Archive for October 24, 2013

Sundeck Model Trawler

October 8, 2013
Sundeck model trawlerThere are four types of trawlers; Sundeck, Trunk, Sedan & Pilothouse. Sundeck models are relatively new models built around 1985 to present. Normally the Sundeck has  7 – 8 knot hull speed and built on a semi-displacement hull. Some trawlers equipped with larger turbo charged engines can obtain higher speeds with the semi displacement hull compared to a full displacement hull found on pilothouse trawlers which cannot go over 8 knots.
Sundecks &Trunks have the same floor plans, both equipped with a salon, two heads, galley up or down with a master stateroom & a guest forward stateroom. The difference is the master stateroom has about 15% more room because it is located beneath the raised aft deck (Sundeck). Because of their wide body and raised aft sundeck rom the waterline they look more like a late model motor yacht. Their is no aft cockpit, it is all deck space that can be set up with a wet bar, dinning table and chairs, great for entertaining with lots of room. The hard top model can be fully enclosed and a dinghy can be stored and hoisted up and down with an electric davit. You will be giving up the mast and boom for a radar arch on top of the fly bridge.
This vessel has direct access from the salon’s aft door to the sundeck with a couple of steps leading up to the fly bridge, safe, easy and quick to go up and down. Having both sundeck and fly bridge you can accommodate a lot of guests and have lots of outside space. This is why the Sundeck model is great for entertaining. It is not a pet friendly setup and is harder  for your water activities as you must go up and down the 5 step ladder to and from the swim platform.  Having four levels with the stairs leading from the staterooms all the way up to the fly bridge is like having a four story building. You must be in tip top shape to constantly go up and down these steps for as long as you own this model.
I hope you enjoyed this article and if you would like to learn more about Trawling then consider a trawler school where you can experience hands on training and learning about other subjects you should know before buying or chartering a trawler.
Thank you,
Captain Bob
Trawler School Charters
Captain Robert L. Hamilton
USCG Licenced
Vessel Miami Mermaid
398 East Dania Beach Blvd #281
Dania Beach FL 33004
954-649-9611
trawlerschool@gmail.com
www.trawlerschoolcharters.com

Sedan Trawler

October 8, 2013
sedan trawlerThere are four types of trawlers: Sedan, Trunk, Sundeck and Pilothouse. Sedan models are sensible and conservative, they have a striking profile and a user-friendly layout. Built on a semi-displacement hull, the Sedan is a favorite among trawler enthusiasts. Owners enjoy the practicality and all around convenience this model has to offer and are willing to give up their aft master stateroom for the convenience of this floor plan.

The Sedan floor plan accommodations are plain and simple, leading from the aft cockpit through the salon access door with the galley up and helm down. Just two steps to negotiate into the forward staterooms. This model is ideal for those having loss of motion, arthritis, hip or knee replacements. If this sounds like you, then look no more, this is the trawler for you. The two staterooms are up front and separated by a thin wall which compromises a little of your privacy and there is only one bathroom which is located next to the staterooms on sizes under 46′.  This is a trade-off most experienced seafarers will surely go with.

The issue to address with the sedan is accessing the fly bridge. There is a fairly steep ladder, 5 to 6 steps on the aft deck through a hatch leading up to the fly bridge. This is an inconvenience to anyone that has loss of motion, (I just don’t get it) it is hard enough to go up and down when you are dock side never mind underway???  The newer models addressed this issue and made some changes with the ladder making it much more accessible and a lot easier.

All hands on deck!  A full walk around, 360 degree deck all the same level provide the convenience of moving around safety and quickly, facilitating the handling of the dock lines with ease and the most pet friendly trawler made. Since the cockpit is located low to the waterline all-around water activities can be enjoyed by all.

Two types of sedan models were built: the original sedan, hull style, features an upright boxy appearance. The second, a very handsome trawler called the Europa Sedan. Her attractive outside lines has bridge overhangs with stylish support columns. This feature provides shaded side decks and rain protection. All other aspects of the Sedan trawlers are exactly the same.

You should know all there is to know about the four different trawler models before buying. It would be a wise choice to attend a trawler school.

The article above is just a small portion of the subjects discussed in our classes.
Sea U,
Captain Bob
Trawler School Charters
Captain Robert L. Hamilton
USCG Licenced
Vessel Miami Mermaid
398 East Dania Beach Blvd #281
Dania Beach FL 33004
954-649-9611
www.trawlerschoolcharters.com

The Trunk Trawler

October 8, 2013

imagesThere are 4 different trawler hull styles the Trunk, Sundeck, Sedan, Pilothouse this article is on the Trunk model. Trunk styles are also referred to as the classic or double cabin trawler. These are considered the true traditional trawlers. a good example is the 42′ Grand Banks Classic. They normally come with a wide walk around deck with easy access for handling lines and getting around the boat in a hurry. It is pet friendly and can get off and on from the cockpit onto the dingy. Also, there is access to the salon through port and starboard side doors. The trunk sits low to the water making it easy to board the boat without hassle.

Aft is the trunk, which has 2 steps from either side of the walk around deck with the cockpit aft. ere two side access doors port and starboard leading into the salon. The trunk has  and aft windows for a view from the aft master stateroom. The topside trunk deck is where the dingy would normally sit. The boom, which acts as a hoist for easy loading and unloading, places the dingy on the storage racks. The fly bridge is normally 3 steps up from the trunk deck. A traditional mast with boom running aft holds a steading sail. This sail is used to help steady the boat in bad weather (to help prevent a certain percentage of rolling. I personally only seen 2 trawlers with steading sails in more than 15 years.

Usually the fly bridge is large with plenty of seating this is where your entrainment and hosting of guest will occur the trunk really dose not count for this purpose. getting to the fly bridge is a little tricky you must use the port or starboard side access doors then walk aft and onto the trunk up the steps to the fly bridge, you will get use to it quickly. the fly bridge has a soft Bimini top and normally Isinglass it is clear plastic weatherproof 3 or 4 side enclosure, with large zipped windows for ventilation. I would not know what to do without them they are wonderful. These are also a must for well-traveled trawlers and in northern boats.

the outline of the trunk has a low profile to the waterline, which makes it more stable and less windage while underway. The layout of this boat is a double cabins one aft stateroom with head and shower and one forward guest stateroom with a common head. The salon is large, roomy and has large surrounding windows. It could come either with galley up or galley down.

The traditional double stateroom provides complete privacy when having guest on board. Please Thru my own experience after eight years I found out the hard way with all those steps up and down it is like a four story building cause it has four levels the state rooms, Salon, trunk up to the fly bridge. Please consider this you must be healthy and stay healthy  so try before you buy. This is one reason to consider a trawler school to find out for your self before moving forward with your trawler plans.

Sea U Captain Bob
www.trawlerschoolcharters.com
Dania beach Fl.

Introduction to Trawler Buying

October 8, 2013

Cruising-TrawlerWelcome to the introduction of trawler buying, if your among the boaters that value comfort, roominess, stability, and seaworthiness coupled with reliability and economy of operation, then this article is for you. On the other hand, if your idea of pleasure boating is racing up and down the intercoastal in a sleek, super charged “go fast” cigarette type boat, consuming 60 gallons of fuel per hour, then this article will be down right dull. Among the finer things in life, trawlers are like fine wine, they take time. Trawlers move with leisure to get where they are going, unhurried.

Most buyers, thus far, have been owners or previous owners of another type of vessel; either sailboats that take too much physical work, or motor yachts that consume too much fuel and have short cruising ranges. Some are retirees who want the ability to cruise long distances or who are selling  their house for an ocean-going live-aboard vessel. Some are seasoned yachtsman who appreciate the comfort, stability, seaworthiness and fuel economy of trawlers. Normally, they have a general knowledge of what they are looking for. However, being new to the trawler market, once they start learning more about these vessels, their ideas and plans begin to change.

Some important things you should consider should be the size, model, layout, a single or twin engine, new or used, how much money you want to invest, and what you intend to use your trawler for; short range cruising, long range cruising, live aboard, charting or owning….  It has been my experience that  you may want to attend a three or four day trawler school which offers hands on training while living on board, gaining the true knowledge and feel for the trawler life. This experience will assist you to make a educated decision. Hoped you enjoyed my blog Captain Bob