New and Used Trawler Boats for Sale

Trawler boats are traditionally working fishing vessels, ruggedly built to withstand rough seas. Over the last few decades, trawlers are being built for recreational purposes offering luxury and spacious accommodations in a long-range cruising yacht. Search for new and used trawler boats for sale by type, length, price, and location. 

Main characteristics

Trawler boats fall into two broad categories; those that are used as working fishing boats and those that are for purely recreational purposes. There are many converted trawlers out there, but today shipyards are building more and more specialized luxury long-range cruising yachts. They come in many styles, but those that qualify as true recreational trawler yachts will have a strong hull (often full- or semi-displacement), which is able to handle ocean conditions, large accommodation and living spaces, and provides excellent fuel efficiency at low speeds so that they can cruise for long periods. They will also be self-sufficient, have lots of storage, and be comfortable liveaboards.

Trawler boats tend to range from 40- to 85 feet in length, but can be as small as 28 feet and as large as 120 feet or more. 

Types of Trawler Boats

Midsize Trawler Boats

Trawler boats come in a range of sizes, but the midsize under-60-foot category dominates the market. Compact and able to be handled by two people easily, they also offer a huge amount of living space, with roomy cabins and large galleys and saloons. Different from other boats of the same size, they have very long-range capabilities, able to cruise for hundreds of miles, make their own water, and be mostly self-sufficient. 

Luxury Trawler Yachts

Topping the size charts are trawler yachts, which can be anything up to 120 feet in length, putting them squarely in the superyacht category. They offer a rugged, sturdy hull allowing them to be true adventure vessels. They also offer a high level of luxury as you’d expect with a superyacht, with all consideration placed on self-sufficiency. 

Small Trawler Boats

Trawler boats with all the same characteristics of the midsize and larger models—long-range capabilities, spacious living areas, strong hulls, and self-sufficiency—can be packed into a much smaller boat. The idea of being able to cruise around the world in a 40-foot motorboat was once unthinkable but is now very possible thanks to clever designs and innovative engineering. They also benefit from the same level of luxury you get in a much larger yacht, with high spec finishes and amenities. 

Best Trawler Boats Brands

Trawler boats and yachts are popular thanks to their high safety specifications and unparalleled comfort for long-range cruising in a compact-sized vessel. One such brand who has been a pioneer in the trawler boat industry is Grand Banks, whose custom luxury yachts are able to cruise up to 1000 nautical miles at 20 knots, or 3,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.

When it comes to styling, recreational trawler boats are no longer the functional workhorses they once were, yet some brands such as Kadey Krogen have chosen to keep the classic American styling in honor of their heritage. Their boats range from 44 to 70 feet, have full displacement hulls, and huge amounts of interior space. 

Running the full size range, Beneteau Swift Trawler boats run from 35 feet to 62 feet, while Nordic Tugs focus on small- and midsized models starting with a pocket-sized 26-foot model up to 54 feet. They too honor the classic styling of the workboats and are able to withstand harsh seas. 

Again paying homage to traditional workboats is American Tug, whose vessels are based on rugged Alaskan fishing boats that traditionally would be able to carry heavy loads, have good fuel efficiency, and tackle strong sea conditions. 

Moving into the yacht category are brands such as Nordhavn, and their 120-foot superyacht trawler, as well as Netherlands-based Selene Yachts and their vast range of trawler boats which range from 38 feet all the way up to their superyacht status 128-foot model. Their mid-sized explorer yachts offer luxury, functionality, safety, and long-range capabilities. These brands are luxurious throughout their range, yet combine it with the adventurous spirit that trawlers are known for. 

Why Choose Trawler Boats?

Trawler boats offer long-range cruising capabilities, large luxurious living spaces, and strong hulls. This makes them ideal boats for those looking to cross oceans and spend long stretches of time cruising. They make for comfortable liveaboard boats, and are able to accommodate families, yet they are manageable for a couple cruising alone. They range from compact models to superyacht-sized but are usually in the 50- to-60-foot range.