For every shoe, there’s a foot, and for every boating enthusiast, there’s a yacht. For those individuals who like to cruise their yachts across blue water, spend months on board or voyage to remote beaches and quiet coves, a trawler yacht is the go-to vessel choice. But even within this yacht genre, there are many options. For example, there are some mighty midsize trawlers that are easily capable of transatlantic crossings for an adventurous couple, and then there are megayacht-size craft with next-level amenities that require extra crew. Some trawler-yacht builders offer significant customization and others work from a fixed options list. There are single-engine trawlers and twin-engine trawlers. One thing that is common is that these trawler yachts are designed from the ground up for yachtsmen with wanderlust in their hearts.
Top Trawlers
The following 15 trawlers are all vessels we’ve written about. They are listed in no particular order.
- Nordhavn 96: Built for an owner who desired to self-sufficiently while cruising the world, literally.
- Beneteau Grand Trawler 62: This trawler can travel nonstop for 1,000 nautical miles.
- Kadey-Krogen 52: This twin-engine-capable, all-oceans trawler is a solid fit for voyaging cruising couples.
- Bering Yachts B76: The B76 is the builder’s first fully custom trawler in this size range.
- Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge: This vessel is equally comfortable at a 7-knot stroll or an 18-knot jog.
- Beneteau 48 Swift Trawler: Based on the builder’s Swift Trawler 47, this yacht has a resin-infused fiberglass hull.
- Kadey-Krogen 50 Open: The 50 Open can cruise at 6 knots nonstop for 5,000 nautical miles.
- Outer Reef 620 Trident: It has a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels.
- Grand Banks 60 Skylounge: This yacht is efficient across a variety of cruising speeds.
- Krogen Express 52: Headroom to spare, two staterooms, a chef-ready galley and long range define this trawler yacht.
- Grand Banks 85 Skylounge: Grand Banks’ V-warp hull form makes for a level running attitude, seakindliness and long range.
- Vicem Yachts 82 Classic: Construction is in cold-molded, strip-planked mahogany with epoxy.
- Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht: Power on this Outer Reef is a pair of 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels.
- Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot: Did someone say this is a 20-knot Nordhavn?
- Marlow 58E: A high level of customization and admirable performance are at the heart of the Marlow 58E.
Nordhavn 96
The Nordhavn 96 is the yacht builder’s second-largest yacht its 17-model fleet, which ranges from 41 to 120 feet length overall. (There is a new 112 on the drawing table.) The builder says the N96 is based on its earlier 86-footer with a 10-foot cockpit extension, which increases both main-deck, skylounge and below-deck volume. The N96 we reviewed was built by an owner who previously had an 86-foot Nordhavn, but with his plans for extended cruises to remote destinations, the 96 was the right size for his voyaging plans. In fact, since the owner took delivery of the boat, it has been on a continuous circumnavigation.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 96’7” |
| Maximum Beam: | 24’0” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 7,000 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 900 Gal. |
| Draft: | 8’2” |
| Displacement: | 400,000 lb. |
Beneteau Grand Trawler 62
Beneteau’s Grand Trawler 62 has 1,000-plus-mile range and 20-knot speed with twin 730 hp i6 MAN diesels. The Grand Trawler 62 is the builder’s flagship in its Trawler series, which also includes the Swift Trawler 35, Swift Trawler 41 Sedan, Swift Trawler 41 Fly and Swift Trawler 48. Small touches set the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 apart. They include sea rails on all lockers to keep stowed food and gear in place, leather-wrapped interior handrails for security in a seaway, and leather drawer pulls like those found on larger yachts. Long-range cruising accommodations include a full-beam master stateroom aft, a forepeak VIP and twin-berth guest stateroom. A Quick X3 gyrostabilizer helps mitigate any potential rocking and rolling on rough days.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 62’2” |
| Maximum Beam: | 17’10” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,022 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 222 Gal. |
| Draft: | 4’7” |
| Displacement (light): | 61,729 lb. |
Kadey-Krogen 52
The Kadey-Krogen 52 is the trawler-yacht builder’s smallest offering in its raised-pilothouse series, complete with a Portuguese Bridge. Owners can choose from either a two- or three-stateroom layout, and between a single-diesel engine or twin-diesel engines, for owners seeking redundancy. The standard engine is a 231 hp John Deere diesel. With the single-engine setup, draft is 5’5” and with twins it’s a shallower 4’6”. At 6 knots, range is an ocean-crossing 4,850 nautical miles. At 7 knots, it’s 3,300 nm. At 9 knots, it 1,700 nm. The builder states, “The entire Krogen 52 is built from only three molded pieces for maximized structural integrity. There are no additional secondary bonds or caulk joints that can inevitably cause issues. All deck and superstructures are cored and vacuum-bagged to maximize strength while minimizing weight.” Additionally, six longitudinal stringers enhance overall strength.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 57’9” |
| Maximum Beam: | 17’9” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,400 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 400 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’5” (single) 4’6” (twins) |
| Displacement: | 70,000 lb. |
Bering Yachts B76
Lemanja is the first custom boat that Bering has built in this size range. The yacht is notable for its steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and for its 4,000-nautical-mile-plus range with its twin 404 hp Cummins QSL9 diesel engines. As rugged as the Bering 76 is built on the outside, it also offers homelike comforts in its skylounge inside, offering panoramic views out large windows surrounding the space. Sole-to-ceiling glass offers similar views in the open-plan salon. Accommodations are fox six guests in three staterooms with a master stateroom and two guest staterooms, plus crew accommodations. In addition to its traditional diesel engines, the B76 has a solar-rechargeable battery bank for hybrid propulsion.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 73’3” |
| Maximum Beam: | 19’3” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 6,750 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 946 Gal. |
| Draft: | 6’5” |
| Displacement: | 287,000 lb. |
Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge
The Ranger Tugs R-43 Command Bridge is a long-distance cruiser with creature comforts. Our expert found the R-43 Command Bridge to be a solid candidate to cruise The Great Loop. We agree. Twin Volvo Penta IPS450 pod drives give the boat efficient low and high cruise speeds at 7 and 18 knots, respectively. For those that have work during their cruise, the R-43 Command bridge’s master stateroom is set up with an office with a desk. Long trips require extra stowage and a way to clean salty clothes, so on the R-43 Command Bridge there is a washer, dryer, auxiliary refrigerator/freezer and stowage under the dinette, which rises on electric rams. Voyagers who buy a R-43 Commander Bridge can opt for a Factory Delivery Experience, which is three days of instruction on Puget Sound, and includes in boat systems, handling and maintenance.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 46’9” |
| Maximum Beam: | 14’ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 300 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 120 Gal. |
| Draft: | 3’6” |
| Engines: | 2/Volvo Penta IPS450s |
Beneteau Swift Trawler 48
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 has a 1,300-nautical-mile range at 8 knots, but can also speed away at 26 knots if the weather goes south in a hurry. Based on the builder’s 47-footer, the three-stateroom, two-head Swift Trawler 48 has a resin-infused fiberglass hull. Power is a pair of 425 hp Cummins diesels. The main-deck layout includes a galley aft setup, which is accessible to the cockpit. There, the seating and dining area can be fully enclosed, with tracks in place for side curtains. The helmsman is kept comfortable on long passages with a bolstered, pedestal bucket-style seat with a flip-up footrest. The Swift Trawler 48 we reviewed had upgraded 12-inch Raymarine HybridTouch displays (9-inch screens are standard).
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 48’4” |
| Maximum Beam: | 14’9” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 510 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 169 Gal. |
| Draft: | 3’10” |
| Displacement (light): | 27,896 lb. |
Kadey-Krogen 50 Open
Designed for serious extended cruising, Kadey-Krogen Yachts 50 Open provides owners with amenities that will enhance those longer passages. The galley is fitted with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a four-burner Wolf range, a microwave and an optional dishwasher. Unlike in many trawlers and their traditional pilothouse design, the galley is located on the same level as the helm and salon. Belowdecks is the master stateroom amidships with two hanging lockers, 12 cabinets, additional drawers for stowage and an en suite head, shower and two sinks. Forward of the master is an office. The 50 Open’s hull has soft chines and a curved after end, much like the characteristics of a sailboat built for cruising. The result is an efficient hull form that provides a gentle landing into troughs when the sea gets a temper. This trawler can cruise at 6 knots for 5,000 nautical miles; 7 knots for 3,000 nautical miles; 8 knots for 2,100 nautical miles; and 9 knots for 1,200 nautical miles.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 52’9” |
| Maximum Beam: | 17’5” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,240 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 400 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’4” |
| Displacement: | 68,000 lb. |
Outer Reef 620 Trident
Outer Reef Yachts 620 Trident delivers a three-stateroom layout and optional 600 hp Cummins diesels that allow this vessel to approach a top hop of 21 knots. Cruising speed is a little over 16 knots, burning about 34 gallons of fuel per hour at 2,750 rpm. The amidships master stateroom has 6-foot-8-inch headroom, a walk-in closet and a shower enclosed in smoked glass. In the forepeak VIP stateroom, there are seven drawers, a hanging locker, a 31-inch Samsung TV and 7-foot headroom. The portside guest stateroom can convert to an office, too. The aft galley has a U-shape countertop, a three-burner electric cooktop, a Bosch microwave and a Vitrifrigo refrigerator and freezer. Cherry, walnut and oak are the available wood options.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 61’8” |
| Maximum Beam: | 16’2” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 800 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 185 Gal. |
| Draft (straight-shaft): | 4’0” |
| Displacement (half-load): | 51,000 lb. |
Grand Banks 60 Skylounge
It’s obvious after a quick peek inside the Grand Banks 60 Skylounge that the Grand Banks Yachts trademark external DNA is retained. The deck, cabin house and skylounge are all composed of infused carbon fiber, reducing weight aloft and creating a lower center of gravity. With twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels, the 60 Skylounge can accelerate to 31 knots and cruise at about 25 knots. The 60 Skylounge can also travel up to 2,000 nautical miles at 10 knots on a 1,530-gallon fuel tank. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s are also available.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 66’10” |
| Maximum Beam: | 19’2” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,532 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 291 Gal. |
| Draft: | 4’3” |
| Displacement: | 62,832 lb. |
Krogen Express 52
The Krogen Express 52 runs on twin 440 hp Yanmar diesels and can cruise at 8 knots for 1,680 nautical miles or at 16 knots for 500 nautical miles. Top hop: 22 knots. In the interior, Krogen Express has outfitted the 52 with a master stateroom and a guest stateroom. The former has a queen island berth, more than 7-foot headroom, hanging lockers and smaller cubbies to port and to starboard, and an en suite head with a molded fiberglass shower stall with a seat, a VacuFlush toilet and a granite countertop. A power lift elevates the berth and grants access to more stowage underneath. The Krogen Express 52’s salon has a 26-inch HD LED TV and a home-theater system, leather Stressless chairs to port and a built-in, L-shape settee to starboard. The galley boasts granite countertops, a three-burner Force 10 propane range with an oven, a refrigerator, a GE microwave oven, a deep Elkay sink and a pullout sprayer faucet. There is a Buff Ultraleather Stidd helm seat for extra comfort during long runs.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 57’6” |
| Maximum Beam: | 15’11” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 700 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 370 Gal. |
| Draft: | 4’0” |
| Displacement (half-load): | 43,000 lb. |
Grand Banks 85 Skylounge
The Grand Banks 85 Skylounge comes in at more than 87 feet length overall and displaces 108,000 pounds, with a 22-plus-foot beam and an air draft of just under 26 feet. Owners can choose either a three- or four-stateroom layout. The standard motors are twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta IPS diesels, twin 1,300 hp MAN straight-shaft diesels are optional. With the larger engines, owners can also choose an optional stern thruster, in addition to the standard bow thruster. With the IPS diesels, top speed is 26.5 knots and fuel burn is 100 gallons per hour, resulting in a range of 699 nautical miles. At a 21-knot cruise speed, fuel consumption drops to 57 gph, and range climbs to 972 nm. At a 9-knot jog, fuel burn falls to 9 gph, and the Grand Banks 85 Skylounge can cruise nonstop for about 2,500 nautical miles.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 87’1” |
| Maximum Beam: | 22’2” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2,640 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 370 Gal. |
| Draft w/ IPS: | 4’11” |
| Displacement: | 108,025 lb. |
Vicem 82 Classic Flybridge
The Vicem 82 Classic is a flybridge model built in cold-molded mahogany, which creates a stout hull form with reduced weight. The yacht is notable for its timeless Downeast lines and strong joiner work. For cruising enthusiasts, the Classic 82 Flybridge is powered with twin 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels. The yacht has a top-end speed of 17.8 knots, and the cruising speed is 15 knots. At 9 knots, and considering a 10-percent fuel reserve, range is reportedly 1,100 nautical miles. Accommodations three en-suite-equipped staterooms. The master stateroom is full-beam and amidships with a king-size berth is on centerline. The starboard-side guest stateroom and a forepeak VIP each have queen-size berths.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 81’0” |
| Maximum Beam: | 20’4” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,585 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 500 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’3” |
| Cruising Speed: | 10 Knots |
Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht
Built for an enthusiastic cruising couple after a three-year boat search, the Outer Reef Yachts 610 Motoryacht (part of the builder’s Classic series), was customized with a fore-and-aft berth in the owners’ stateroom (as in, not athwartships), and berths rather than bunks in the smaller of two guest staterooms. This Outer Reef 610 was designed to be used as a liveaboard vessel, so the salon is not set up for dining (there are tables in the pilothouse, on the aft deck and on the bridge). A pair of swivel chairs in the salon face the built-in couch and the pop-up TV to port. The 610 is built with hand-laid fiberglass, PVC coring above the waterline, resin infusion and a vinylester barrier coat against osmosis. Power is twin 500 hp John Deere 6090 diesels turning ZF transmissions. The 610 tops out at about 13.5 knots with full tanks and 21 people aboard. The engines burn 20 gph at 1,800 rpm for 11 knots at 45 percent engine load. Those numbers should allow it to cross oceans without shortening engine life.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 61’2” |
| Maximum Beam: | 17’2” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,000 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 300 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’0” |
| Displacement: | 93,000 lb. |
Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot
Nordhavn has long been known for its stout circumnavigation-capable craft, and the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot carries on the the tradition of a beefy build with addition of…speed. Twenty-knots-plus, actually. Twin 715 hp Cummins diesel inboards and a new semidisplacement hull form are said to be key to the performance equation. The Nordhavn 59CP has a 777-nautical-mile range at a 9.3-knot cruise, and a 255-nm range at its 20.3-knot top-end. Construction is a solid fiberglass hull bottom supported by full-length longitudinal stringers and a series of transversal supports for added backbone. High freeboard should keep the decks dry in a seaway, while rails keep the crew secure during transits. Nordhavn says the 59CP has a “CE category A unlimited offshore rating, ensuring the vessel has the seakeeping and strength capabilities to take on most serious coastal cruises up to 1,000 miles.”
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 58’10” |
| Maximum Beam: | 17’0” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,100 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 444 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’0” |
| Displacement: | 88,000 lb. |
Marlow Yachts 58E
Following on the successful Marlow 57, the Marlow 58E was started from scratch on a blank sheet of paper. The essence of the 58E is that it has better performance and more internal and external volume than her predecessor. The centerline length grew 10 inches over the 57, but the waterline length increased 16 inches and the beam widened 4 inches. If you were to examine the two boats out of the water, you would see more bell-shaped forward sections making for a soft impact with the vee’d portion. Power options start with twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels, but the 58E we got aboard had beefier twin 1,015 hp Caterpillar C18 diesels. Top speed: 27.9 knots. At 8 knots, the Marlow 58E can cruise nonstop for 1,400 nautical miles.
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 67’8” |
| Maximum Beam: | 18’6” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,500 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 300 Gal. |
| Draft: | 4’10” |
| Displacement: | 69,000 lb. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a trawler yacht?
A true trawler typically has a full-displacement hull form and robust construction to handle open-water operation, and it’s designed to operate self-sufficiently for long periods of time. They are slow-cruising vessels, but over the years, hybrid yachts called fast trawlers have emerged to offer displacement-speed operation as well as the ability to run at planing speeds when desired.
What is a full-displacement hull form?
A displacement-hull form is known is for its rounded nature and deep draft. Full-displacement vessels do not plane on the water, but rather push through the water. This hull design makes displacement-hull vessels incredibly seakindly, but it also makes them relatively slow (think 5, 6, 7, 8 knots) when compared to semidisplacement- and planning-hull designs.
Is a long-range cruiser the same as a trawler?
While all trawlers are certainly long-range cruisers, not all long-range cruisers are trawlers. True trawlers will have full-displacement hull designs and not all long-range cruisers have them.
