[Sunroof]

Trawlers!?

The economy sucks, 401K is halfway down the toilet and the house is loosing value, but what the hell, we still will fulfill our dream of living aboard and taking on the "Great Loop" before the walkers, canes and wheelchairs take over! Ya just have to keep on truckin!! Boats now are just as great a bargain as a flat screen TV.

Although I am a passionate and avid sailor, and have been most of my life, its true that when sailors transition to "power", the Trawler is the norm. They provide great liveaboard space and amenities, but chug along at 7-10 knots, steady, sound and strong. We have been researching the 36 foot Albin and Monk, single diesel, bow thruster models, both of which were made in Taiwan (until 1992that is). Pages can be written about the merits of single engine vessels with a stern or bow thruster as opposed to a twin diesel model, but we'll stick with the single screw for intracoastal and coastline work for now. Most are equipped with the Ford Lehman, Cummins or Perkins diesels (120-135 hp) that give good fuel efficiency and longevity. The bow and/or stern thrusters add tremendous value in docking and in tight areas.

The big question?...................has anyone had any experience with Trawlers and care to share that experience relative to the merits of the vessel(s).

AND.............has anyone navigated the Great Loop?

Thanks

Bob

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