What Is a Trawler?

A trawler is a displacement cruising motor yacht evolved from the fishing-boat tradition. Its brief is clear: 7-9 knot cruising, low-revving engines and remarkably long range on very little fuel. A deep, seagoing hull, large fuel tanks and a closed wheelhouse are typical features.

It makes an unambiguous trade-off in the speed-comfort-range triangle: it will take four hours to reach a bay a sports boat reaches in two, but it will cover several times the distance on the same fuel. It is the classic answer for the retirement cruising dream and the search for a boat you can actually live aboard.

Character and economy

• Low-rev habit: Diesels that spend their lives ticking over near idle build up soot and glazing; they need to be worked hard from time to time.

• Large tank management: Fuel that lasts a long time gives diesel bug time to get a foothold; fuel polishing and disciplined use of additives matter.

• Roll comfort: A round-bilge displacement hull will roll beam-on in a seaway; stabilisers may come into play.

In short, trawler economics come down to litres per mile and straightforward maintenance, not the purchase price alone. One low-revving diesel is often cheaper to live with for years than two high-performance engines. On purchase, do not be put off by engine hours; a properly maintained 5000-hour trawler diesel is a better bet than a 1500-hour engine with no records.