We've published a couple dozen trawler reviews in the past dozen years, as well as a collection: 5 Affordable Trawlers Under 40 Feet. And every time a trawler story goes live it gets a lot of traffic. So what is it about this classic boat type that brings us all running for another look? Here are my top 5 reasons why trawlers attract our eye:

American Tug 365 running

The American Tug 365 made our list of 5 Affordable Trawlers under 40 feet.



1. Trawlers of all sizes share a distinctly rugged seaworthy look, kind of like the Marlboro man without the smoke or nicotine.

2. Smaller pocket trawlers can be bought and run on a fairly low budget, making the cruising life possible for a wider demographic.

3. Home away from home. Most are the right size for the couple looking to escape without sacrificing too many creature comforts.

4. For sailors making the move to power, trawlers are a relatively easy adjustment—especially in terms of top speed. That's a kind way of saying "they ain't too fast." But that's okay... for sailors dreaming of an escape to the cruising life, speed is not the top concern. Which brings me to my final, most important reason why we find trawlers so attractive...

5. Trawlers inspire our dreams. They make it seem possible to escape from winter, work, or anything else that currently interferes with a life of endless summer. Even diehard New Englander John Burnham fantasized about going south on a trawler in an August 2009 post, Hurricanes, Trawlers, Tuesday Night Races: "As I put on my sweatshirt again today, the idea of cruising on a trawler is sounding very practical..."

Add it all together, and these boats are a potent combination: rugged looks, a range of sizes, easily run, fueling our dreams. No wonder we all click through to the next review as soon as it goes live.

Is there a different reason why you find trawlers attractive? Tell us about it in the comments below, or on the boats.com Facebook page.

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Written by: Carol Cronin
Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.