Practicality of owning an older trawler yacht

[TheCoach]

Hi, been spending the last year or so researching our next boat purchase (delayed due to CV19 of course) but are gradually narrowing down on some ideas. Bit of a preamble/intro below before the questions on trawler yachts

Key criteria for us are probably 9-11m with decks that are large enough to walk around on (asymetric is fine). Will mainly be two of us plus dog and we want to have the ability to stay away overnight as well as use for day trips, fishing etc. Speed isn't our key driver (can do that on the RIBs) and we are more into exploring rather than long blasts. Main cruising ground would probably be West Coast Scotland, although may start out on South Coast

At SIBS we loved the Sargo 28 but also really liked things like the Swift Trawler 30 and at the cheaper end Quicksilver 905 Activ.

This will be our first hard boat having been around water most of my life but mainly on small stuff and RIBS, so putting the sensible head on and as everyone says you always change your first boat....... I don't want to go large spending £150k plus on something we may find doesn't really suit us.

So we have set a budget of £50-£100k and are looking at a range of options so you may see more threads spring up as our search continues, but to avoid thread drift I though I would focus this one on trawler yachts

We have seen few older trawler yachts like C-Kip that although bigger that we initially wanted offer great accomodation and even the possibility to use as a semi live aboard/holiday retreat for multiple weeks. I am very "hands on" so maintenance etc isn't an issue for me but equally this needs to be fun not another project.

So how much maintennace will an older (circa 1980) boat take, is it just one permament project or is it like most things you just need to keep on top of it?

Also all the boats of that vintage arer displacement hulls with a cruising speed of 8 knots - I know I did say speed wasn't an issue, but in reality does this make progress so slow you don't go anywhere?

Any experiences or advice from all you lovely people gratefully recieved.

Many thanks.

TC

 

[n.herring]

This is what you need

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...FjABegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw2vRiQ6O30MSQxwJo-P6I-_

No connection other than I know the NYA and they are a good company, Neil

 

[Greg2]

On the speed point hull shape is relevant as adding a few knots can help with stability and therefore comfort. We are in the process of changing and whilst speed wasn’t what we are looking for we are going for a semi-displacement hull that can cruise at 12-15 knots if we choose to do so due to conditions. Conversely, in the right conditions pottering along at 6-7 knots will be just fine.

If you are happy to go to the top of your budget and perhaps a little higher then some good boats with (perhaps) less in the way of age related upkeep are available. Not sure how wedded you are to Trawler style but Brooms and Haines are worth a look. Hardy 36 is more a Trawler and there is one for sale in Plymouth (asking more than your budget but offering less is definitely an option).

 

[longjohnsilver]

Hi, been spending the last year or so researching our next boat purchase (delayed due to CV19 of course) but are gradually narrowing down on some ideas. Bit of a preamble/intro below before the questions on trawler yachts

Key criteria for us are probably 9-11m with decks that are large enough to walk around on (asymetric is fine). Will mainly be two of us plus dog and we want to have the ability to stay away overnight as well as use for day trips, fishing etc. Speed isn't our key driver (can do that on the RIBs) and we are more into exploring rather than long blasts. Main cruising ground would probably be West Coast Scotland, although may start out on South Coast

At SIBS we loved the Sargo 28 but also really liked things like the Swift Trawler 30 and at the cheaper end Quicksilver 905 Activ.

This will be our first hard boat having been around water most of my life but mainly on small stuff and RIBS, so putting the sensible head on and as everyone says you always change your first boat....... I don't want to go large spending £150k plus on something we may find doesn't really suit us.

So we have set a budget of £50-£100k and are looking at a range of options so you may see more threads spring up as our search continues, but to avoid thread drift I though I would focus this one on trawler yachts

We have seen few older trawler yachts like C-Kip that although bigger that we initially wanted offer great accomodation and even the possibility to use as a semi live aboard/holiday retreat for multiple weeks. I am very "hands on" so maintenance etc isn't an issue for me but equally this needs to be fun not another project.

So how much maintennace will an older (circa 1980) boat take, is it just one permament project or is it like most things you just need to keep on top of it?

Also all the boats of that vintage arer displacement hulls with a cruising speed of 8 knots - I know I did say speed wasn't an issue, but in reality does this make progress so slow you don't go anywhere?

Any experiences or advice from all you lovely people gratefully recieved.

Many thanks.

TC

 

[longjohnsilver]

Going slow (and expecting to cruise at 8kts in a 40’ displacement boat is optimistic!) means in reality you will probably travel further afield. Gentler pace, greater range, more comfort all add up to a more positive experience.

we have a 1986 trawler yacht, upkeep has been less than I would have expected, I just try and keep on top of what needs doing. So far, after 12 years, no major issues.

 

[Bouba]

The advantage of a trawler style is that it never grows old (which is also a reason they hold their price). There is more chance that the engine(s) have not been thrashed. So all in, a sensible choice

 

[TheCoach]

This is what you need

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...FjABegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw2vRiQ6O30MSQxwJo-P6I-_

Thanks Neil, that is a really nice looking Corvette. I had looked at a few ads for these as I think someone on hear is a big fan, so could well be in for consideration.

@Greg2 - that was in my thinking, if I just want to go out for a day trip will I spend all day getting there or as @longjohnsilver says do you change your mentality to the journey is the fun? I'm not retired yet, but can work flexiblly so the thought of going out for a few weeks at a time lends itself to a trawler yacht, equally would a big displacement TY mean I wouldn't do any day trips in reality

@longjohnsilver so on a 40' with typical twin Lehman's what sort of cruising speed do you reckon?And does this make passage planning with tides etc much more important or will a big displacement hull just churn on regardless (novice on displament hulls)

Cheers,

TC

 

[kashurst]

At the size you are looking cruising speed with a pure displacement trawler is 5 - 6 knots - so yes planning for tides is a very good idea. Any boat will just plug on through, but if the tide is against you, you could actually be going backwards. With the tide suddenly you are going places quite quickly. Plus you need to think about moorings and locks. I once stayed overnight on Rothesay on the berth closest to the land and realised about 11-00pm that I would have zero water underneath me at midnight. I had a boat behind me and I couldn't move. It was all a bit tense until 1-00am and I fortunately got away with it.

You might be better looking at semi displacement boats like the Corvette and Broom style boats or possibly the lovely Beneteau Swift Trawlers. Then if the weather and tide is favourable you can enjoy the day and pootle along in no great rush. However if the weather turns nasty or sometimes you are time limited, a semi displacement boat can go pretty quick.

 

[AndieMac]

As mentioned already TC, tides play a big part in displacement cruising around the UK, pushing against them is woeful, but on the other hand getting the flow rate with you, really gets distances covered, so passage planning is important.
Think about your resale market also, being your first bigger boat chances are you will upgrade for some reason and hopefully will be able to move it on in reasonable time.
With older boats, marine age is a bigger factor than hours on the engine. Look for thorough and regular maintenance carried out (a pedantic/obsessive owner is like striking gold ) to beat the aggressive corrosive issues associated with salt water and neglect.

 

[Assassin]

Going slow (and expecting to cruise at 8kts in a 40’ displacement boat is optimistic!) means in reality you will probably travel further afield. Gentler pace, greater range, more comfort all add up to a more positive experience.

we have a 1986 trawler yacht, upkeep has been less than I would have expected, I just try and keep on top of what needs doing. So far, after 12 years, no major issues.

The benefit of doing jobs correctly pays dividends in the longer term, you being an example.

 

[Dino]

One thing about Trawler Yachts is that there is usually lots of wood to look after. Teak decks, rails, window frames, doors, trim, etc. A lot are getting on in years so check the decks carefully. There’s a big trawler yacht scene in the US. They do the Great Loop.
A Broom Crown, Monarch or Ocean 42 would be worth looking at. Great internal space, SD hulls and have the power to cruise at 12-16 knots if required.

 

[TheCoach]

Thanks for all the responses, as ever the more answers the more questions

The maintenance side doesn't bother me too much, I am pretty useful with wood and metal but like @AndieMac says the knack is in getting something good to start with.

Mrs TC is really into the older "regal" interiors of the traditional trawler yachts but I am still unsure that at this phase of our life we will get enough use out of it if we are running at 6 knots i.e. it will kinda rule out day trips but be great for longer times away or even as a part time liveaboard instead of a second/holiday home....... at the prices some of the C-kips go for it would be much cheaper than buying a "static caravan" - not that that is in our plans.

I am quite taken with the Corvette and also will start investigating Brooms, although not sure the high rear deck will work well for the dog.... but some of the interiors look quite nice as well.

It may be we develop a 2 stage plan to start with a 30 footer or thereabouts to see how we get on with an idea of maybe upgrading to a proper trawler yacht if we really like the approach....

I am guessing some of the later stuff from DeFevre/GB/Nordhaven etc are a decent compromise but at eye watering prices?

Cheers,

TC

 

[Bouba]

Thanks for all the responses, as ever the more answers the more questions

The maintenance side doesn't bother me too much, I am pretty useful with wood and metal but like @AndieMac says the knack is in getting something good to start with.

Mrs TC is really into the older "regal" interiors of the traditional trawler yachts but I am still unsure that at this phase of our life we will get enough use out of it if we are running at 6 knots i.e. it will kinda rule out day trips but be great for longer times away or even as a part time liveaboard instead of a second/holiday home....... at the prices some of the C-kips go for it would be much cheaper than buying a "static caravan" - not that that is in our plans.

I am quite taken with the Corvette and also will start investigating Brooms, although not sure the high rear deck will work well for the dog.... but some of the interiors look quite nice as well.

It may be we develop a 2 stage plan to start with a 30 footer or thereabouts to see how we get on with an idea of maybe upgrading to a proper trawler yacht if we really like the approach....

I am guessing some of the later stuff from DeFevre/GB/Nordhaven etc are a decent compromise but at eye watering prices?

Cheers,

TC

I guess most people here started with small boats and gradually increase in size over the years. The benefit is that the boating matches your budget over the years and you learn to be a very competent helmsman.
The disadvantage is that (for most people) you lose money on every sale. You keep repeating the stress of selling then buying and you never recoup the love you put into the boat and every new boat represents a whole load of new work. But most of all it cost time and if you’re old to start with then it’s time you can’t always afford.
My advice, go for the boat that you want and can afford, the first time. That compromise boat will always nag you.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Thanks Neil, that is a really nice looking Corvette. I had looked at a few ads for these as I think someone on hear is a big fan, so could well be in for consideration.

@Greg2 - that was in my thinking, if I just want to go out for a day trip will I spend all day getting there or as @longjohnsilver says do you change your mentality to the journey is the fun? I'm not retired yet, but can work flexiblly so the thought of going out for a few weeks at a time lends itself to a trawler yacht, equally would a big displacement TY mean I wouldn't do any day trips in reality

@longjohnsilver so on a 40' with typical twin Lehman's what sort of cruising speed do you reckon?And does this make passage planning with tides etc much more important or will a big displacement hull just churn on regardless (novice on displament hulls)

Cheers,

TC

We have twin 135 Lehman’s in our DeFever 48 and at the most economical cruising revs 1600 we average about 7 kts. But it is important to plan for tides, Getting it right can reduce your passage time by almost half on a big spring tide. For example we left Scilly yesterday because the forecast suddenly took a turn for the worse which meant pushing a big foul tide for 6 hours, at times we were down to under 5kts, had I got the tides right we would have been doing 8.5 - 9kts instead. But even though it was a bit lumpy we could still put a mug of tea on the table without any fear of it spilling, another advantage of stabilisers.
My son left at the same time as us and arrived in the Helford 5 hours before us. I have to admit being a little envious at the speed he can do. But that comes at the cost of fuel consumption and comfort. All aspects of boating are a compromise somewhere, you just have to be aware of them before buying any particular boat. But I will smile when he comes over to pick up the diesel I’ve been carrying for him. We have an 800 gallon capacity compared to his 150. More compromises.
Enjoy your search, and never trust claims in adverts, there are more dogs than gems for sale at any given time. We were lucky with Eos, we paid top dollar but got a boat in almost perfect order.

 

[gordmac]

Not sure I see the advantage of a pure displacement boat. Friend's old motor sailer would do 5kn, take pretty well any sea but pitch and roll a lot. It would stagger up to 5kn then hit a wave and drop to maybe 3kn. Took forever to get anywhere. With SD or planeing hulls you can still do low speeds but have power for heavy seas and can press on against the tide or if you want to be anywhere.
That boat was replaced by a similar size of planeing boat, uses less fuel at low speed and is more comfortable in a sea in many ways. Speed costs a lot in fuel though!

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks for all the responses, as ever the more answers the more questions

The maintenance side doesn't bother me too much, I am pretty useful with wood and metal but like @AndieMac says the knack is in getting something good to start with.

Mrs TC is really into the older "regal" interiors of the traditional trawler yachts but I am still unsure that at this phase of our life we will get enough use out of it if we are running at 6 knots i.e. it will kinda rule out day trips but be great for longer times away or even as a part time liveaboard instead of a second/holiday home....... at the prices some of the C-kips go for it would be much cheaper than buying a "static caravan" - not that that is in our plans.

I am quite taken with the Corvette and also will start investigating Brooms, although not sure the high rear deck will work well for the dog.... but some of the interiors look quite nice as well.

It may be we develop a 2 stage plan to start with a 30 footer or thereabouts to see how we get on with an idea of maybe upgrading to a proper trawler yacht if we really like the approach....

I am guessing some of the later stuff from DeFevre/GB/Nordhaven etc are a decent compromise but at eye watering prices?

Cheers,

TC

If you are interested in the Corvette then please take a tour of our website where the entire history of the Corvette is laid out, as well as loads of other information. There is also an active members group.

If you send an email to the address on the website it will come to me and I am happy to answer any questions that I can.

Mine is a 1991 Corvette 32 Classique 420.

www.corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

email: corvettemotorboatassociation@gmail.com

 

[TheCoach]

@Bouba good advice I think, trouble is the one you REALLY want is always more than you can afford

Thanks for the input @longjohnsilver, re buying my "main" hobby has been classic cars/vans since I was a kid really, hence the mechanical knowhow. However I have learnt lots of lessons on making sure you know exactly what you are buying and spending a looong time evaluating stuff in person. To date that has worked really well for me with cars and I have rarely ended up out of pocket.

However boats is a whole new ball game for me, hence starting my research on here with all the experiences you people have. I like to have a pretty good idea of what I am looking at even before a physical vieiwng as I find that helps to smooth out the "emotional" impulses

@superheat6k thanks for that, i will ping you an e-mail

Cheers,

TC

 

[TheCoach]

Thanks for all the info so far. The upshot is we think a "true" trawler yacht is probably not going to be right for us at the moment mainly due to speed.

Although we have no interest in hooning around at 30kn we aren't yet retired and so want to be able to do day boating as well as longer trips. In our chosen cruising area of south coast england or west coast scotland (TBC) we think the time taken to cover ground at 6kn avg speed will mean we just don't use the boat enough for day trips.

That said, in a future (retired) world where we can plan multi week passages their is still a strong appeal to a displacment speed TY.

So, the search will now move onto TY style (large walkaround decks, aft cabin etc) but with SD speeds......

So I will start a new thread on this subject so as to not confuse the conversation

Cheers,

TC