Welcome Trawler, Long Range Cruiser and Expedition Buyers! Here’s more information regarding trawler yachts for sale and used trawlers for sale
What are Trawlers or LRC’s?
Did you know the name ‘trawlers’ comes from the name given to commercial netting boats which are known for running slow and efficiently with long range. Interestingly, this term has crossed over to the yachting industry. Trawlers yachts are fuel efficient yet rugged, seaworthy designs designed for blue-water and long-distance operation. Most trawler yachts are distinctive by their traditional look…often with reverse pilothouse windows.
Here is what makes Trawler Yachts for Sale Special
In order to be fuel efficient, trawler engines are limited to only achieve a lower horsepower for hull speed, which is a formula for achieving the fastest hull speed with a given hull and known as displacement speed. Full displacement hulls are for the yacht operators who value distance and comfort over speed.
Trawlers typically have deeper drafts than motor yachts for sea keeping ability. This is to keep the center of gravity low in order to reduce roll.
You might want to know that large luxury yachts in the 120′ (40m) plus range typically share the same displacement characteristics as trawlers. This is because the weight does not justify the fuel cost to make the LRC (long range cruiser) yacht go faster.
Many mid-range trawlers are built of fiberglass up to around 80′ (24 m). Larger trawlers or LRC (long range cruiser) yachts are typically made of aluminum or steel. As a matter of fact, metal boats are built completely custom and are the desirable material for true ocean crossing trawler yachts for sale.
How the Trawler Design Works
Trawlers typically have a round chine, or a hull configuration with a curve near the waterline instead of a hard chine typically found on semi-displacement motor yachts. This hull design has been proven over many centuries to be the most efficient at this speed as well as offering the most volume.
With this in mind, many trawler yachts (LRC yacht, expedition yacht) employ stabilizers to minimize roll. Stabilizers have different designs; the most common being the fin type with hydraulically controlled gyros.
Bulbous bows are often found on these displacement style hulls. as an interesting design feature, large commercial vessels use a bow stem to break the water in front of the vessel and thus reduce the water friction, which translates into fuel efficiency and better speed.
How much Range do Trawlers Need?
Many yachtsmen are drawn to the idea of crossing oceans and exploring the far reaches of our wonderful globe – thus the name of Expedition Yacht. Note that in order to cross the Atlantic, a range of 3,000 nautical miles is needed! The longest passage in the world is 4,000+ nautical miles (Indian Ocean). Most ice-bound regions require a yacht with special reinforcement, especially around the bow waterline area.
The good thing is that with enough range you don’t have to plan your trip for fuel stops. This enables voyaging to many more destinations!
Did you know that most buyers interested in trawler yachts for sale and used trawlers for sale are interested in range? As a matter of fact, because a certain yacht has the range, there is far more to consider than this including:
- Seakeeping qualities (just in case you didn’t know, the ocean often gets very rough)
- Draft concerns (do you know the areas where you want to cruise?)
- Quality of construction (nobody wants their boat falling apart in rough conditions!)
- Ability to make repairs (why have a yacht if it is too difficult to maintain and repair?)
Trawler Yachts for Sale Manufacturers
Asia imports small to mid-sized trawlers for the US market. LRC trawlers from Asia include Fleming, Grand Alaskan, Grand Banks, Kady Krogen. Also Selene, and Nordhavn. Kingship and Cheoy Lee are from Asia and building world class trawlers for sale and LRC (long range cruiser) yachts.
North American trawler builders include Palmer Johnson, Realship, and Newcastle.
Europe, particularly northern Holland, produces some of the finest, high-end custom trawlers in the world. Builders such as Feadship, Lowland, Bandido and Heesen have produced some masterpieces in the world of trawlers and expedition yachts.
Inace in Brazil has been exporting trawlers over the last decade.
Trawler Yachts equal Adventure!
Trawler yachts, LRC yachts and Expedition (typically a larger trawler) yachts are a quickly growing category of yachts for the adventure minded yachtsman. Because a custom built trawler is very costly to build, some commercial ships have been converted into yachts for personal use. One should know however that converting a commercial ship into a yacht quality expedition yacht requires a great deal of expertise. However, the rewards are great for the persons who wish to visit the far reaches of the world!
Let’s Talk Sometime about what is available for used trawlers for sale and trawler yachts for sale!
Are you considering the purchase of a used trawler yacht, LRC yacht,or an expedition yacht? Ak Yachts of Fort Lauderdale offers expert advice and guidance for all types of long-range yachts! We are highly experienced ex-captains and interested in saving you time, effort and $$$ in addition to ongoing support! Please contact us at (954) 889-7330 or email info@akyachts.com to share your goals!