GL: Appropriate trawler for Caribbean cruesing

[Al Rodriguez]

Looking at different used trawlers for island hopping in the Caribbean down to Venezuela.  Have checked out the Alvin 32/35, Mirage Great Harbor 37 and Ricker 42 Performance Trawler. These differ by speed, interior room, windage, etc.

Some features I consider important are as follows:

- Low draft for ability to gunkhole in shallow coves and islands
- Fuel economy - prefer diesel
- Would like walk around deck
- Strong hull and prop protection to deal with shallow areas and other dragons that may lurk beneath
- Able to deal with reasonably inclement weather
- Bow thrust

I would not live aboard full time but rather would use it for few months or weeks, at a time.

I like the Alvin 32 and 35 for its sturdiness, but only comes with one engine, which I find somewhat risky.  The Ricker 42 Performance Trawler design looks good, has twin diesels and low draft, but can't find any performance reviews on it.  The GH37 is very roomy, but windage is high and max speed is 8 knots.  Need to outrun weather and Gulf current, as well as keep up with other trawlers when going in a group.  

Anyone owns or has owned any of these trawlers that can offer some input.  I posed the same question in the Passagemaking blog, but recedid not receive much of a response,as these folks are more focused on bigger, ocean going trawlers. 

Please advise your recomendations and/or comments.

Thanks,

Al Rodriguez
Panga 22lx
Fort Lauderdale