T&T: <Trawlers versus motor yachts

[David H Sorenson]

I will certainly defer to salts older and wiser than me on this issue.
However, as we continue our adventure of finding our final boat (for the
loop) here are my observations. I realise these are broad generalizations
with clear exceptions. However, our boat looking/research in the Great
Lakes region is that motor yachts tend to be (a) planing hull types, (b)
shallower draft, and (c) are not as heavy. At least in the Great Lakes, a
lot of motor yachts up to about 42 feet in length are gas powered. I
certainly am aware of the marketing hype which blurs vessel types to the
current perceived buying fad to sell more boats. But my perception is
that most recreational trawlers are diesel powered, heavier, deeper
draft, and of course are not planing hulls. Accordingly, they tend to
have better sea-keeping abilities. Having said that, the enclosed sundeck
above the aft-cabin is a very attractive design -- if that is what many
consider to be a motor yacht.

David Sorenson
Duluth, MN