A trawler in general means: Any pleasure craft more than 25’ in length that does not carry sufficient horsepower to lift itself out of the water and plane. Practically all trawlers are designed with long, deep keels. These boats are popular for cruising 7-8 knots and ideal for waterways where speeds are limited. They are well suited for long passages where fuel conservation becomes critical.

Trawlers are becoming more and more popular. They are large and roomy, normally with a 360-degree panoramic view from large slon windows. Trawlers are great for long, short or intermediate cruising, as well as being an excellent fuel consumption is beyond comparison and is respected for its long range cruising.

What draws so many life long sailors away from packing those sails? It’s the style of the trawler. It has an appealing rugged look about it. In fact a lot of sail boaters have sold their sailboats and switched over to trawlers. They don’t have the time or energy that is required for the kind of work that sailing often requires and feel it is time for a change.

Motor yacht owners on the other hand, don’t want the expense or the upkeep of larger engines required to push the weight of the hull at higher cruising speeds. An enormous amount of stress is put on the engines, which then must be rebuilt every 3-4 thousand hours of use. Most of all they are without a deep keel, leaving their shafts and propellers unprotected. It’s no wonder trawlers are increasing in popularity.

A trawler is a different breed of boat. Graceful hull lines stand out and are appealing to the eye. Large windows, which surround the salon, a mast, boom, and a steadying sail, creates the traditional look.

Let me point out one fact. Whenever we sea trial a trawler, a lot of heads turn our way. People will point to the boat, wave and yell, “What kind of boat is that?” If you don’t believe me, just go down the Intercoastal on a trawler and see what happens! Oh boy, what a nice feeling!

At Trawler School Charters, we’ve witnessed new trawler owners moving on to establish a remarkable resume of cruising experience. While all people succumb to the philosophy of lifelong learning through experience, some lessons are more important than others. Whether you’re purchasing your first trawler or are buying your third, it’s important to understand the most common mistakes people make when shopping for a trawler.

By understanding these errors, you can ensure the best purchase for your needs, and a trawler that will last you for many years to come. While we go over the process of thoroughly scouring the market for a trawler. Trawler School Charters can teach you what you need to know to pick the right model & size.

1. Unrealistic expectations: Think of buying a trawler similar to how you would purchase a car. The only difference is that you’ll spend more time deliberating on the perfect trawler. In order to make the best purchase, research and actual experience is required from you, which can take a while to accumulate. While we’re surrounded by cars on a daily basis, trawlers are less familiar vehicles, so it’s important to understand the handling characteristics of the boat, hull design, safety, and other considerations before making a purchase. Researching and acquiring cruising experience should be your primary focus before you enter the market for a trawler.
2. Underestimating the cost of cruising: Owning a trawler is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and respected endeavors a water-loving person could ever embark on. However, it’s important to note that it’s easy to underestimate the cost of owning a trawler. Don’t let this discourage you, though. You deserve the trawler that you want! Just be sure that you’re familiar with the fees, insurance, taxes, fuel, maintenance, spare parts, and other random costs that come with owning a trawler. There’s not one expense that is more overwhelming than the trawler itself. Rather, it’s many little costs that make trawler ownership a notable expense, but it’s well worth the investment! Attending Trawler school will be a step in the right direction.
3. Agree with your first mate! Chances are that your “first mate” is your spouse. Most couples purchase a trawler for romantic and recreational cruising together. Heading to the sea as a couple is one of the most fantastic date nights imaginable. Just be sure that your first mate loves the trawler as much as you do before you purchase.