The Eco-Trawler is a 33-foot custom-built aluminum trawler. The object of this design is to provide a very efficient, seaworthy, and eco-friendly boat. One of the key factors is the slender hull design. If you ever wondered how the huge freighters and ocean-going ships can obtain speeds of 15 to 18 knots, it is because they are long and relatively slender. In other words, the length to width ratio is suitable to achieving great efficiency. The Eco-Trawler has a full displacement hull with an 8-foot beam enabling it to slice through the waves offering a very favorable ride.
The first Eco-Trawler will be powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The reason for this size is to determine the envelope of speed this trawler will operate. We know that 10 hp will push the boat at 7 knots and 60 hp will deliver over 13 knots (WOT). With the 115 hp at 75% throttle, the true top end efficient cruise speed will be realized.
The welded aluminum construction makes it very strong and easy to design changes to the cabin and layout of the interior. Being aluminum it does not need to be painted; however, a colored hull with bottom paint may be preferred. Another advantage is that it is trailerable, and with the weight at about 6,000 pounds, it is easy to pull with a modest tow vehicle.
The Eco-Trawler is designed by Don O’keeffe, Naval Architect. It is built to the standards required by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Trawlers Midwest will customize the first Eco-Trawler and have it available to show and seatrial on Lake Michigan in spring of 2013 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Pictures of the construction are being posted on this website as it progresses. It will be outboard-powered and will not have any thru-hull fittings. The interior will be outfitted with full electronics, air-conditioning, enclosed stand-up head, TV, galley, deluxe captain chairs, and thick custom-made mattresses. All the comfort points that are important for long-range cruising will be addressed. The whole rationale behind developing this boat is based on simplicity, low-maintenance, and efficiency!
Three prototypes have been produced and have been operating very successfully. We have tested the prototypes in various sea conditions. One condition was in 6-foot seas with short Lake Michigan waves. At 13 knots and heading straight into the waves, the boat performed very well with no pounding or slamming. The fine entry at the bow enables it to slice into the waves with little effort and adds to the efficiency of the full-displacement hull. The boat tracked well on a downwind course in the same sea condition. The full keel and the stern portion of the hull design is the key to its ability to maintain course at various speeds.
The Eco-Trawler is the answer to those who are looking for more efficiency, less draft, easy maintenance, and more fun on the water. Trawlers Midwest will be the sole dealer for the Eco-Trawler throughout the United States and Canada.
Contact Trawlers Midwest for more details.
Accepting orders now.
866-375-1633 or 920-894-2632 or trawlers@trawlers midwest.com
Construction Pictures Why Aluminum? Prototype pictures
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