Recreational trawler

For the fishing boat, see fishing trawler.

Kadey-Krogen 42' cruising trawler

Recreational trawlers are pleasure boats which resemble fishing trawlers. They can also be called cruising trawlers or trawler yachts. Within the category, however, are many types and styles of vessels.

A fishing trawler for example, always has a displacement hull for load-carrying capacity. Recreational trawlers, on the other hand, are as likely to have a semi-displacement hull. However, with the rising cost of fuel and the lower fuel consumption (though also lower speed) offered by displacement hulls, they are gaining popularity among some buyers. These displacement models typically have a cruising speed of 7-9 knots depending on the boat length. Their maximum speed is often no more than 10-12 knots, whereas semi-displacement hulls can attain 14-20 knots.

Details

Nordhavn 47 foot Yacht underway

North Pacific 43 ft. Pilothouse trawler yacht

Recreational trawlers are also subject to fashion. For example many USA production recreational trawlers have a style which includes features such as raised pilothouse or offset deckhouse.

A popular feature is a "portuguese bridge" which consists of a walkway behind the foredeck, in front and to the sides of, the pilothouse windows, separated from the foredeck by a (generally) waist-high bulwark. The purpose of the bridge is to deflect green water from the foredeck up over the superstructure top rather than slamming against the forward windows of the pilothouse. It gives a semi-sheltered area outside the pilothouse while underway. A secondary benefit is that it provides a "safe area" or handhold when it is necessary to be on the foredeck in inclement weather. And lastly, it provides additional storage space for lines, fire extinguisher, spare anchor, drogue, etc. if the builder has provided access doors and lockers on the inside of the bridge.

Trawlers are most often offered in lengths ranging from 35 to 60 feet (or more) long. Most are built for long term cruising of regional and worldwide destinations. Combined with large fuel tanks they can cruise far before needing to be refuelled. They can be home for between 2 to 8 persons for many days and can be a permanent home.

Usually trawlers have a single engine, though twin engine installations are also available from some builders. They have a large fuel capacity. Fuel range is normally 1,500-3,000 miles on smaller vessels, even greater for those over 45ft in length. When combined with the slower speeds of a displacement hull, these features give such vessels far greater range and economy than similarly sized planing boats. A large engine room under the main cabin is another feature of true cruising trawlers. Many also include a diesel generator of 5-20kW to power domestic appliances, bow thrusters, dinghy cranes, and similar equipment.

In the United States recreational trawlers are catered for by over 70 builders and manufacturers.

See also

• Great Harbour Trawlers
• Kadey-Krogen Yachts
• Nordhavn
• North Pacific Yachts
• Fishing trawler
• Naval trawler

External links

• Trawler Conversion - Cruising Under Power - South East Asia in a Converted Fishing Boat
• Trawlers from Around the World