Trawlers, sometimes referred to as commercial fishing boats, receive their name because of their similarity and looks to a commercial fishing vessel that uses trawling as a fishing method. One distinguishing feature about a true, cruising trawler is the raised pilothouse that has a standup engine and mechanical room under the salon, and a displacement hull. Combined with a single engine that usually has a large fuel capacity, this boat is tremendous for long range cruising and has been proven over the years to be very seaworthy. It will sleep from 2 to 8 people for extended periods of time with the sleeping spaces located under the pilothouse and forward under the bow.

This boat can be expensive new, ranging in price from $150,000 to a million US dollars. Used vessels range from $50,000 and up. Most trawlers are powered with a single, diesel engine and have a small generator/get home engine in case of failure. In the event of grounding it has a protective skeg to protect the drive system and rudder, and also an inboard drive. With the advent of technology, there are many trawler look-alikes' out there that have twin engines with semi-displacement hulls and are capable of doing 25-plus knots. The jury is still out as to whether these hybrids can actually claim to be trawlers. Generally, trawlers are 80 to 250 hp.

A trawler can range from 32 to over 70 feet and will be made from steel, fiberglass, wood or aluminum materials. It comes complete with a displacement hull that has a long keel, and a skew that is capable of speeds around 10 knots, depending on its length. This type of boat is not trailer- able, but is a great live-aboard boat and is ideal for long-range economical cruising. Remember that this type of boat is not a speedboat, and you'll find that only a sailboat is slower.