So You Think You Know What a Trawler is!

Trawlers, sometimes referred to as commercial fishinggrounding it has a protective skeg to protect the drive
boats, receive their name because of their similaritysystem and rudder, and also an inboard drive. With the
and looks to a commercial fishing vessel that usesadvent of technology, there are many trawler
trawling as a fishing method. One distinguishing featurelook-alikes' out there that have twin engines with
about a true, cruising trawler is the raised pilothousesemi-displacement hulls and are capable of doing
that has a standup engine and mechanical room under25-plus knots. The jury is still out as to whether these
the salon, and a displacement hull. Combined with ahybrids can actually claim to be trawlers. Generally,
single engine that usually has a large fuel capacity, thistrawlers are 80 to 250 hp.
boat is tremendous for long range cruising and hasA trawler can range from 32 to over 70 feet and will
been proven over the years to be very seaworthy. Itbe made from steel, fiberglass, wood or aluminum
will sleep from 2 to 8 people for extended periods ofmaterials. It comes complete with a displacement hull
time with the sleeping spaces located under thethat has a long keel, and a skew that is capable of
pilothouse and forward under the bow.speeds around 10 knots, depending on its length. This
This boat can be expensive new, ranging in price fromtype of boat is not trailer- able, but is a great
$150,000 to a million US dollars. Used vessels rangelive-aboard boat and is ideal for long-range economical
from $50,000 and up. Most trawlers are powered withcruising. Remember that this type of boat is not a
a single, diesel engine and have a small generator/getspeedboat, and you'll find that only a sailboat is slower.
home engine in case of failure. In the event of