Trawler yachts are almost an oxymoron—the idea of a sturdy and functional fishing trawler being a luxury yacht would once have been laughable. But today that’s exactly what these robust, spacious, and elegant long-range cruisers are. Here we take a look at our pick of some of the best trawler yacht brands on the market;
What Characteristics Does a Trawler Yacht Have?
To be a bonafide trawler yacht, it must tick the following boxes;
Have a strong and seaworthy hull, often designed based on offshore fishing boats
Be able to be self-sufficient for extended periods, often weeks or months including fuel, water, provisions, and medical supplies
Have the accommodation and living space to make long-distance travel comfortable (unlike some other boats with cabins that lack the space)
Have excellent fuel efficiency at low speeds to be able to cruise longer and farther
Have deep hulls. Traditionally they would have had full displacement hulls with weighted keels, although today some have semi-displacement hulls
The Best Long Range Trawler Yachts
Trawler yachts have many benefits, but of all of them the ability to cruise long range is top of the list. Imagine being able to cruise thousands of nautical miles on a single tank of fuel, to explore remote coastlines and off-the-beaten-path destinations. But long range isn’t all about fuel efficiency, and trawlers aiming to cross oceans will need to be self-sufficient in a way not many other boats are. From extensive storage spaces to the ability to make water, trawlers must allow for long periods of time at sea in comfort and safety.
Notable brands
Grand Banks: This is one of the pioneers of the trawler yacht industry as we know it today, and they’re yachts have become synonymous with elegance, speed, comfort, and efficiency. The current models include the 54, 60, and 85, and each one brings decades of boat-building heritage to create a yacht that is designed for long-range travel. They are exceptionally fuel-efficient cruisers—some of the most fuel-efficient in their class—capable of a planing at a cruise speed of 22 knots, and a range of over 2000 nautical miles while in displacement mode at 10 knots.
Grand Banks 60. Grand Banks photo.
Kadey Krogen : There are currently models in Kadey Krogen’s range of classically styled all-American trawler yachts ranging from 44 feet up to 70 feet. Each one offers incredible long-range capabilities. The displacement hull is both efficient and comfortable, built to withstand serious seas, and offers excellent liveaboard comfort with semi-custom interiors and tons of space. Some models offer twin staterooms as well as twin engines, a full-sized galley, and the ability to cruise at 6 knots nonstop for 5,000 nautical miles making it easy to see why these boats made it onto our long-range list.
Kadey Krogen 52. Kadey Krogen photo.
The Best Trawler Yachts Under 60 Feet
The under-60-foot category of trawler yachts is one of the fastest growing markets in yachting, with more and more brands creating what are essentially mini superyachts. They’re manageable for a couple, but spacious enough for a large family or even two. They offer living space that will be comfortable for weeks on end, as well as the sturdy reliability anyone would wish for when cruising long distance. And long distance, they certainly can go. With excellent fuel capabilities, tons of storage, and high safety specs, these are the ultimate exploration boats.
Notable brands
Beneteau: Beneteau’s Swift Trawler range is one of the best on the market under 60 feet and is a true mini superyacht in many ways. With buckets of interior space to comfortably accommodate up to seven people on models such as the 41, they are also excellent on fuel consumption. You could cruise across from Florida to the Bahamas for the weekend, island hop, and return without needing to fill up. But they also have the capacity to go much farther too, as they’re safe, reliable, and extremely roomy. Ultimately you’re getting an awful lot of boat for your money. There are four models in the Swift range—the 35, 41, and 48, as well as the larger Grand Trawler at 62 feet.
Beneteau Swift Trawler 41. Beneteau photo.
Nordic Tugs: When it comes to mid-sized cruisers, Nordic Tugs offers a great range, many of which can easily be handled by two people. From the pocket-sized 26 to the 54, all models retain a genuine workboat heritage, ensuring they’re extra tough and able to withstand rough sea conditions. They have a lovely classic styling, honoring their long-standing history, and they come complete with an impressive range of extras and amenities for small and mid-sized boats, which make long-range travel both doable and comfortable.
Nordic Tugs 40. Nordic Tugs photo.
The Best Trawler Yachts for the Money
At Rightboat, we often don’t categorize boats as affordable, because affordability is a relative term. What we do like to focus on, however, is value for money. With many trawler yacht brands offering ever better models each year, it can be tricky to figure out what you’re getting for your buck. Luxury brands will come with higher price tags, while smaller models or those with fewer extras will cost less. Finding that balance where you get the most for your money is always tricky, but here we bring you some of our favorites. For more, see our article which answers the question How Much is a Yacht?
Notable brands
American Tug: We look into pocket-sized, trailerable trawler yachts in more detail here , but mention must be made of the American Tug trawlers for their excellent value for money. The entire design of these recreational vessels was inspired by Alaskan fishing boats, which needed to carry heavy loads, have big horsepower, good fuel efficiency, and tackle hefty seas. The result is a sturdy explorer-cruiser that can take you anywhere you want to go, for as long as you want to go. And because all except one of their models are under 40 feet, you’re getting a whole lot of boat for your money.
American Tug 365. American Tug photo.
Selene Yachts: Dutch brand Selene Yachts prides themselves on building “reliable and economical luxury passage-makers from 38 to 103 feet” and that sums them up pretty well. They have a huge range of models to choose from, with their Ocean Explorer yachts over 60 feet (and up to 128 feet) and their Voyager range all shorter than 50 feet. Each is crafted with precision and luxury, yet the price tags pleasantly don’t reflect the high quality. In fact, these are some of the most economically priced yachts in their class, especially when you consider that you’re getting a semi-custom, handcrafted boat for the same price as a production vessel.
Selene 54. Selene Yachts photo.
The Best Luxury Trawler Yachts
To be classed as a long-term liveaboard yacht, it makes sense that you’re going to want a certain level of comfort and finesse. Trawler yachts offer just that, with huge staterooms, full-sized galleys to make any chef happy, spacious saloons with big ocean-view windows, and a suite of modern conveniences. But take it up a notch and these mini superyachts can be exactly that, bringing the level of luxury we’d see on a much larger vessel to something in the 40- or 50–foot bracket.
Notable Trawler Brands
Outer Reef Yachts: Owners of this semi-custom brand of trawler will cruise all over the world in these premium-level motoryachts ranging from 50 to 100-plus feet. The boats have been built in Taiwan for more than 20 years for Outer Reef by the Tania Yacht Company and arrive fully fitted out to the location of your choice. inside, the interiors are gorgeous, benefiting from Taiwanese craftsmanship and equipped with top-quality equipment for long-term cruising. The company produces three lines of boats: Classic have a more traditional trawler look, the Trident Yacht series has a more modern sports-motoryacht styling, and the Explorer models, over 100 feet long, are truly into superyacht territory.
Outer Reef 900. Outer Reef Yachts photo.
Nordhavn: Ranging from the relatively small Nordhavn 41 all the way up to the superyacht-status N120, Nordhavn’s range runs the gamut of trawler yachts. And while you’d expect nothing less than luxury on a 120-foot yacht, the company brings that same level of elegance and finish to their smaller models, too. The interiors are elegant yet unfussy, with rich woods, beautiful lines, and plenty of top quality electronics. But make no mistake, Nordhavn models are as ruggedly adventurous as they are luxurious, making them a favorite among those making long-haul explorations.
Nordhavn 52. Nordhavn photo.
Jachtbouw De Alm: If you’re in the market for a truly luxurious trawler yacht, then look no further than the sublime range of boats offered by Dutch brand Jachtbowe De Alm. This is true superyacht status in the edgy styling of a trawler yacht. They are beautiful to look at, managing to be both contemporary and while honoring classic styling, too. These steel trawler yachts are semi-custom builds, allowing owners to create the perfect finishes for their lifestyle. And it would be easy to live onboard any of De Alm’s trawlers, with impeccable finish on everything from the soft furnishings to the expansive galleys.
De Alm Grand Voyager 62. Jachtbouw De Alm photo.
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