Once you feel you have just the layout that will suit you, what's the right length? You need to know that the overall room in a 36 footer compared to a 40 footer is very different even with just a few feet added. The following is a basic guide.

30 - 35 foot: This is fine for day cruising and two people. One head and shower may make day-to-day living a chore. Overnight guests aboard may be difficult. Fine for inland and light offshore use. Consider this to be analogous to a pop-up camper.

36 - 39 foot: This size boat is easy enough for a couple to handle and suitable for light cruising and offshore use. It's large enough to cruise comfortably for 2 people and accommodate guests. Think of this as a condo.

40 - 44 foot: This boat length has the beam to insure stability and roominess. Think of this as a single family home. They have more than enough room to accommodate guests for extended period. This is probably the most popular length trawler found in the cruising community.

45 - Plus: These are your blue water long-range cruises. These vessels have luxurious accommodations but come with a handsome price tag. Think of this as a second home villa in the islands.

TRAWLER ACCOMMODATIONS

Now that we have covered the basics of trawlers and their designs, what is best for the actual living part? Trawlers generally come with 1-2 staterooms maybe three, 1-2 heads, salon, galley, and dinette. The salon is where we turn on the tube to catch the latest news and read the latest issue of Living Aboard. Like most trawlers handcrafted teakwood cabinetry is throughout with large windows.

Sundeck models have stairs leading to the aft sundeck. Most also have parquet teak floors, which looks nice with a nice oriental rug. Most trawlers have engine room access panels in the salon as well. Most salons of the 40-foot class will accommodate a couple of lean-back chairs or sofa, two small tables and an entertainment center. Placing a teak magazine rack close by and you have about all you need.

Staterooms are the private areas aboard. The sundeck model has an aft master stateroom that is very large and separated from the forward stateroom by the galley and salon.

Staterooms have a variety of storage lockers so make sure the boat you like has ample. Like everything, price is not always an indicator. Carpeting in the stateroom is a matter of choice. Many prefer to use rugs as not to hide the beauty of the teak flooring.

The galley is where you will spend a considerable amount of time. Most galleys, depending on the size of the boat will come equipped with range, propane or electric, microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer. Ample storage again should be evaluated. Galleys that are down have separation from guests in the salon.

The galley down has a dinette across from the cooking area with seating for 4. The dinette also converts to a berth for two. You can use the storage beneath the seating for seldom-used items used in the galley.

Most boats of the 40 foot and larger class are provided with two heads; a master and one available to the guest cabin and common areas.

Many master stateroom heads have a separate shower, toilet, and vanity. Having a separate shower is a must if guests are expected. Even so, it's like two people getting showered and dressed in a phone booth. Older heads had hand-pump toilets but the newer electric flush or Vacuflush models are much better and easier to use. Some boats have one head to be shared by all on board so consider who may join you on your new boat.

ENGINES

Boats can be found with both single and twin engine configurations. There is no shortage of articles about the advantage of both. The primary advantages to twins are 1) easy maneuvering at close quarters, and 2) get home engine if one fails. The disadvantage is having to maintain two of everything. Fuel consumption is also doubled.

Single engines offer low fuel consumption but require more difficulty in operation at close quarters. There is usually no get-home engine so that may be an issue to some. An advantage in most boats is the ease of maintenance due to more room in the engine room.

TRAWLER MARKET

Ok, now we have gone through most of the differences between a variety of trawler styles and accommodations. So where can you find your perfect boat? I recommend a number of sources.

Find a good buyer's broker. If I do not have the right one in inventory, I have access to hundreds of other boats in my multiple listings and can find you the best available at a price you wish to pay.

Check out Yachtworld.com to preview style and designs.

Go to every marina and boat show you can find. Commpliment any boater on their boat and they will gladly show you around.

Have fun shopping.

The author is a live aboard trawler owner and owner of Paradise Yachts, a full service Florida yacht brokerage.