T&T: Advice for newcomer to trawlers?

[Jim Ague]

> I am interested in finding a small (30'-36') trawler, used -something 
> extremely economical that I can use for weekends and occasional extended 
> (7-14 days) cruising. I have only recently realized that I am probably 
> looking for a trawler (I used to have small weekend/cuddy cabins in the 
> past), and have no idea of where to start my research - I know "of" Albin, 
> and Grand Banks, but other than that I don't know the manufacturers or 
> their respective reputations or the real reputations of either of those, 
> for that matter).  Anyone have a crib sheet/thoughts/direction they could 
> give me?  Very much appreciated.
>
My stock answer is to go to www.yachtworld.com and do a search for trawler, 
30 to 36 feet in length, see what pops up and build a spreadsheet from it.

I did that about 10 years ago, narrowed my druthers down to about 5 boat 
manufacturers (Monk, GB, Willard, KK, Defever) and kept my eyes open for a 
"deal". At the same time for a year, we kept learning and  self-examining on 
what we really wanted to use the boat for. At first it was that dream of 
"crossing the ocean and seeing the world". Then we realized that coastal 
cruising and affordable living aboard is what we really wanted.

We ended up getting a 6 year old Monk 36. No regrets. Personal opinion, I 
would say GB is to Monk is to Albin, as Cadillac is to Buick is to 
Chevrolet. All are good transportation, its just what you want to get into.

Good luck,
-- Jim Ague