Is Trawler Ownership Feasible for Me?

I am looking into the idea of buying a boat when I retire 5+ years from now. Like many others, I have this dream of spending a lot of time on the water and visiting exotic locations. I have been reading the forum threads on this site as well as doing a lot of other reading. I have learned much and, as a result, have narrowed my focus some. I am not likely to have the resources to buy something large enough to be really comfortable as a full-time live aboard which would require a captain and crew. I envy those of you who can (more power to ya, brothers!).

My reading has lead me to believe that 50’ is about the largest vessel an owner should expect to be able to handle on their own. Also, fuel efficiency drives me in the direction of trawler style boats. This suits me fine as I don’t see myself being in a big hurry to get anywhere plus I just like the trawler style anyway. I have some experience in small boat handling but the largest vessel I ever operated was a 25’ Robalo with 225hp outboard. Obviously, this is a far cry from a twin diesel trawler. If I actually do this, I would expect my cruising to be limited to the ICW and maybe the Bahamas/Caribbean.

However, I still have many questions before I can come to a final decision. I am hoping those on this forum with vastly more experience than I can help me clarify a number of things.

A question for the forum moderators… would it be better for me to post my questions as separate threads or should I add additional posts (posing new questions) to this thread?

So, let me start with a fairly basic question regarding slip fees. I have seen mentioned costs of upwards of $2,000 per month for a 50’ boat. I’m sure fees vary from place to place. Where are the most reasonable fees likely to be found? What is the minimum I should expect to pay? I should mention that one option I may have is to keep a small condo I own in the Tampa/St. Pete area of Florida which has a small, private marina. My understanding is that owners in this complex can rent slips for about $200 per month. We are considering selling the condo but perhaps will hold onto it if the boat slip costs are sufficiently advantageous.

Thanks in advance for the generosity of your time and expertise. It is greatly appreciated.

You are most welcome. Since I am to be beneficiary of whatever advice I can get (and don't have much to offer in return), it seems to me the least I can do is make life as easy as possible for those who make this very valuable forum possible.

Supposing we sell the condo and I go ahead with a trawler purchase... Where are the most reasonable slip rental rates to be found?

Exellent info. Thank you all very much.

OK, here is my next question... I am a tall guy, nearly 6'7". I have looked at specs on a lot of the boats reviewed here and on a number of the used boats web sites but I rarely see any info on headroom. So how much headroom does a 40'-50' trawler typically have? Does it vary much between different manufacturers?

I have learned to keep my head down under low bridges and ceiling fans

I could tolerate a ceiling height of maybe 6'4" or more. Much less than this and moving around inside would get rather uncomfortable, I think. I suppose the best thing for me to do is get to a boat show or broker somewhere and visit a few boats.

OK, another question... Is a 40'-50' trawler big enough to venture from Florida to the West Indies? How much operating experience would be needed before taking on a trip from Florida to the Caribbean islands?

Thanks, Loren. I would certainly expect to spend some time and money with someone who knows what they are doing and then enough time near shore to become sufficiently familiar and competent with the various systems. I'm just wondering how long this process took for others in a position similar to mine.

Another question... I have seen it mentioned that yacht owners can expect to spend approximately 10% of the purchase price each year operating and maintaining the vessel. I presume this percentage is based on a new boat. For the size I am thinking about, I don't think I would be able to afford new. So, assuming I buy used, would it be roughly accurate to assume 10% per year as if I had bought a similar boat new or, because the boat already has wear and tear on it, should I assume this percentage would be higher? My instincts tell me it should be higher. If I'm right, can anybody give me an idea how much higher? I'm sure this is a function of many variables, not least of which has how much I use it but I'm just trying to get a ballpark idea.

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. It is much appreciated. Sorry for the slow response - been out of pocket for awhile. Another question...

My purchase budget is likely to be limited to less than $200K. Therefore, for a boat in the 40' - 50' range, I will have to be looking at used boats. In used boats, certainly much depends on how well the boat has been maintained, how hard it has been used, etc but I think it is safe to assume that stronger, higher quality construction is more likely to result in better condition years later. So, my questions are: Which manufacturers build the strongest boats? Would Hatteras, Defever, and Cheoy Lee (mentioned above) be considered "well-built"?

Thanks again for all your help.