How to Choose the Right Trawler for the Great Loop

A definitive guide for comfort, capability, and coastal adventure

America's Great Loop is a continuous route of about 6,000 statute miles, and 5,250 at the shortest. It runs through the Great Lakes, down the inland rivers to the Gulf, around Florida and up the East Coast on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Trawlers suit it well. The table below shows which models fit the limits, how many are for sale and what they ask.

New to the Loop? Read The Great Loop for Beginners for the route, the seasons, the bridge and draft limits, and how long it takes.

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 of motor yacht for sale 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:

• Air draft: The lowest fixed bridge you cannot route around is charted at 19.6 ft, near Chicago at mile 300 of the inland rivers. Some route choices are lower: 17 ft on the Chicago River through downtown and 15 ft on the Erie Canal to Lake Erie. Measure your own boat, then check each bridge on your route against that height in YachtWay Waters, free with a YachtWay account.
• Draft: Aim for 5 ft or less. The Rideau Canal is maintained at 5 ft and the Trent-Severn Waterway at 6 ft, and the Atlantic ICW gets hard above 5 ft at low tide.
• Length and beam: There is no practical length limit. The Trent-Severn locks take boats up to 84 ft, and beam only matters inside the locks.
• Pace: Loopers average about 50 miles a day and move about one day in three. Most take around a year to finish.

Every model in the table below draws 5 ft or less.

Loop-ready trawlers by the numbers

We matched the specs on YachtWay model pages with the boats for sale right now (November 2026). Each model draws 5 ft or less and has at least 10 boats on the market. Prices are median asking prices, not sale prices. Air draft is not listed because it changes with the arch, mast and electronics on each boat, so measure it before you buy and check it against the bridges in YachtWay Waters.

Older Grand Banks and Mainship models are the lowest-cost way in, with median asks between $65,000 and $250,000. The Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats draw under 3 ft and sit on an 8.5 ft beam up to the R-27. Newer Swift Trawlers, Greenlines and the Aquila 44 power catamaran are newer and bigger, and cost more. At 21.5 ft, the Aquila beam is the one to check against each lock.

A bigger option: the Omikron OT60

The Omikron OT60 draws under 3 ft on a centre keel, carries a quoted range of 1,000 nm at 8 knots, and has a tender crane that turns into a passerelle. Heigo Paartalu walked through hull #1 for YachtWay Spotlight. Watch the OT60 video review, see the OT60 model page, or view the OT60 for sale.

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: Median asks in the table run from $65,000 for a Mainship Pilot 30 II to about $710,000 for a Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly.
• 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.