# Contemplating a trawler to cross the Atlantic and Pacific **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 29, 2013, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848 "2013-07-29T21:19:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/1 "2013-07-29T21:19:36Z")
I’ve owned a 36 foot coastal cruiser for the last seven years. It’s a nice boat. Sleeps four comfortably, six in a pinch. Has most of the amenities of home in a tiny package. [Here](http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x221/onomatopoeia_af/s1.jpg) is a photo of when I first took ownership. [Here](http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/finkleas/boat/DSC_0024.jpg)is a photo from last season after I had a new canvas enclosure installed. Over the last two years, I’ve become less and less enamoured with it, primarily because of its limitations. Its superstructure was not designed for rough waters. Its relatively small fuel tanks provide a maximum distance of approximately 230 miles, much less at WOT. Also, the boat has simply become too small for us. I began looking at new models with better accommodations, updated systems with more efficient and precise maneuverability controls, eg, IPS, etc…, more contemporary styling, more space to entertain, and the ability to cruise at a somewhat longer range. For the last year, I’ve been fixated on the Prestige 550S. It’s a 55 foot cruiser with an open concept salon and a retractable roof. It also sleeps 7 comfortably. Here’s an [exterior shot](http://www.asia-pacificboating.com/uploads/features/2013/07/jeanneau-prestige-550s_9.jpg). [Another exterior](http://www.orakeiyachtsales.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/image/67/2012/361-exteriooorrr.jpg) shot in a different color. Here’s a photo of the [master state room](http://www.orakeiyachtsales.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/image/67/2012/361-P550_CABPROP_R529c-CapArma-F0030.jpg). The problem with Prestige is their cruisers are also coastal boats. You can take them down river, and a few miles off shore, but they’re not fit for the open sea. Recently, I’ve been looking into trawlers. Trawlers are built for ocean sailing and circumnavigating the globe. They’re structured to take a pounding and, with fuel tank capacities in the range of 1500 to 3500 gallons, are able to sail very long distances between refuels. Another great thing about trawlers is the living accommodations can be configured to your tastes and give you the full comforts of home. Here are a few interior photos of the model I’m considering: [Pilothouse](http://www.allboatsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2009-nordhavn-60--23.jpg), [master stateroom](http://smg.live.mediaspanonline.com/assets/6626230/Nordhavn60_040110-4.jpg), an [exterior shot](http://polarfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/northwest-passage.jpg), and [another exterior shot](http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/MYDA5a61Fpw/maxresdefault.jpg). Through various forums and blogs, I’ve been communicating with other trawler owners. Hearing and reading about their experiences and adventures has awakened something in me (no, not a xenomorph), and I now have a strong desire to travel the world on my own schedule. I’ve already called one of the world renowned trawler builders, Nordhavn, and am going to see a Nordhavn trawler at Trawlerfest in Baltimore in September. If I like what I see, I may visit their offices and get the build process started. Nordhavn builds to order, so even if I do purchase one it’ll be sometime in 2015 before it’s completed, commissioned, and handed over to me. My wife is scared because she knows when I become obsessed with something like this there’s nothing she can do to dissuade me. 🙂 If anyone here has trawler experience and can offer any advice, want to go over pros and cons, or even if you just have questions, I’d be happy to discuss them. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/2 "2013-07-29T21:44:19Z")
I have zero advice, but I’m sure there are approximately 9 zillion boat owners on the internet ready with their opinions. 😉 I know more about cruising under sail (still not a lot), but my father maintians that you cannot go wrong with a Nordhavn. The one you’re looking at is pretty damn big. I see more in the 42-49-ft range. Have you looked at a Kadey-Krogen? Some of their boats have really pretty lines. Obviously you’ve heard about Grand Banks, which are probably the most well-known. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/3 "2013-07-29T21:58:49Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > I have zero advice, but I’m sure there are approximately 9 zillion boat owners on the internet ready with their opinions. 😉 > > I know more about cruising under sail (still not a lot), but my father maintians that you cannot go wrong with a Nordhavn. The one you’re looking at is pretty damn big. I see more in the 42-49-ft range. > > Have you looked at a Kadey-Krogen? Some of their boats have really pretty lines. Obviously you’ve heard about Grand Banks, which are probably the most well-known. Yeah, I’ve looked at a few Kadey-Krogen trawlers, but haven’t been impressed with their styling. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/4 "2013-07-29T22:08:51Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > I know more about cruising under sail (still not a lot), but my father maintians that you cannot go wrong with a Nordhavn. The one you’re looking at is pretty damn big. I see more in the 42-49-ft range. I’m looking in the 55 - 62 foot range. From the photos, videos, and customer testimonials, the 62 seems the most appealing at this point. Most of the trawler owners I’ve spoken with say I should consider the largest that I can manage and afford, but they’re liveaboards, and I haven’t committed to taking such a leap…yet. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/5 "2013-07-29T23:34:54Z")
Have you yet been at sea in a storm so bad that you puked your stomach dry? What about your family? Don’t commit yourself to a major expense until you know you can cope. If you want to travel, have you considered a flying boat? ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/6 "2013-07-30T00:03:29Z")
I commend you. I would never dream of a trans-oceanic voyage where I needed to depend on my engines alone. (I also recognize my limitations and would not want to skipper a sailing journey that long. No problem being crew despite my advanced age.) ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/7 "2013-07-30T00:54:53Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Have you yet been at sea in a storm so bad that you puked your stomach dry? What about your family? Don’t commit yourself to a major expense until you know you can cope. > > If you want to travel, have you considered a flying boat? I’ve sailed through quite a few storms, the worst was in the Chesapeake Bay a few years ago, which was so bad that my depth finder got damaged from the boat being thrown around. Another reason to get a better boat. Nothing, other than bad food, has ever caused me to puke my guts out, so I think I’ll be alright. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ArrMatey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/arrmatey/32/3522_2.png) [@ArrMatey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArrMatey)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/8 "2013-07-30T01:03:02Z")
Gotta say, I’m with **DrFidelius** here. While I have no shipboard experience, I find something horribly romantic about just taking to the open waters in one’s own craft. I wish you luck with the idea! ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/9 "2013-07-30T01:28:28Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > I commend you. I would never dream of a trans-oceanic voyage where I needed to depend on my engines alone. (I also recognize my limitations and would not want to skipper a sailing journey that long. No problem being crew despite my advanced age.) I think you may be very surprised to know that the number of people who make transatlantic and transpacific voyages every year is now higher than 6000. Also, many of these are regular folks without much prior experience, if any. Here’s a YouTube video of a couple, [Eric & Christi Grab](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfYMmqK2jWI), who circumnavigated the globe in their Nordhavn 43 foot trawler in just over 2 years. Here’s another couple, [Dick and Gail Barnes](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN9yk0mnkzA), a little older than the previous, who sailed first their Nordhavn 50, then their 57 footer to Alaska, Hawaii and beyond. Here’s yet another couple, [Larry & Mary Mason](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWbjPzqL8S4), who sailed their 57 foot Nordhavn trawler through open seas. When I see folks such as these, who are all older than I am by the way, not only taking risks but complete control of their lives and destinies, I become even more inspired to do it myself. I realize this is not for everyone but, if you have caught the bug, and have the money, I say why not? ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/10 "2013-07-30T01:36:32Z")
> [@ArrMatey](#): > > Gotta say, I’m with **DrFidelius** here. While I have no shipboard experience, I find something horribly romantic about just taking to the open waters in one’s own craft. As do I, although I probably would have chosen a less ominous sounding word than ‘horribly’. 😉 > [@ArrMatey](#): > > I wish you luck with the idea! Thanks! It will be some time before I am able to start my journey, if at all, but I am definitely in anticipatory mode and more excited about its prospect than I have been about anything in years. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/11 "2013-07-30T17:30:55Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Obviously you’ve heard about Grand Banks, which are probably the most well-known. Yep, I’ve looked at a number of Grand Banks trawlers. They’re not bad, and the company has been around for a long time. Apples to apples, their ships don’t seem to be quite up to the specs of the Nordhavns, although they do seem to be nicely appointed and solidly constructed. Speaking of construction, Bering has some amazing, all steel trawlers, such as their [Bering 60](http://yachtsaleboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-bering-60--2.jpg), with some pretty impressive stats. On another note, I really don’t understand short range trawlers. Azimut has the beautiful [Magellano 50](http://worldsportsboats.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/magellano_50_running_5.jpg), although the pilothouse leaves a lot to be desired. The main problem I have with it, however, is its range is only 400 nm. What’s the point? ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/12 "2013-07-30T20:46:21Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Have you yet been at sea in a storm so bad that you puked your stomach dry? What about your family? Don’t commit yourself to a major expense until you know you can cope. > > If you want to travel, have you considered a flying boat? Here is a HU-16 for a lot less than a Nordhavn, though I’m guessing the operating expenses would make up for that ;): [http://courtesyaircraft.com/Current%20Inventory/N7027Z%201951%20Grumman%20Albatross%20HU-16D.htm](http://courtesyaircraft.com/Current%20Inventory/N7027Z%201951%20Grumman%20Albatross%20HU-16D.htm) Plus it doesn’t have quite the same room either, and it probably can’t handle quite as rough of seas either. (probably more likely to tip over end-to-end than side to side) Brian ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/13 "2013-07-30T20:51:07Z")
_Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip…_ ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/14 "2013-07-30T21:10:38Z")
Some years back, I attended the wedding of a couple who’d sailed all the way from Oz to the U.K. in a yacht they’d built themselves. Well, he built it, mainly. BYKWIM. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/15 "2013-07-30T21:17:17Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > _Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, > a tale of a fateful trip…_ With the right equipment, knowledge, and confidence, there are few sea routes one can’t safely sail anymore. Of course there are waterways that would be insane to even attempt, eg, Northwest of the Seychelles, etc… ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/16 "2013-07-30T21:28:49Z")
What the hell do you do for a living and can you get me a job? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/17 "2013-07-30T22:02:20Z")
A part of me thinks that could be so cool…foot loose, ground loose, and fancy free…nothing but endless ocean, blue skies and adventure ahead! The other part of me remembers the film A Perfect Storm. Somehow, sitting in the middle of the ocean at 3:00 AM with 90 foot waves and 100MPH winds and everything flying around in the boat doesn’t sound like a whole bunch a chuckles to me. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/18 "2013-07-30T22:10:54Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > I commend you. I would never dream of a trans-oceanic voyage where I needed to depend on my engines alone. (I also recognize my limitations and would not want to skipper a sailing journey that long. No problem being crew despite my advanced age.) Nordhavn also makes a very nice [motor-sailer](http://www.nordhavn.com/news/pressrelease/motorsailor.php4) so you are not stuck if the engines crap out, but you do need to actually know how to sail bluewater. I lust after one, but the used ones run half a million bucks, new they run about a million. Ain’t happening any time soon. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/19 "2013-07-30T23:57:40Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > Nordhavn also makes a very nice [motor-sailer](http://www.nordhavn.com/news/pressrelease/motorsailor.php4) so you are not stuck if the engines crap out, but you do need to actually know how to sail bluewater. > > I lust after one, but the used ones run half a million bucks, new they run about a million. Ain’t happening any time soon. ☹ Yeah, the 56MS is very nice, and the perfect size, IMO, but I am not interested in having to manage sails. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848/20 "2013-07-31T00:13:37Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > A part of me thinks that could be so cool…foot loose, ground loose, and fancy free…nothing but endless ocean, blue skies and adventure ahead! > > The other part of me remembers the film A Perfect Storm. > > Somehow, sitting in the middle of the ocean at 3:00 AM with 90 foot waves and 100MPH winds and everything flying around in the boat doesn’t sound like a whole bunch a chuckles to me. Hehe. Reading your post made me chuckle. 🙂 It is near impossible to find yourself in that kind of weather without a lot of advance notice. Even in my cruiser I have instrumentation and communications gear with which I recieve various indications of approaching weather far enough in advance to either tack out of its path, heave to, or find safe harbor. I have never gone through a storm I didn’t know about in advance. Oh, I have certainly gone through weather I shouldn’t have, with a lump lodged in my throat throughout the entire ordeal, but that was my idiocy in believing I could handle anything. Of course I made it through, but things could have gone horribly wrong. I’d like to believe I wouldn’t take such chances in the future. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contemplating-a-trawler-to-cross-the-atlantic-and-pacific/664848.md?page=2)