SeaRay or American/Nordic Tug

W

wetpaint

Active Member
Nov 2, 2007
2,370
Cape Cod/Caribbean
Boat Info
41 Lipari Catamaran
Engines
2 x Volvo 30hp
I know many of you guys have cruised the caribbean on your boats......If you were doing extended cruising through all the islands, would you still own a searay or go to a tug/trawler with single screw
 
If....I did that, and couldn't afford a Grand Banks or a Sabre, I would probably get a 40' Mainship.

Don
 
Last edited:
wetpaint said:
I know many of you guys have cruised the caribbean on your boats......If you were doing extended cruising through all the islands, would you still own a searay or go to a tug/trawler with single screw
Click to expand...

I am seriously looking at trawlers right now! Not really interested in going fast in the future, but more comfort and reliability. They are really priced well, now is the time to get in. :thumbsup:
 
Power cat the way to go lot's of skinnie water over there. you can't trust the charts or the gps . A friend of mine lost 2 prop this last week,had to fly them in...Rip
 
I've been pondering the same thing. 2 foot-itis and wanting way more creature comforts. It's not an easy choice! I will miss my 46 mph top speed but... it's gotta' be done eventually!
It appears the twin diesel boats cruise around 24 mph (+/-) and they use more fuel than a single diesel trawler. If you slow the twins down to trawler speeds though... you get trawler economy (or very close to it).
They both have pros and cons... the twins will plane... and the single will go 500 miles or more between fuel stops. I'd need a bridge boat or express style... there's no way i could sit inside all day cruising... I'd go bananas!

Keep in mind while you're 'comparing' those tugs are a lot more expensive than Sea Rays.
 
I guess I ponder the question...."Why is a searay not a good choice"? Cruise at 10-12 knots (no rush to get anywhere), probably spend $1,500.00 month on fuel, which is close to trawler cost, etc.....I am looking for that big reason and just can't find it
 
wetpaint said:
I guess I ponder the question...."Why is a searay not a good choice"? Cruise at 10-12 knots (no rush to get anywhere), probably spend $1,500.00 month on fuel, which is close to trawler cost, etc.....I am looking for that big reason and just can't find it
Click to expand...

My answer to the above is another question. Is it OK to run these engines slow? In other posts where people were asking why not just run the big cruiser boats at trawler speeds, there were questions raised about whether it was OK for engines designed to run continously at 3/4 throttle, to run all day at 1000 to 1200 rpms to get those trawler fuel efficiencies. I think the answers ranged from no problem to don't do it. My boat gets 1.2 MPG at 22 mph and 3+ at 8mph, so I too would love to know the answer. Frank????????
 
We go to Alaska in the summer. The people with the trawlers seem to get there as fast as us and burn a lot less fuel. Trawlers from what we have been told are more stable in rough water. Main thing is canvas. If I was to get an other boat I would not want any canvas as it does not seem to be as solid as solid walls.
 
I am very impressed with the quality of American Tug. Nordic Tugs seem to be good quality also. If you really want to do some extended cruising you should consider Nordhavn or Kadey Krogen. If I were in a big storm I would feel much safer in a Nordhavn than a Sea Ray. The nice thing about trawlers if they don't seem to depreciate in price. Mainship is not even near the quality of the trawlers named above.
 
Here's what I found out about running slow in a BB/gassers,I ran At 1350rpm for over150 miles no problem.I got about 8 1/2 -9 mph depend on tide and wind.I then got the bright idea to run on one eng. no problem,lost about1mph I only run on 1 eng in wide areas ,and not where I need fast control.If it's a day trip ,out on the starboard, in on the port.I called mercury and ask about the slow running,and was told no problem.. I called velvet-drive and ask if the one prop free wheeling would hurt?, no problem when the prop is free wheeling it is pumping oil to the bearings..It's slow and as cheap to run as any diesel the same size and they don't have all of the extra that I have . my friend's trawler is tied up my dock . he draws more water than I do and a "Roller" bottom I have a V and only draw 2'10 thanks to the pockets. The only plus he has over is me is the keel,but I have the ride. Feel my boat is perfect for the islands. you've got to know the water over there or you are going to be setting on the bottom (CORAL) with no props and maybe no bottom.. P.S. there is no Coast Guard so if, if you reach someone on the raido over there it's going to cost $$$$$ big time...Rip
 
The thing of it is I know that the Nordic is better quality, no doubt, but that does not mean that it would have more speed or that that it doesn't roll, you can always put a set of flopper- stopper on that tug.I still think that your Sea Ray is the boat you need for what your talking about.If you still want quality what's wrong with a Nordhavn 60'that's a trawler...Rip
 
I occasionally see articles about people circumnavigating the world in a 40 ft nordhavn. These are normal people too, not some enthusiast trying to set a record. It tells you something about their quality. However if you plan on just traveling in the gulf a Nordhavn may not fit your needs best.
 
I'm looking at the same thing myself. I personally believe a twin-screw, fast trawler is the way to go. I'm looking into Grand Banks, Sabre, and Mainship. I want two engines/screws as backup "just in case", with ability to get good gas milelage at 9-10 kts (7 gph), but still be able to sprint if needed.

The GB 41EU, Sabre 40 Sedan, and Mainship 414 or 479 is what I'm looking at.

My quick thoughts.
 
The key to diesel performance and fuel economy is torque curve to load and gear size. Match the optimum power ranger whether at 1/2, 3/4, or full throttle with the gear/prop size for your top speed and you will realize the best economy and engine/gear life.
Many engines develop full power/torque at 3/4 throttle anything over that and your wasting fuel. Throttle position is not important it's RPM and torgue that get the job done.
IMOH
 
I f you want "get home" you buy a single eng,less money,less fuel, less up keep,and do a hyd.- power take off from your gen.Home you go running off your gen with the flip of a valve..Rip
 
northern said:
Main thing is canvas. If I was to get an other boat I would not want any canvas as it does not seem to be as solid as solid walls.
Click to expand...

Not to mention it's a pain.....When we get to that point, I just want to be able to pull into port, lock the door, and walk away.
 
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