How to Choose the Right Trawler for the Great Loop

A definitive guide for comfort, capability, and coastal adventure

America’s Great Loop is the ultimate inland cruising journey—an epic 6,000-mile nautical circuit that takes boaters through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, around Florida, and up the East Coast via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through the heart of the U.S., and no type of boat is better suited to this challenge than the trawler.

With their long-range efficiency, livable layouts, and seaworthy hulls, trawlers have become the gold standard for “Loopers.” But with so many sizes, brands, and styles on the market, choosing the right one requires thoughtful planning and detailed knowledge.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the ideal trawler for your Great Loop adventure when you're not sure which direction to turn.

1. Understand the Unique Demands of the Loop

Before diving into the specs, it’s important to understand the Great Loop’s physical constraints:

• Bridge Clearance: The lowest fixed bridge is 19’6” (in Chicago), so any vessel taller than this must have a folding mast or be capable of dropping clearance without compromising safety.
• Draft: Many inland waterways are shallow, especially in sections of the ICW or the Okeechobee Waterway. A draft of 4’6” or less is generally recommended.
• Height and Beam Restrictions: Narrow locks and canals mean beam widths of 15 feet or less are preferable. Some older locks, particularly in Canada, may have further limitations.
• Fuel Range: While refueling options are relatively frequent, you’ll still want a range of 300–500 nautical miles to cruise comfortably between stops, especially in more remote sections.

Choosing a trawler that fits within these limits ensures a smoother voyage and minimizes detours or height-related restrictions.

2. Choose Your Cruising Style: Liveaboard vs. Leisure

Are you planning to complete the Loop in a single year—or slowly cruise it over several seasons? Will you be living aboard full time, or using your trawler for extended holidays?

Your answers will impact:

• Interior Space Needs: Full-timers often seek larger salons, dedicated sleeping quarters, full galleys, and laundry facilities.
• Fuel Efficiency vs. Speed: A semi-displacement hull with cruising speeds of 12–15 knots may appeal to part-time cruisers who want to move faster, while full-displacement hulls that cruise at 7–9 knots are ideal for long-range, economical travel.
• Storage: Liveaboards will need abundant storage for provisions, clothing, spares, and toys like kayaks and folding bikes.
• Crew Requirements: Smaller trawlers under 40 feet are manageable for solo or couple cruising. Larger yachts may require additional hands.

3. Hull Design and Propulsion Options

Most Great Loop trawlers fall into two categories:

Full-Displacement Hulls

• Prioritize fuel efficiency over speed
• Cruise comfortably at 6–9 knots
• Provide better comfort in rougher seas
• Examples: Kadey-Krogen, Nordhavn, Selene

Semi-Displacement Hulls

• Offer higher cruising speeds (12–16 knots)
• Slightly less efficient but better suited to time-sensitive legs
• Examples: Grand Banks, Beneteau Swift Trawler, Mainship

Propulsion:
Single-engine setups are common for their simplicity and efficiency. Twin engines provide redundancy and better maneuverability in tight quarters, but come with added maintenance. Many Loopers also add bow or stern thrusters to make docking easier in variable currents.

4. Layout Considerations for Life Aboard

Your trawler will be your home for months—possibly years. The layout must balance comfort, functionality, and visibility.

• Flybridge vs. Sedan: Flybridges provide excellent sightlines and breeze-filled piloting stations, but may increase air draft. Sedans or pilothouse trawlers keep height low and simplify single-level living.
• Walkaround Decks: Safer and easier for locking and line handling, especially for older couples or solo cruisers.
• Galley Location: A galley-up layout (near the salon) allows for social cooking with a view. Galley-down options may offer more space but less ventilation.
• Cabin Configuration: A centerline master is preferred for longer stays; VIP guest staterooms are a bonus if friends or family will join.

Don’t underestimate ventilation, insulation, and visibility—especially in humid southern climates or the crisp mornings of the Great Lakes.

5. Systems, Safety & Long-Term Efficiency

Loopers need systems that work reliably over long distances and changing climates:

• Generator & Battery Bank: Sufficient for full-time AC loads, especially if you anchor out frequently.
• Solar & Inverter: More cruisers are installing solar to reduce generator hours and fuel usage.
• Holding Tanks: Larger waste and water tanks reduce marina visits.
• Navigation & Comms: Modern MFDs (Garmin, Raymarine), AIS, and cellular routers like Starlink enhance safety and connectivity.
• Climate Control: Good HVAC is a must—from muggy southern summers to brisk Canadian autumns.

6. New vs. Brokerage: Finding the Right Boat

There’s a thriving pre-owned market for Great Loop trawlers. Well-kept models from trusted brands retain value and are often pre-outfitted for the trip. Look for:

• Past loop veterans (usually well-documented on forums or in logs)
• Trawlers with refit logs, service histories, and modernized systems
• Proven builders like American Tug, Nordic Tug, Kadey-Krogen, Selene, Mainship, or Great Harbour

New builds are ideal if you want customization, warranty support, and the latest tech, but may require 12–24 months of lead time.

7. Cost, Insurance, and Ownership Expectations

• Purchase Price: $200,000 to $1.5M+ depending on age, size, and brand
• Operating Costs: Budget ~10% of the vessel's value annually for maintenance, fuel, dockage, insurance, and incidentals
• Insurance: Many providers now require navigation plans, boating résumés, or captains for larger yachts. Some restrict southern cruising during hurricane season.

The Right Trawler Makes the Journey

The Great Loop is an extraordinary way to explore America—by water, at your own pace, and on your own terms. Choosing the right trawler when you're browsing motor yachts for sale is a balance of function, style, and preparation. With the right vessel beneath your feet, the locks become thrilling puzzles, the rivers meditative highways, and every anchorage a new chapter in a deeply rewarding voyage.