your specific needs and requirements.

That said, unless you're exceptionally experienced and technically knowledgeable - in which case you likely wouldn't be looking for advice here - don't rely solely on what a broker or other salesperson tells you about what can or cannot be accomplished. Instead, seek out the advice of someone who specializes yacht building and refit and who has proven experience with trawler-yachts.

Nevertheless, irrespective of how sage the advisors you choose might be, always measure what they say against your own common sense and what you know about yourself and the ways in which you use or plan to use the yacht. Then and only then, make your decisions based on what you know is best for you and your circumstances... do not do or accept something simply because some dockside expert tells you it's the right choice. For if you do, you will end up buying and living with a yacht that they would want and not one that is best suited to what you want.

If you want to stay in one place, consider buying a cottage...

I have no doubt that I'd be skewered by Poseidon's trident if I didn't share the following with you: Trawler-yachts are not meant to be floating cottages. Trawler-yachts - the good ones, that is - are created to go places and do things. Therefore, you should avoid the trap of focusing solely on interior layout and accommodations. Instead, you should also carefully consider factors such as deck layout and equipment installations.

Given that trawler-yachts generally spend more time on the hook than any other class of

pleasure craft, you'll need to evaluate whether a prospective yacht's ground tackle (anchors and rodes), as well as its windlass(es) are up to providing you with peace of mind when you anchor out, sometimes of necessity in exposed locations.

How are the yacht's anchors housed, and how are they deployed? How are they retrieved? Notice it's not an accident that I'm using the plural here.

Speaking bluntly, this is one area of concern in which you do well to speak not to sales people, designers, or even naval architects but to long-term, deeply-experienced cruising yachtsmen and yachtswomen who have traveled extensively on a yacht of approximately the same size as yours. Because in matters such as anchoring, there is absolutely no substitute for in-depth, real-world experience (no pun intended).

Does the trawler-yacht you're considering have workable outside control station... and is it far enough aft to be out of bow spray in all but the heaviest of weather? How is the stowage for a tender accomplished, and how do you launch and retrieve that tender? What happens if you need to perform those operations in a rolling or breaking sea? If the tender is driven by a gasoline motor, how is the reserve gasoline fuel stowed and dispensed?

Is the yacht you're considering stabilized and if so, how? Is she equipped with traditional paravanes - weighted hydrodynamic plates called "fish" that are towed and which dive easily but resist being pulled up through the water? Or is she equipped with a more contemporary active fin type stabilizing system? Does she have to be moving through the water for the stabilizers to work properly? Or do they also have zero-speed capability as do some of the more recent fin types and the latest gyroscopic types do?

Beyond such essential considerations, there are a myriad of other details that call for your attention in the course of searching for the right trawler-yacht. Indeed, there are so many it would take a book to go through all of them. Come on, don't frown like that, nobody said finding precisely the right trawler-yacht for your needs and requirements would be easy. Straightforward, yes. Easy, No. But then, nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Chapter 3 Making the Acquisition

• Find the trawler-yacht you want to buy.
• Make a bona fide offer to purchase.
• If and when that offer is accepted, arrange to have the trawler-yacht inspected and sea-trialed.
• If the inspection (survey) and the sea trial are satisfactory, close on the purchase and take possession.
• Buying and Selling a New or Used Yacht Answers to Frequently Asked Questions...
• Not Just Any Yacht Survey Will Do Understanding the difference between various kinds of yacht surveys will help you avoid a variety of headaches...
• Ten Golden Rules for Successful New-Build Projects

A guide to having a new yacht built, widely acclaimed by experienced yacht owners and well-known industry professionals...

Whether you're buying a pre-owned or new trawler-yacht - or maybe having one built custom or semi-custom for you - you will want to retain competent, experienced professionals to help guide you along through the process. The best of these will almost always save a buyer more than the cost of their fees by helping their clients avoid potentially costly errors and pitfalls. Seattle Yachts has an expert team of brokers who have decades of experience helping clients find the perfect trawler yacht. You can read more about Seattle Yachts' tips on buying a yacht online .

Be cautious, however, when hiring consultants and other supposed experts. For there is no shortage of instant, self-proclaimed "experts" out there. And neither "letters" nor "certifications" guarantee the person sporting them is, in fact, competent. Always look additionally to prior-demonstrated results, previous work accomplished, and confirmable reputation.

Finally, make sure that any consultant(s) you may hire are experienced in trawler-yachts and appreciative of the breed. In other words, don't hire a sportfishing expert to advise you on the selection, acquisition, and maybe revamp of a trawler-yacht and expect to get the right advice. This may all seem self-evident once you've read it in print, but don't underestimate how many times something like that happens with less than stellar results.

Chapter 4 Cruising on Your "New" Trawler-Yacht

Some people are content to spend half their lives looking for the "perfect" trawler-yacht. And if that brings happiness and pleasure to them, so be it. As someone who has spent most of his adult life "messin' about with boats", I make no judgments concerning the relative merits of dreaming versus doing. And I allow that whatever floats your boat is just fine with me. Truth be told, dreaming is a lot less expensive than buying and owning.

However, if you're set on cruising for extended periods on a yacht, I can't think of a better way to do it than on a well-designed, well-built, and well-found trawler-yacht. And I assume you agree, or you wouldn't have slogged through to this point. Therefore, my expectation is that the day will come when you'll set off on your own, recently acquired trawler-yacht.

Hopefully, you will have taken the time to prepare for that day... by accumulating experience on other yachts and boats, attending knowledge-building seminars at boat shows and events like Passagemaker magazine's Trawler Fest , and by training where and when you can with professionals like those at the Chapman School of Seamanship .

In my experience, most yachtsmen and yachtswomen who are buying a "new" yacht are "stepping up" - if not in terms of size, then in terms of complexity of machinery and equipment. Improved electronic navigation equipment for improved safety with less effort. Perhaps, both bow and stern thrusters electronically controlled and integrated into a vectoring and position-holding package for easier docking and undocking with a small crew. Maybe even active fin type stabilization combined with zero-speed capabilities for increased comfort at sea and over the hook.

As a result, even experienced cruising people who are purchasing a "new" trawler-yacht can benefit from spending some time building new skills or sharpening up those which they have. All of which invariably results in bolstered self-confidence and more pleasurable cruising... for everyone involved.

If you're well-experienced, you likely won't need the following piece of advice. But if you're relatively new to extended cruising and passagemaking, what I'm about to say will help you avoid problems and potential early disillusion. Go slow!

By that, I don't mean run at low speeds. I mean don't take delivery of your "new" trawler-yacht - the one you've been dreaming of going 'round the world in - and immediately take off across the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. Begin, instead, with shorter, more easily-managed passages across open waters.

Start with a few alongshore passages outside. Then step up to some island hopping and, eventually, to crossing some large sounds and smaller seas such as the Gulf of Mexico. And only after a year or two, if you find you like being at sea, consider making that transoceanic passage you've been dreaming for years of doing.

There are several reasons for following this approach. First, you will build valuable knowledge of your vessel and skill in handling her in a variety of more difficult conditions. Second, you'll get a chance to sort out any latent problems with your trawler-yacht and her gear. Third, you might find, as many of us have, that you don't really like spending more than a day or two in open waters out of sight of land. Not because it's scary or uncomfortable, but because to many, it's just plain monotonous. And if you do experience that epiphany, that's okay. As there's a lifetime of truly great cruising to be done without ever being further than 100 miles from shore.

To be sure, some sailors find long ocean passages invigorating, even life-renewing. If you are one of them, more power to you. But if you're not truly enamored of standing watch-on and watch-off for twelve or fifteen days straight or more, seeing only the sun, stars, and ocean swells and seas, it's better to learn that before you spend months preparing for and setting out on a transoceanic passage.

The delightful fact about the trawler-yacht genre is that it encompasses vessels variously suited to all manner of cruising. And it's a mistake to think that trawler-yachting involves only ocean crossing.

If after reading this you find yourself wanting to build your own custom trawler yacht, our new yacht design and build team is known as the best in the industry. Rather find a brokerage trawler? Seattle Yachts has offices in the Pacific Northwest to South Florida to Southern California. Contact us today at one of our convenient locations to get started on your cruising journey by yacht.

Enjoy these Trawler-related articles :

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• The Ultimate Trawler Boat Buying Guide
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• Trawler Yacht Frequently Asked Questions
• Owning A Trawler Yacht
• The Evolution Of The Trawler Yacht

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Where luxury meets tranquillity. Every Bering yacht is meticulously engineered for minimal noise and vibration, even at sea. Spacious galley cabinetry ensures effortless meal preparation, while ample wardrobe space caters to every guest. Advanced insulation and air conditioning maintain the perfect temperature, be it an arctic adventure or a tropical escape.

Limitless exploration. Every Bering yacht boasts an impressive transatlantic range, empowering you to conquer vast distances. For the truly adventurous, Bering 88 and above, push the boundaries of exploration. Bering Yachts prioritize efficient performance, ensuring the range adapts to your cruising style. Discuss your exploration goals and discover the perfect Bering yacht to fuel your voyage.

Explore further, for longer. Our vessels redefine self-sufficiency, empowering you to venture further for longer. Dual power sources ensure uninterrupted freedom; advanced watermakers transform seawater into freshwater, while spacious freezers and ample storage keep provisions perfectly preserved, enabling weeks or even months off-grid.

Leave a lighter footprint. Bering Yachts champions responsible exploration with advanced watermakers and onboard waste treatment systems. These features minimize your environmental impact while maximizing your self-reliance. Freshwater becomes readily available, and waste is processed responsibly, allowing you to explore with a clear conscience.

Your yachting adventure is defined. Bering Yachts adapt to your vision. Weekend escapes, extended expeditions, or full-time living – our vessels seamlessly transform to suit your desires. Navigate vast oceans, explore hidden coves, or embark on a lucrative chartering career. With Bering Yachts, the possibilities are limitless.

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Trawlers are a very distinct type of powerboat, designed for long-distance cruising and in many cases, living aboard for significant stretches of time. The origin of trawlers can be traced back to commercial fishing trawler boats.

In this day and age, most trawlers have all the comforts of home—and there are plenty of trawler yachts that place you squarely in the lap of luxury.

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Activities with Trawlers

GREAT FOR Overnight Cruising  • Day Cruising

Trawlers are intended for cruising, and many people spend extended vacations taking a trawler boat from port to port. There are also a lot of people who search high and low for the best trawler to live on, and then move aboard. 

Long-distance cruising at a leisurely pace

Because trawlers are designed with private staterooms, full kitchens (though we call them the “galley,” aboard a boat), and spacious living rooms (the nautical name for them is “saloon”), trawlers are ideal for people who believe that when it comes to long-distance cruising, half the fun is getting there. Most are designed to cruise in a slow and economical way, so you can enjoy the ride from start to finish.

Cruising the intercoastal waterway

The trawler design is very popular among “snow-birds” who take their boats south down the intercoastal waterway in the winter, then cruise back up it for the summer months. Many people (often retirees) make this trip season after season.

Consuming less fuel—providing exception range

Since the best trawlers for slow and steady voyages need to be fuel-efficient, many builders design them with relatively small powerplants and displacement hulls (boat bottoms which merely slice through the water, rather than using lots of power to break free of the water and skim across the surface at high speed). This gives them exceptional range and if you want a real super trawler, it’s even possible to find some with ocean-crossing abilities. However, if you want the ability to get where you’re going in short order there’s also more than one fast trawler manufacturer out there. Though there’s always a trade-off between speed and efficiency, even a fast trawler often has better fuel economy than many other types of powerboats.

Spacious interior layouts for a great weekend escape

Since trawlers are designed for spending lots of time aboard, even a small trawler usually has the maximum amount of cabin space possible for its size. Some have “aft cabins” built under the rear of the boat, and larger models often have multiple deck levels.

Ownership Costs of Trawlers

The size of the trawler you buy will be the biggest determining factor, when it comes to ownership cost. Remember that the larger the boat is, the more it will cost to rent or lease a slip, too. Finding the best trawler for the money really depends on your personal budget, and how much room you feel you need to live comfortably. Visit our Boat Loan Calculator to learn more about the costs of ownership fitting with into your budget.

Since trawlers tend to get used extensively and sometimes continually, they may have slightly higher maintenance costs than some other types of boats. They also have many of the same systems a house would (like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC). However, these systems are smaller and more contained than those of a house. So, in the long run, maintenance costs likely to be far less than they would with an abode you live in on dry land.

Thanks to their efficiency, unlike many types of powerboats fuel costs associated with a trawler are usually minimal. Instead, the main operation cost is general living expenses – things like food and drink supplies – since so many people spend extended periods of time aboard. In addition, you should also plan in insurance costs (see Insuring Your Boat for more info).

Trawler Boat Technology/Materials/Features

You might guess that their traditional design and heritage means that trawlers haven’t changed much over the years, but that would be a mistake. New hull designs developed an entire genre of trawler dubbed the “slow-fast,” which has the ability to cruise at slow speeds with relatively good fuel efficiency, but can also jump on plane (when most of the boat rises out of the water and skims on the surface), when and if necessary. In other cases, advancements in construction materials has allowed trawler manufacturers to reduce a boat’s weight, without giving up one bit of strength. Modern lighter weight construction techniques have also made it possible to build trailerable trawlers that may be relatively small, but still have all the comforts of home and can be towed by many pick-up trucks and SUVs.

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If you love the idea of long-range cruising on the open ocean in a seaworthy vessel that offers the creature comforts you need to live in your watercraft for extended periods, a trawler is precisely what you need in your life.

It’s the closest thing you can get to a yacht without the hefty price tag that comes with it. If you squint hard enough, trawlers look like mini-yachts.

They are stout vessels fitted with powerful engines, a skeg, and a displacement hull designed to plane on the water. Below deck, you’ll find a pilothouse forward, an engine room, a freezer hold, a galley, and accommodations that can host a small crew.

But, perhaps the most important feature of trawlers is that they are designed for fishing . Most come with heavy fishing machinery such as net rollers and trawl winches, which incidentally, is how these vessels get their name. They tow a net through the water to herd and capture fish – a technique known as “trawling.”

So, what are the best trawlers, and how do you choose the best one? We’ve reviewed the top 5 options and put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you pick the best one.

Beneteau is best known for its range of powerboat and sailboat watercraft . Now, if you thought those boats were amazing, you haven’t seen their range of Swift Trawlers.

The Swift Trawler 50 , in particular, is an absolute beauty. It has an expansive interior with lots of natural lighting and exquisite intelligently-designed fittings that make it perfect for both fishing expeditions, as well as romantic or family getaways if you ever need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The boat has a spacious deck plan with wide walkways and high bulwarks for added safety onboard. Standard features include a flybridge lounge that comes with a foldable sliding table, an external galley with a sink and worktop, as well as an optional electric grill.

The U-shaped galley comes with two refrigerators, an extractor hood, a double sink, and a service hatch. All in all, the Swift Trawler 50 adds a whole new dimension to luxury cruising.

Buy on Amazon  →

● Fully-customizable ● Spacious and luxurious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

● Slightly pricey

If you love the finer things in life and don’t mind spending a little extra moolah on a boat, you need to check out the Nordic Tugs 54 Trawler. Its meticulous craftsmanship, stunning exterior design, and plush interior finishes make this vessel feel like an ultra-luxurious home on the water.

This American-built trawler has plenty of room inside and comfortably sleeps up to six people. We particularly love its custom wooden fittings that blend luxury and sophistication to give you a true masterpiece.

The beauty of this Nordic tug isn’t skin deep either. This trawler is powered by a 670hp diesel Volvo Penta engine to give you a cruising range of approximately 2,600 NM at 8 knots. So, if you want a vessel that oozes opulence and has loads of comfort and convenience features to boot, the 54 Trawler is precisely what you need.

● Excellent craftsmanship ● Exquisite interior finishes ● Large cruising range

● It’s a bit of a fuel guzzler

Trawlers don’t exactly come cheap. Most of them retail for $500,000+. The Ranger Tugs R-23, however, was designed with the price-conscious boater in mind. At a base price of only $115,000, this trawler boat delivers outstanding value for money.

It is powered by a 200hp Yamaha outboard engine and has a very open and airy feeling about it. The galley is equipped with a microwave, cooktop, and refrigerator with a freezer. This ensures that you have everything you need for those long extended stays out on the water.

It has plenty of storage and is highly versatile – a feature that ensures every space on the boat has multiple uses. For instance, the dinette converts to a sleeper, while the mid-berth can be used as storage or converted to a sleeper for the kids. It also has separate sleeping accommodation for two, or you can add the filler cushion to combine them.

What sets the R-23 apart from other trawlers in its class is the fact that it has many of the same amenities you would expect in a larger cruising yacht. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar vessel at that price point.

● Great value for money ● Packed with loads of convenience amenities ● Suitable for long-range cruising

● The engine is slightly noisy

If you’re up for a cruising adventure on the open ocean, then you’ll love what the Kadey-Krogen range of trawlers brings to the table. The boat manufacturer has been around for more than four decades and has maintained its classic patented full-displacement hull design, making these trawlers one of the most stable vessels you’ll come across.

This makes them perfect for ocean cruising, even in rough waters and sloppy weather conditions. It has ample room to store all the fuel and supplies required for long passages across the ocean.

The Krogen 50 , in particular, is a work of art. Its beauty takes your breath away the moment you lay your eyes on it. The interior has a rich, cozy home-like feel that makes you forget you’re on the water. Every aspect of this trawler is designed meticulously to combine high-performance capabilities with livability.

● Built for long ocean cruises ● Provides exceptional stability even in the rough waters of the high seas ● Beautiful interior design

● Slower than other trawlers in its class

Nordhavn 41

No list of top trawlers would be deemed complete if it didn’t feature Nordhavn. The boat manufacturer has been around for several decades and is renowned for its well-engineered crafts built to last a lifetime.

Now, if you’re in the market for a liveaboard trawler that you can use to cross oceans on your cruise around the world, the Nordhavn 41 is designed to do just that. The folks there weren’t playing around when they built this boat.

They employed the world’s most advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics alongside the latest design technology to produce the safest and most efficient watercraft you’ll ever come across. It has ample liveaboard space, with an expansive galley that comes with loads of amenities like a stovetop, refrigerator, cabinetry, and a countertop.

It also has an exquisite master cabin and a guest stateroom that sleeps two. All in all, if you plan to live onboard your trawler, this is the boat you want to do it in.

● Roomy interior ● Has several convenience features ● Built to last a lifetime

● Fuel efficiency not as you would expect

How to Choose the Best Trawlers – Mistakes to Avoid

There’s an old saying that trawler owners have some of the most impressive cruising résumés in the boating world. That experience has come, in large part, from trial and error.

And, make no mistake about it – the opportunity to make a big blunder is always lurking around the corner. In this buyer’s guide, we explore some of the mistakes to avoid when you go trawler shopping, as well as some useful tips that will come in handy when looking for the best trawlers.

1. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

This is the easiest of mistakes to make, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But, as long as you do your homework and research on the boat you want to buy, it’s easy to minimize the chances of making this classic rookie mistake.

The first step involves a serious introspection about what you want to use the boat for – for the first five years, at least. Five years is the sweet spot.

Do you plan to use it for some heavy-duty fishing, or do you intend to use it more for recreational purposes like cruising the open ocean waters with your family? Once that’s clear in your mind, then and only then can you start the search for your perfect boat.

There are three main things you need to think about when looking for the best trawlers to buy.

Hull Design

First is the hull design. This is important since it will affect the way your boat handles in rough waters. Ideally, you want a boat with a full-displacement hull that’s ballasted.

It should be able to give you the range you need to make long ocean passages and economic enough to get you to your destination and back without having to spend a small fortune in the process.

If, on the other hand, you want to get to your destination faster and don’t plan on venturing into exceptionally choppy waters, a trawler with a semi-displacement hull will suffice since it runs faster compared to its full-displacement counterparts.

The next thing you need to consider is the overall safety of the trawler you want to get. Some of the features you should be looking out for include its ability to navigate extreme weather conditions , remain stable in the rough open seas, and carry heavy equipment on board. The vessel you buy should also be unsinkable.

Finally, you should think about the comfort and convenience features that come with the boat. You are, after all, going to be out at sea for long periods.

Now, if the purpose of the boat you’re getting is exclusively for fishing, then you can get away with buying a basic boat with Spartan accommodations. Such a boat would be more focused on the fishing features built into the boat’s design and less on luxury.

On the other hand, if you intend to use it for recreational purposes, the majority of the time, get a boat whose interior setup makes it ideal for the whole family. It should have plenty of comfort and convenience amenities that make it feel like a home away from home.

Once you know the type of trawler you want to get based on what you plan to use it for, you can now start narrowing down the specific models that embody your vision for the perfect boat. Sea trials should soon follow to give you a feel of the trawler’s handling characteristics.

We cannot emphasize enough how important this step is. This is why you should take the sea trial bit very seriously. So, while the boat is still at the dealer’s dock, schedule a long sea trial, preferably in iffy weather, to put the trawler through her paces.

If you’re happy with the results, you can now address your expectations of the boat one at a time. Keep in mind that you may need to compromise on certain aspects of it. Nonetheless, based on how much customization the manufacturer allows for, you may be able to get a good number of the features you might want it to have.

2. Underestimating the True Cost of Owning a Trawler

This is yet another common mistake most first-time boat buyers make. You may become so fixated on buying a trawler that you end up overlooking the operational costs that come with owning one.

Now, owning a boat is nothing like owning a car. While both pieces of machinery need regular maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them in good running form, the costs associated with each are worlds apart.

A seemingly simple task like cleaning your trawler is nowhere near the price of taking your car to the drive-through carwash to get it spick and span. The process may involve getting experienced scuba divers to clean the underside of the trawler for you. That aside, other costs you have to factor in include:

• Boat insurance
• Fuel and oil changes
• Monthly slip fees at the marina
• Servicing and repair
• Spare parts
• Waxing it every 6 months
• … and several other expenses

Once you add all these up and break the figure into a monthly rate, you’ll be able to get what the true cost of ownership is. Buy a boat that’s within your budget while factoring-in what it will cost to run it.

3. Buying the Wrong Type of Boat

Again, this all comes down to your intended use of the vessel. If you’re looking to buy a liveaboard trawler, you might want to get something with a little more room. Boats can start to feel a little claustrophobic after a while. So, if that’s going to be you and your family’s full time living space, you might want to consider how much livable space the boat in question comes with.

The other thing you need to think about is the overall speed of the boat. A trawler with a full-displacement hull may offer the stability it needs to combat the high seas’ rough waters, but the tradeoff here will be speed. Boats with this type of hull move painfully slow through the water.

Think – A snail riding on a turtle’s back going, “Weeee…” as the wind blows across the snail’s head. In this case, you would be the snail, and the full-displacement-hull trawler would be the turtle. You may even experience the occasional sailboat zooming past you as you trudge along the water.

So, if speed matters a great deal to you, you’ll need to buy the right type of trawler. Perhaps one with a semi-displacement hull instead?

4. Not Involving Your Partner in the Purchase Process

The secret to the successful purchase of a trawler is a lot like relationships themselves: compromise.

To avoid putting your trawler up for sale less than a year after purchasing it, ensure your partner is involved in the decision-making process. You need to find a boat that you’re both happy with; otherwise, that’s just a disaster waiting to happen.

Since you’re both going to be spending considerable amounts of time out at sea, it’s important that boating is an equal passion for both partners. The boat in question needs to have the features and amenities you both want in a great trawler.

Granted, you may not get a vessel that addresses all the individual needs of each party, but it’s about compromise once again. Find a middle ground that makes you both happy.

5. Impulse Buying

Trawling is a lifestyle, not a hobby. If it’s a day cruising boat you’re after, this isn’t it. Trawlers are designed for people who intend to spend most of their time on the water, fishing in the high seas.

So, if you recently attended a boat show and fell in love with that swanky-looking trawler you came across, you might want to pause before you go ahead and purchase it. As a rule of thumb, never sign a contract when you’re at a boat show – tempting as it may be.

Don’t get sucked-in by the artificial pricing of boats, only to end up entangled in a long-term financial commitment simply because you made an impulse decision in the heat of the moment. Understand what trawlers are intended for and take the time to figure out if that’s the lifestyle you envision for yourself for the next five years.

If it is, avoid making the mistakes outlined in the previous sections when choosing the best trawler to buy.

The Ultimate Adventure-Filled Lifestyle

If you’re passionate about the trawling, we recommend getting any of the 5 boats we’ve reviewed in this guide. Ensure that you avoid making the common mistakes made by first-time boat buyers when shopping for the best trawlers.

One thing is for sure, though. You’re about to embark on the most thrilling adventure of your entire life.

In the meantime, if a yacht is more your speed, we’ve reviewed the best yachts . They’re worth checking out.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Boats

michael mann on August 5, 2021

i really enjoyed your article. the 5 boats you have listed are very ocean capable. i do have a question. how about BERING yachts. i believe their full-displacement and are also ocean crossing capable? can you tell me anything about BERING yachts? and why they didn’t make your list?

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15 Best Sailboat Brands

Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

When choosing a sailboat, the brand can make a big difference in quality, performance, and resale value. But picking the “best sailboat brand” means swimming through a lot of different kinds of boats with different intended purposes. Are you looking for a large luxury offshore cruising boat or small production daysailer? Do you want a monohull or a catamaran? Are you looking to buoy racer or weekend cruiser?

Although we can’t address all brands and all their uses, we can segment out monohulls from catamarans and address production boats versus luxury brands. Here are some you’ll see on the water and find in peer-to-peer sharing services like Boatsetter.

1. Beneteau

2. Jeanneau

Also under the Beneteau Group umbrella, Jeanneau is renowned for its stylish, performance-oriented sailboats. They offer a broad range of boats that appeal to both casual sailors and competitive racers with models ranging 30-65 feet. Both Beneteau and Jeanneu now build sailboats as well as powerboats.

Another French builder is Dufour that produces versatile, stylish sailboats with a good balance between performance and comfort. This brand is popular among cruising families and casual sailing racers. Dufour was founded in 1964, so they too have a long history on the water and offer reliable models 37-61 feet.

4. Catalina

An American builder, Catalina Yachts offers models 12-44 feet. These coastal cruisers used to be built on the West Coast so you can spot a lot of older versions on the Pacific Ocean. Catalina is focused on easy-maintain and easy-to-handle boats that are family weekending favorites. Dealerships are harder to find these days but today, Catalina will build you a boat in Florida if you inquire.

Oyster is a British luxury builder of serious offshore bluewater cruising yachts and has an excellent reputation with those who want to globetrot in style and make long safe passages. The brand is synonymous with quality and attention to detail. They specialize in building larger passagemakers 49-88 feet and are an exceptional choice for distance cruising if you have a serious budget.

A volume production builder from Germany, Bavaria is known for durable cruisers that are good both with charter fleets and in private ownership. Today, Bavaria offers heavy-duty sailing monohulls 37-57 feet although they also build powerboats.

Another German production builder is Hanse known for sleek modern designs with innovative systems and performance hulls. Hanse has easy-to-handle rigs with self-tacking jibs which makes short-handed sailing a breeze. Hanse has a sister company named Moody which builds comfortable cruising models based on many of the same Hanse hulls.

8. Hallberg-Rassy

A legacy brand, Hallber-Rassy is known for their quality and traditional designs capable of offshore work. This durable Swedish brand has a robust construction and commands a higher price. They’re better known in Europe than in the US and they don’t build in the same kind of volume as many of the production brands so they’re harder to spot.

9. Nautor Swan

A name that has been synonymous with high performance and luxury is Finland’s Nautor Swan. They’re a pedigreed brand with elegant design and renown craftsmanship. Swan was purchased by Italian luxury builder San Lorenzo in the summer of 2024. Their models range 48-65 feet and they have a maxi division that builds superyachts 80-128 feet.

Multihulls:  

A segment of cruising sailboats are multihulls, specifically catamarans. Here are popular production cat builders and three extra brands that will make you look twice.

Perhaps the best-known production catamaran brand is Lagoon which is part of the Beneteau umbrella and has been building models since 1987. These models do heavy work in charter around the world so if you see a cat on the water, it’s a good bet that it’s a Lagoon. Offered in lengths 40-78 feet, Lagoon is a volume builder that develops both sail and power multihulls.

Nautitech Open

Nautitech is a French company that was briefly owned by German Bavaria. Now they’re on their own again and espouse Marc Lombard design. They’re known for unique interior layouts that maximize outdoor social spaces. These stylish cats of 40-48 feet have sleek profiles with angular windows, a lowcoachroof and powerful hull sections. Able to sail 10 knots in 15-20 knots of true wind, these bluewater cats are happy to go around the harbor or around the world.

Fountaine Pajot

The French seem to own the world of sailing cats since another powerhouse production brand is Fountaine Pajot which is also a sister brand with monohull builder Dufour mentioned above. The new designs are built for large groups on charter or for families. Cabin arrangements are flexible from an owner’s version with a sumptuous suite all the way to a five-cabin layout that will accommodate 10 guests with ease.

Balance is a premium builder of bluewater performance multihulls designed to carry a good turn of speed on all points of sail which is assisted by foiled daggerboards that make easy work of upwind sailing. Self-tacking rigs and the versatile VersaHelm make driving these serious models a snap. Balance currently builds three models 44-52 feet with three larger models on the drawing board.

When a budget can stretch, sailors reach for upmarket build-to-order ubercats like HH Catamarans produced in China. These boats carry daggerboards and carbon rigs and are great for serious racing as well as distance cruising. These models have a carbon construction to be strong and lightweight and few multihulls will raise an eyebrow quite like an HH sailing by in a flash. Luxury designs are available in 44-88 feet.

NEEL Trimarans

When two hulls aren’t enough, consider a trimaran. Tris are typically faster than cats but have unique and sometimes challenging onboard layouts. When small and designed for racing, tris like the Dragonfly brand are fast and fun. In contrast, French company NEEL builds large cruising tris that reels off the miles and provide lots of space for cruising necessities. NEEL’s current portfolio includes models 43-52 feet with a flagship coming at 65 feet.

Each of these sailing brands has its strengths, whether you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser, a performance-oriented racer, or a luxury bluewater multihull. The best choice depends on your needs, sailing style, and budget.

If you already own one of these fabulous sailboat brands and want to offset the purchase price and ongoing costs, consider chartering via a peer-to-peer services like Boatsetter that can make ownership much more manageable.

Learn more about sailboats

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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