January, 2017
Yacht brokers are forever working with clients seeking a quality cruising yacht at an affordable price. Affordable is a relative term of course, but assuming a budget in the $50,000 to $150,000 range, we decided to spend some time on Yachtworld exploring the choices available to that hypothetical client in today’s market. Our first consideration in developing a list of potential choices was size, and here we chose to select only midsize boats between 35 and 45 feet. Next came popularity — the boats listed below all achieved a level of market success during their production years to insure a good selection of used models on the brokerage market. And our final consideration had to do with performance. Although we all appreciate seakeeping qualities of a full displacement hull, only a few want to be restricted to cruising speeds of eight or nine knots day after day. Therefore, the boats selected for this article all ride on semi-displacement hulls capable — with the right engines — of higher cruising speeds.
With those considerations in mind, here are eight popular (and affordable) trawler-style cruisers that can usually be found on the brokerage market.
1975–2004
At a Glance: A legendary trawler design — over 1,500 Grand Banks 42s were built. The mahogany construction of the original GB 42 gave way to fiberglass in late 1973, and in 1991 the hull was lengthened and widened a few inches to add interior volume, mostly in the forward stateroom and galley. One of the most desirable features of the Grand Banks 42 is her roomy full-teak interior. While a galley-down layout was available, most were built with the galley forward in the salon, opposite the lower helm. The master stateroom is aft and came with a walkaround double berth (twin berths in early models) and split head and shower compartments. The forward stateroom has V-berths. Walkaround decks make getting around easy and secure. Twin 210hp Cat (or Cummins) diesels cruise at 9–10 knots. Twin 375hp Cats cruise at 14–15 knots.
Price Range: From $75K up to the low $300s.
Grand Banks 42 Classic
Mainship 350/390 Trawler
1996–2005
2003–12
At a Glance: A completely updated version of the mega-popular Mainship 350/390 with fresh styling and a larger salon. The two-stateroom interior of the Mainship 400 is arranged with an island berth in the master stateroom and single berths in the portside guest stateroom which is partially tucked under the salon sole. A lower helm is standard, and the four-person dinette forward in the salon was eliminated in a 2009 interior redesign in favor of a large sofa to starboard. Large salon windows provide plenty of natural lighting, and a lovely teak and holly sole is standard. The molded flybridge steps are an improvement over the 350/390’s intrusive curved staircase. For many, the spacious bridge of the Mainship 400—with its grill, dinette table, and wet bar—is one of the highlights of the boat. A single Cat diesel will cruise at 12 knots (15–16 top).
Price Range: Mid/high $100s to $200K-plus.
Mainship 400 Trawler; 41 Expedition
Mainship 430 Trawler
1999–2006
1984–89
At a Glance: Well-built import (built by CHB in Taiwan) is a blend of modern styling, comfortable layout, and economical operation. Versatile two stateroom interior includes a roomy main salon with lower helm to starboard. A breakfast bar overlooks the galley, and a sliding door at the helm provides deck access. The parquet salon sole is an great feature, and large windows provide plenty of natural lighting. Opposite the galley is a convertible booth dinette. Forward, the guest stateroom has over/under berths and private access to the forward head. The full-width master stateroom has a walkaround queen berth, en-suite head with stall shower, and washer/dryer cabinet. The covered aft deck is perfect for entertaining several friends. Twin 135hp or 225hp Lehman diesels — or 225hp Perkins diesels — cruise at 10 to 14 knots.
Price Range: From $40–50K up to maybe $65K.
Present 42 Sundeck
President 41 Double Cabin
1982–87
1965–2004
Grand Banks 36 Classic
At a Glance: The first model in the Grand Banks fleet — argueably the best midsize trawler yacht ever. Over 1,200 36 Classics were built during her production years. (The original GB 36 was built of Philippine mahogany until mid-1973 when the transition to fiberglass was made.) A semi-displacement hull with a long keel, hard chines and a deep forefoot provide the stability that won the 36 a reputation for seaworthiness seldom matched by other boats in her class. Several twin-stateroom interiors were offered over the years, all finished with handcrafted teak woodwork and quality workmanship, hardware and materials. Note the cockpit door in the aft stateroom. In 1987, the 36 Classic was slightly enlarged when six inches were added to the length and four inches to the beam. Most were powered by a single 120hp (or single 135hp) Lehman diesel.
Price Range: From $50K to the low $100s.
Albin 43 Trawler
1979–90
Eight Affordable Used Trawlers Perfect for Coastal Cruising
