What is a Trawler!? Allow me to explain...trawls, trolls, and displacement hulls!

Welcome aboard my "Trawler" for a Tech Talk with Captain Butch. I discuss the origination of the term Trawler, and what justifies calling a certain type of boat a trawler. This has always been a commonly debated topic among the cruising community who has a particular affinity for "Trawler Style" vessels and the "Trawler Lifestyle" as a whole. I give you my take and opinion on the matter, which is quite timely because I was recently invited to join the infamous Jeff Merrill and Mark Pittman Jr. of JMYS Trawler Specialists to be part of one of their signature Cruising Conversations episodes down in Stuart, FL at Trawlerfest for the @JeffMerrillYachts KZbin Channel. That video will be live on May 6, 2023, so be sure to check it out and subscribe to the JMYS YT Channel if you haven't already done so.
Link to the JMYS Cruising Conversations KZbin Video with Jeff Merrill and Mark Pittman Jr.:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmmapKqZjc6VecU
JMYS Trawler Specialists:
Website: jmys.com/
Instagram: @jmystrawlers
KZbin: www.youtube.com/@UCrAbea_05bW47WBdjsgynDw
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[@nomaddict5279]

Thanks for this video! I like how you’re straight to the point in all your videos and tell it like it is. We’re new to boats in general and we like the idea of a trawler, so your content is spot on for us. Appreciate it!

[@guachingman]

Thank you for your explabation, i like your house boat, keep it up :D

[@AquaCultured]

Ohhhhh zinger 😂 lol. Thanks for watching!

[@williamwebberjr8045]

Great video - thank you for the education.

[@dougfaulkner6799]

Very interesting subject for sure. Ive been looking at so many trawlers lately that can become mind numbing lol. Great take on a great type of vessel.

[@AquaCultured]

Thanks Doug, it is definitely easy to get lost in the sauce in the “trawler” world these days! Always appreciate you my friend

[@johnbuschman8815]

Good video, love watching your projects. Looking forward to the Keys. Bye for now

[@tomhenry4993]

Great video. Love the biology nomenclature reference!

[@AquaCultured]

Tom, I’m so glad someone appreciated that! Thanks so much!

[@lips5913]

Dear old George Buehler made the distinction between a troller yacht and a trawler yacht based on the way the originators fished. The troller yacht towing a long line was necessarily very lean and took little power to move through the water at displacement hull speed. By contrast the trawler yacht has to tow a large net, so the boat has a surfeit of power to overcome the drag of the net, so the trawler becomes more beamy to accommodate the engines and stored fish and has sufficient power to move faster than hull speed and push the boat through the water. George designed the diesel duck and was at pains to note it was based on a troller boat, which is why they are so lean and have such small engines by comparison.

[@AquaCultured]

Lips, I really appreciate that tidbit of information. There’s always new details that I enjoy being enlightened about. Thanks for watching

[@DougVarble]

Nice and to the point🎉

[@AquaCultured]

Thank you Doug! Appreciate you watching! Hope you have a great weekend

[@OrlandoPla]

I lived some time in a classical wooden Grand Banks 42 and I find your engine space so much bigger!

[@AquaCultured]

Orlando, that is awesome. Yeah I think once you step up to the Grand Banks 46 and 49, that’s when you really pick up the engine room volume. I remember the 49 having a very spacious engine room. But, I think it is very difficult to find a larger engine room in a 44’ boat than on the DeFever Offshore Cruiser.

[@haroldconnell2973]

Well done

[@AquaCultured]

Appreciate you Harold!

[@donholden7111]

As a kid the family had a Dyer 29, been a fan of displacement hulls ever since

[@AquaCultured]

Nice, that’s a sweet little vessel!

[@cousinjack2841]

The earliest trawlers were undoubtedly inshore trawlers and being pre all the mod cons, would return to harbour on a daily basis to unload, this practice is ongoing. I remember reading years ago about light trawls, (probably developed from seine netting) that were used back in history and were pulled behind rowing or sailing boats in shallow water fishing for plaice and flounders, so the point that a trawler has to be long voyage capable etc etc doesn't really hold water. I really don't care what a person likes to call their boat, that's up to them but, as with the boats that I spent years working on, when we were trawling, we were a trawler, when we were long lining, we were a long liner etc. For me, a trawler is a boat that is engaged in or rigged for trawling and has nothing to do with the hull design, capabilities etc. Nice programme; thanks.

[@AquaCultured]

Hey Cousin Jack! Wow, taking it way back in history, love it! Thank you so much for contributing with your point of view. I am onboard with that sentiment. Very good insight and info. Really appreciate you watching!

[@MeltingFire68]

Butch, Love your youtube content. Very meat and potatoes kind of information. I would very much enjoy a video, or series of videos, of general trip planning, navigation, channel and marine markers and navigation aids, radio procedures, bridge calling, marina hailing, ICW and Caribbean cruising, Etc. Also, general electronic navigation equipment and the broad spectrum of systems on the modern electronic navigation systems. Just some suggestions for some content that I would be interested in. Thanks, and keep floating!! Jim

[@AquaCultured]

Jim! Wow, that’s a great list, you definitely answered the call! I will certainly do my best to tackle as many of these as possible in future videos. Stay tuned!

[@carpediemwithLesli]

I got my Trawler! 2002 Mainship and i can't wait to bring her up from the Chesapeake Bay to the Hudson River, NY!

[@AquaCultured]

Wahoo! Congratulations! I hope everything goes smoothly for you!

[@cruisingschatzy]

🙌🙌🔥

[@user-we5kh1dr6k]

Enjoying your posts. After all you have our unti your boat, would you describe your boat as Bristol? Where would you put it in a scale of 1-10 with 10 Bristol? After all of your significant additions and attention how much do you think your defer is worth? I am asking to get a benchmark on fair value. Also how has your gel coat held up? 80k+ for full repaint. Seems hard to even get close to break even after that eventual spend. Thanks

[@user-xr6bv6qi8l]

Hi. Enjoyed your video but a small correction coming from someone who’s ancestors have fished off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada for generations….. Your description of a trawler is actually a dragger. A trawl is a long line with baited hooks that either float at the surface or near the bottom. A trawler is a boat of similar description as you describe but generally has a enclosure on the aft deck and the trawl is set from the stern and retrieved on the stbd side. A dragger generally has an open aft deck.

[@AquaCultured]

Thanks very much Gord. Did you mean to type troll instead of trawl? My understanding has always been that troll means to trail baited hooks and line behind the boat. A trawl is a net that is dragged through the water, which can either be dragged on the bottom, dragged mid water column, or at the surface. Unless a trawl up in Canada may have a different description? Regardless, if you can post some links of similar vessels that you are mentioning, I would love to check them out, especially ones of similar boats you worked on. I appreciate your contribution Gord, thanks for watching

[@user-xr6bv6qi8l]

@@AquaCultured Hi. You are likely correct that the definitions are different in Canada (and vary even further within Canada) and likely entirely different around the world. Newfoundlanders would define the various fishing methods as follows: - trawl; a long line that could be up to a few miles long with baited hooks that either sit on the bottom or floating on the surface. It depends on the targeted species. - troll; a short line that is pulled behind a boat at low speed. Normally there would be several lines pulled at the same time. Usually used for tuna and swordfish. - drag; a net that is dragged behind a boat at low speed. This is a very destructive method that has been outlawed within Canada’s 200 mile fishing limit. In Canadian east coast, a trawler versus a dragger is generally the same type of single screw, full displacement, 8-10 knot sea worthy boat with forward accommodations that is capable of being at sea for weeks at a time with a holding capacity of many times the displacement of an unloaded boat. The difference is the configuration of the aft work deck. I believe a trawler would have the closest appearance to a pleasure trawler because of the aft deck enclosure and elevated wheelhouse. I consider a pleasure trawler to have similar operational characteristics, minus the holding capacity of course. It is very interesting the hear different definitions. I believe all definitions are correct as they are unique to the area from which they evolved.

[@AquaCultured]

@@user-xr6bv6qi8l how about that, learn something new everyday! Thank you for laying all of that out, it is indeed interesting to hear differences based on geographic location. Thank you Gord!

[@Sirena_Edonismo]

Hi Butch, Looking forward to seeing your content with Jeff. He’s an awesome guy. I actually took one of his Boater University Courses on line. Very knowledgeable guy. Maybe for your next video you could answer the question I get all the time, What makes a boat a yacht? In my case it’s any boat that you spend more money than you have on. So mine is definitely a yacht. 😂😂😂 Stop by sometime and say hello.

[@AquaCultured]

Hey Paul!! Jeff is such a genuinely great person. So much to be gained from him. Lol, ahhh yes the good ol’ Yacht classification conundrum. I think you’re definition of it is spot on. I definitely need to stop on over, it’s only been how long!?

[@AquaCultured]

@Mal Love that take on the topic. Yacht is too good of a word to stay away from haha. I prefer Motor Vessel above all else. Now, what do we call the Mega or Super Yachts of the world that are motor vessels? I like the sound of Mega or Super Motor Vessels, maybe a bit wordy 😅

[@atlanty2008]

Thanks for the videos.... I have a question, I have a 1985 PT Trawler and I need to replace the RPM, Oil Pressure and temperature gauges.... cant seem to find them. Any suggestions? I would appreciate it.

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

Butch: Great video and well done explaining the terms "trawler" and "troller". Mark Pittman, Jr. and I really enjoyed our time together with you during TrawlerFest, thanks again for filming an episode of Cruising Conversations with us. Looking forward to crossing wakes with you again soon!

[@AquaCultured]

Jeff, that means a lot coming from you, thanks so much. Definitely looking forward to future conversations with you guys, hopefully in the near term!

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

@@AquaCultured Butch, you are an all star! Thank you for becoming a friend - sorry for my delayed view/comment, have been out of the country on vacation and didn't have the best internet. You did a great job with your video!

[@AquaCultured]

Too kind! Looking forward to hearing all about the trip! Have a great weekend, Jeff, although I don’t know that a weekend exists in the brokerage world

[@JeffMerrillYachts]

@@AquaCultured For Mark and I, every day is Tuesday, but there is a little bit of peace on Saturday/Sunday.

[@frankrice5364]

Transmission and wheel size also

[@barelyafloatwithsteve3975]

You mentioned in a video that you had a Californian 48' CPMY. What is your opinion? It's on my short list, along with the Gulfstar 44' or 49' and the Chris Craft Constellation 500-501 as a first boat to live on full-time. I'd Appreciate any information as I'm always trying to learn. Have a Great Day and Stay Safe ‼️🙂

[@AquaCultured]

The Californian was great. Solid boat good looking boat that was laid out well. Machinery space a bilge access was a bit tight.I absolutely loved having the cockpit, and I miss that feature dearly. And with the CAT 3208 turbos it it was nice to have the versatility with speed. I do like the Gulfstar 44. It is a beefier boat with larger machinery space than the Californian. It’s just going to be a slower boat. The Gulfstar 49 is a very comfortable boat, but the aft deck is usually enclosed which is good and bad, and the sight lines from the flybridge looking aft can be a bit less than desirable. And the Chris Craft 50 can definitely be great if maintained well prior…well, that goes for all of them. They all have their respective high lights and low lights

[@barelyafloatwithsteve3975]

@AquaCultured Wow, thank you for all the great information. Seems I can't go wrong with any of them, as long as they were taken care of. I look forward to your next video. Keep up the Great Content ‼️ 👍

[@jamesziegenbalg7160]

I think this guy just accidentally sold me a grand banks.

[@AquaCultured]

😅

[@zk5416]

This happened to me too.

[@ronaldharmon9891]

I'm a fan of the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 because it looks like a trawler but can get up and go at 20knots🙌 I've watched many of Jeff's videos you are correct he has a TON of knowledge. Did you see Capt.Chris of @AskCaptainChris at the TrawlerFest event?

[@AquaCultured]

I have to say I don’t hate going 20knots sometimes! 😅 The Bene’ 52 is definitely the best in their lineup. Jeff is the man! I don’t believe I met Chris down there unfortunately

[@mikenagy938]

Ronald, how do you get your boat up to 20 knots offshore. Inshore with no swells maybe...

[@petesheppard1709]

I'm an interested landsman, so where would a tug fit?

[@AquaCultured]

Well, Pete, that’s a good question. To me, a Tug is a Tug, but of course there are several recreational cruisers marketed as “tugs” because of their aesthetic resemblance of a working tug. And the recreational tugs typically get grouped in with the trawler market. And then of course there are tugs converted to recreational vessels. So again, I will just leave it up to interpretation. Thanks for watching!

[@petesheppard1709]

@@AquaCultured Thank you for answering. 🙂 I suppose considering tugs as 'smaller than trawlers' is the best description.😎

[@AquaCultured]

@@petesheppard1709 you’re very welcome! Ha, welp, trawlers can be smaller than tugs and tugs can be smaller than trawlers. Clear as mud 😅

[@petesheppard1709]

@@AquaCultured What could folks argue about? 😄 I follow NautiStyles, and some of the 'trawlers' they review are monsters! 😎

[@AquaCultured]

@@petesheppard1709 oh yeah, they tour some fantastic vessels!

[@d.j.ostromjr5307]

if your boat is your house, why can't we call it a house boat?

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

Ohh...now you've done it!! Here come the Trawler purists..lol. My general classification is exactly like yours. Trawler is just an easy term that carries enough meaning to use conversationally.

[@AquaCultured]

😂 bring ‘em on!! Love it, great minds think alike! Means a lot to have you watching

[@waynesilva3129]

I realize controversy sells. But nothing was mentioned About trawler/ passage makers. For me the boat has to have the range to make California to Hawaii. To see an advertisement saying the trawler / passage maker has a range of 1,200 NM. I don’t want to be swimming the last one thousand miles. There are trawlers out there that cannot even make San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. But yet these boats are suppose to be at sea for weeks at a time.

[@jasonmatheson1361]

As someone who grew up on Miramichi Bay New Brunswick Canada, please define "Lobster Boat". They don't "Trawl" or "Troll". Love your channel.

[@AquaCultured]

I would just say they “lobster”. I believe lobster boats are a breed of their own. And I think people will even call recreational Lobster Boats “Lobster Yachts”. Thanks for the love! 🙌

[@KlingonCaptain]

It's a shame that the age of motor yachts is coming to an end. We're kidding ourselves if we think that the EU's forthcoming diesel ban is going to stay in the EU.

[@AquaCultured]

I guess we shall see! We’ve atleast got a little while yet before anything drastic happens over on this side of the world.

[@Dorfl62]

Gawd ....you must love the sound of your own voice!

[@AquaCultured]

Hell no

[@ricksomething]

22 seconds of music? Just get to the point.

[@HondoSauce]

Patience, Karen. Patience

[@nomaddict5279]

If only you had the option to fast forward (in less time than writing a useless comment). Stop whining.

[@ricksomething]

@@nomaddict5279 Or someone could make a video that doesn't waste people's time. Obviously you're unemployed.

[@ricksomething]

@@HondoSauce Patience is for the unemployment line.

[@75binoy]

Its all talking this video is BS...

[@AquaCultured]

Well, I mean the title did say “allow me to explain”, so I was not false advertising

[@mytwosenceop]

I prefer a Trawler over a sail boat. Yes the wind is "free"$ I get that. But capturing the wind to get you from Maine to the Bahamas comes at a high cost in $ as well as comfort.