Looking to embark on some serious adventuring from coast to coast? Trailerable trawlers are the way to go. These versatile vessels allow you to hitch up to your tow vehicle and head to any lake, river, or bay you desire. With the ability to sleep aboard, prep meals, and essentially enjoy your very own floating mini-home, trailerable trawlers offer the ultimate adventure experience. Ready to start exploring? Check out these top pocket trawler brands waiting for you to take a peek.
Top Trailerable Trawlers for Towing
When it comes to trailering a boat, it's important to consider the size of the boat and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Some boats may require a massive tow vehicle and special permits, while others are more manageable. If you're in the market for a trailerable trawler that can be hauled by a standard full-size pickup truck or large SUV, there are some great options to consider. While these boats may be smaller and have fewer amenities, they offer the convenience of easy towing and minimal stress on the highway.
Atlas Boat Works
The Atlas Pompano 21 is a prime example of a trailerable trawler, with an LOA of 21’3”, a beam of 7’0”, and a dry weight of 2,400 pounds. This compact trawler is powered by a 54-hp diesel inboard engine, making it incredibly fuel efficient at an 11-knot cruise, burning just 1.4 gph. Despite its small size, the Pompano 21 features an enclosed helm, a mini-galley, and a V-berth with a portable MSD. For those interested in an outboard-powered option, the 23 Pompano with a 70-hp outboard offers additional speed and a slightly more spacious layout. The Acadia 25 models provide even more cabin space and fully enclosed stand-up heads, with a beam of 8’6” for easy hauling.
C-Dory
The C-Dory 22 Cruiser is another excellent option for trailering, weighing in at just 2,600 pounds and staying under a 5,000-pound fully loaded towing weight. With a modest 115 horsepower, this trawler offers ample room in the cabin, including a dinette, helm station, mini-galley, and a 6’3” V-berth. The 23’ Venture and larger 25 Cruiser and 26 Venture models provide even more headroom and cabin space while maintaining a legal towing beam of 8’6”. These trailerable trawlers offer a balance of size and amenities for easy towing and comfortable cruising.
Top Trailerable Trawlers for Extended Cruising
When it comes to serious cruising and spending extended periods aboard, having some creature comforts and extra space becomes essential. From meal preparation to ample sleeping space, and from stowage for all your gear to a fully enclosed head compartment, the requirements are significant. The good news is that you can have all of these while still being able to trailer your trawler.
Ranger Tugs
Ranger Tugs offers several models that are perfect for cruising and can still be easily trailered, thanks to an 8’6” beam and a folding mast. The R-23, R-25, and R-27 models provide a range of options including diesel forced-air heat, air conditioning, Fusion stereo systems, and electric cockpit grills. These models also come with a fully equipped galley, complete with a microwave, stove-top, and refrigerator/freezer, as well as sleeping space for up to five people. For those willing to obtain a wide tow permit, the R-29 and R-31 models offer even larger cabins and a host of amenities. Despite the 12,000-pound dry weight of the R-31, everything above the hard-top level folds down to ensure a legal maximum height of 13’6”.
Nordic Tugs
The Nordic Tug 26 is the only trailerable model offered by this builder, featuring a 9’6” beam that may require a permit to haul it legally in most states. With a 3’6” draft, it’s important to be cautious about the ramps used for launching. However, with sleeping accommodations for four, a fully enclosed stand-up head compartment, a full galley, and ample stowage space, this model is an excellent option for cruising. Weighing in at 8,600 pounds, it can be towed by many full-sized trucks, making it a feasible choice for many cruising enthusiasts.
Trailerable Trawlers with a Sporty Edge
When it comes to trawlers, the traditional image is one of slow, fuel-efficient vessels. However, in today's boating market, there are trawlers that break this mold by offering a sporty edge. These boats come with planing hulls and outboard power, challenging the traditional definition of a trawler. Despite this, they manage to deliver the amenities and aesthetic that trawler enthusiasts adore.
Cutwater - The Trailering Trailblazers
Cutwater's C-248 is the only model with an 8’6” beam, allowing for hassle-free trailering. However, the C-288 C and C-30 Sedan boast 10-foot beams, making them trailerable with the right permits. These boats feature fully enclosed helms and cabins, riding atop a fast double-stepped hull. In addition, they utilize space ingeniously, incorporating a bonus berth underneath the dinette.
Cutwater boats are fully equipped with an impressive list of standard features, including Garmin electronics systems, digital engine displays, and folding cockpit seating. Moreover, they offer plenty of power, with the C-248 being one of the few boats that can function as a pocket trawler while also towing a water skier.
Solara - Luxury Pocket Cruisers
Solara, the newest brand from Fluid Motion, introduces "luxury pocket cruisers." With outboards and stepped planing hulls, many of their models can cruise at over 30 mph and reach speeds well into the 40s. They offer three different 25-footers with an 8’6” trailerable beam, each with unique layouts.
The Solara S-250 C “coupe” model features a fully enclosed cabin and helm station, along with a galley, dinette, and helm station. It also includes a lower cabin with a berth and enclosed head. The CW “center walkaround” model resembles a center console but encloses a cabin with a berth, mini-galley, and head. They also have a dual console model, perfect for day-boating.
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When choosing between these options, your priorities and the towing capacity of your vehicle will be crucial factors. Regardless of your choice, one thing is certain: modern trailerable trawlers offer simplicity, luxury, sportiness, and everything in between.