Recreational trawler

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For the fishing boat, see commercial trawler.

Recreational trawlers are pleasure boats which resemble commercial trawlers. They can also be called cruising trawlers or trawler yachts. Within the category, however, are many types and styles of vessels. A commercial trawler for example, always has a displacement hull for load-carrying capacity. Recreational trawlers, on the other hand, are as likely to have a semi-displacement hull. However, with the rising cost of fuel and the lower fuel consumption (though also lower speed) offered by displacement hulls, they are gaining popularity among some buyers. These displacement models typically have a cruising speed of 7-9 knots depending on the boat length. Their maximum speed is often no more than 10-12 knots, whereas semi-displacement hulls can attain 14-20 knots. Recreational trawlers are also subject to fashion. For example many USA production recreational trawlers have a style which includes features such as raised pilothouse or offset deckhouse. Trawlers are most often offered in lengths ranging from 35 to 60 feet long. Most are built for long term cruising of regional and worldwide destinations.

Usually trawlers have a single engine, though twin engine installations are also available from some builders. They have a large fuel capacity. Fuel range is normally 1,500-3,000 miles on smaller vessels, even greater for those over 45ft in length. When combined with the slower speeds of a displacement hull, these features give such vessels far greater range and economy than similarly sized planing boats. A large engine room under the main cabin is another feature of true cruising trawlers. Most also include a diesel generator of 5-20kW to power domestic appliances, bow thrusters, dinghy cranes, and similar equipment.

In the United States recreational trawlers are catered for by over 70 builders and manufacturers, and the PassageMaker Magazine.