T&T: trawler question for X sailboat guy

[Milt Baker]

Charlie,

Two pieces of advice:

1.  Before you buy your first trawler-type yacht, find and charter one about the same size you expect to buy.  Can't afford to do that?  I say you can't afford not to!  A week cruising on a boat like that is the best way in the world for you and The Admiral to gain a feel for what it's like to own and operate a trawler yacht, and you'll both come away with a new appreciation for what works about that style yacht and what doesn't, not to mention what's important and perhaps what's important to avoid.  If you think you want a single engine trawler, by all means charter one.  Likewise, if twin engines appeal to you, a twin-engine trawler is what you want to charter.

2.  After that, if you (and The Admiral) still want a trawler yacht, buy a trawler yacht that's a known brand with a good-sized user base so you'll have a support network.  Grand Banks, Krogen, Nordic Tug and Nordhavn (and I'm sure many others) have large and active user groups and there's great synergy there because their ownewhile yrs learn from one another and the camaraderie aspect is an added benefit.  Whether you're talking sailing yachts or trawlers, you'll pay more to buy a name-brand yacht but when the time comes to sell it you'll sell it faster and for a greater percentage of what you paid for it.  

Do I practice what I preach?  Yup.  I'm also an ex-sailor who chartered before I bought my first trawler.  I'm now on my fourth trawler style yacht (two Grand Bankses, a Nordic Tug and a Nordhavn) and still feel that my week-long charter of a Grand Banks over 20 years ago represents one of the best boating values of my life!

--Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater, Palma, Mallorca


Charlie wrote:

I do not know ANYTHING? about trawlers, but wife says no more sailing. I am looking at a Golden Star Sundeck trawler for possible purchase and can't make a mistake or wife will never let me forget it. We plan to do extensive cruising. I am the captain and she just likes to lay out and must be comfortable or I pay.