Trawlerfest 2023 in Stuart | Boating Journey

In episode 192, we head up to Stuart, FL to attend Trawlerfest. Here we found some favorite liveaboards, including a Fleming 65, Ranger Tug 44, Nordic Tug 42 and a 48' Californian. This was not like any other boat show we have attended. TrawlerFest is a series of boat shows and educational events focused on trawlers and cruising lifestyles, organized by PassageMaker Magazine. This show was located at the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina.

Trawlerfest is the premier event for trawler enthusiasts, showcasing the latest models, expert seminars, and a vibrant boating community. Discover the beauty of Stuart's coastal waters and explore a wide range of trawler boats and marine products. From live demonstrations to educational sessions, Trawlerfest offers something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned boater or new to trawler lifestyle. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, industry experts, and uncover the best trawler boating has to offer.

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Cheers, Scott and Ally

[johnschieffelin]

Thanks for the video. I missed this year's show. Your comment about boarding some of the boats is spot on. I skipped touring boats at the show in past years simply because they was no way to board safely or easily. I see Nordic Tugs and similar boats passing our place often, and they seem to lack outdoor social space. Just a small, unshaded aft cockpit in many cases.

[garydaigneault]

On fire family is selling their boat!!!

[KittyTobias]

New subscriber here! Thanks for sharing the video. My husband and I love to travel as well. Nice boat!

[guenthermichaels]

I agree with your thoughts on trawlers. They are something. Unfortunately there is no perfect boat. They are all mission specific. I'm in my 60's and have owned many boats, power and sail. In a certain price range, they are cheaper alternatives to owning a vacation home, except they do not appreciate. For example I built a new vacation cottage in 2002 for
$380k . A broker just appraised it at $2.5 million. Just think, any boat I had bought in 2002 for $380 k, would be worth half today. That used 96 Hatteras 52 you toured cost approx $800k new, as equipped. That would have got me 2 vacation homes and $5 million today.
So now, at my age I have my investments, pension and 2 homes. I am selling one ( city home Toronto) and will buy a boat for winter months down south.
I'm done with sails, and big planing hulls and massive fuel bills. A trawler is great at cruise, but slow. I like the ability to go faster when needed, but also cruise economically.
So a semi-displacement yacht is my preferred choice. After much research, I, 've narrowed it to 2 boats. Azimut Magellano 66 and an Elling e6 .
The Azimut is great accommodation, lots of outdoor areas to enjoy.
The Elling, has Dutch quality and build, but also incredible, trans Atlantic range at displacement speed ( yet can also do 22 knots) or you fill up and just cruise all winter in the Caribbean.
Thks for sharing your videos.
Cheers from Toronto

[redshed]

Buy a boat and I’ll watch for gods sake!

[anthonyferrara]

That last boat was beautiful. But for $3.8 million one can live in a mansion.