T&T: Identity Crisis

[Candy Chapman and Gary Bell]

Rob & Robin Dorsey said:

However, it all begs the question: What is she? We want her to be a trawler,
I mean, we treat her as a trawler chugging along at 7.5kts of hull speed at
1,600 rpm, but we've seen some online reports, one in particular by David
Pasco, describing our boat as a "floating camper" which has, admittedly,
deepened the wound.

What say this group? We see Best Revenge as a first boat and an interim
selection so we are not married to the choice plus we are grownups and able
to take criticism or bad news well. So, let fly.



As we were bringing our PDQ 34 up the Michigan coast of Lake Huron 
several years ago I ran across a fellow at a marina who declaired:  "Ya 
know, if we yarded these things up onto land and hung wheels on 'em we'd 
all be trailer trash, but out here on the water we're yachtsmen!"

Lighten up guys!  It's OK.  There is no strict definition of trawler as 
it applies to our boating.  There isn't even much agreement on the 
general concept. 

Like every other identity crisis, yours is a self inflicted wound.   If 
you think of your boat (or any other boat) as a trawler, that is what it 
is.   If you don't care for David Pasco's boat you can call it a 
"floating camper" too.  After all, isn't floating one of the aspects of 
a boat we ALL try real hard to preserve; in large part so we can use 
them as a camper.   A boat I can camp out in on the water is a major 
part of my definition of a trawler.  My opinion, your opinion, or even 
David Pasco's opinion is only that, an opinion.  You will find on this 
list a rich diversity of opinions, as different and therefore 
interesting as the individuals that hold them. 

Your intirim selection first boat is exactly that, and if you choose to 
trawler about in it then it is a trawler for you.  Somebody else in the 
marina who's boat never ever left the dock and was only used as a 
cocktail bar and hangover clinic can still call it a trawler.  And you 
are free to hold a different opinion.   The strict definition of a 
trawler is a small commercial fishing boat that drags big open mouthed 
nets positioned and controlled in the water by towed trawl boards or 
doors.   Darn few of our trawlers can, or ever could fit that 
definition, so we are all 'cheating' a little on the definition 
anyway.   Heck, many of us own and operate sailboats, and freely discuss 
trawlering about in them!  

So, trawler on, and share your experiences and opinions freely with the 
rest of us!  That's what we do here.

Gary Bell and Admiral Candy Chapman