A dearth of trawlers in the Adriatic and Ionian

[Hydraulicjump]

We have spent much of the last month messing around in boats in the Adriatic—principally the Croatian coast—and the Ionian. Other than the crushing number or tourists (we refer to them as turoids) in the towns that cruise ships have access to, we have been very pleased with these cruising grounds, especially coming from the PNW and its cold water environs. And my goodness the food is much better. Most of the folks on this forum have spent some time here, and there are multiple threads focused on cruising here.

But what we (as PNW cruisers with history in sailboats) were so struck by was the dearth of trawler-like boats. The area is dominated by monohull sailboats, followed by charter (mostly) catamarans, and go-fast powerboats with hairy-chested men with gold necklaces at the helm. Trawlers like ours show up now and then, but they are not terribly common. Is this cultural or does it reflect cruising conditions?

I know that there are trawler-like boats here. I saw some of them. And the sailboats were often acting as trawlers (meaning they motored—like they do in the PNW—instead of sailing). But still, there is a striking dearth of trawlers compared to other boats. And after med-mooring a catamaran in a 20 kt cross breeze, I will take my stodgy Helmsman 38e any day in close quarters maneuvering.

Just an observation, nothing more. I bet there are a bunch of trawlers elsewhere. I just did not see them!

 

[Mac2]

I heard Croatia is some of the best cruising in the world. Wondering if there are plenty of anchorages within easy reach.

 

[balder8]

We have spent much of the last month messing around in boats in the Adriatic—principally the Croatian coast—and the Ionian. Other than the crushing number or tourists (we refer to them as turoids) in the towns that cruise ships have access to, we have been very pleased with these cruising grounds, especially coming from the PNW and its cold water environs. And my goodness the food is much better. Most of the folks on this forum have spent some time here, and there are multiple threads focused on cruising here.

But what we (as PNW cruisers with history in sailboats) were so struck by was the dearth of trawler-like boats. The area is dominated by monohull sailboats, followed by charter (mostly) catamarans, and go-fast powerboats with hairy-chested men with gold necklaces at the helm. Trawlers like ours show up now and then, but they are not terribly common. Is this cultural or does it reflect cruising conditions?

I know that there are trawler-like boats here. I saw some of them. And the sailboats were often acting as trawlers (meaning they motored—like they do in the PNW—instead of sailing). But still, there is a striking dearth of trawlers compared to other boats. And after med-mooring a catamaran in a 20 kt cross breeze, I will take my stodgy Helmsman 38e any day in close quarters maneuvering.

Just an observation, nothing more. I bet there are a bunch of trawlers elsewhere. I just did not see them!

Hello, what you say is absolutely true. In Europe, trawlers started to be more appreciated after energy costs increase and ''politically correct" developments about pollution, "small planet on fire'' discussion etc. The process started with the Beneteau 42 st, in fact a very good boat regardind price etc but a true semi planning boat, so far from Robert Beebe philosophy..Considering italian aristocracy of fast planning boats for people unable to handle a sailing yacht or looking for comfortable condos on water like Azimuts, or Princess and Fairlines from UK, the ST 42 introduced a kind of romantism, on the slow mode: in fact, definetly cheaper than a GB and more easy to buy in Europe.
I can tell you that when I come in a marina with my North sea trawler 57, there is always somebody to come to me and ask: is this a conversion boat, are you an ex fisherman? The add on of horizontal foldaways paravanes is "le clou du spectacle": what hell are you doing with these arms??? I answer with patience they are oftenly used in PNW, Austrialia or NZ as stabilizers or a back up to hydraulic stabilizers..All is matter or maritime culture, knowledge and also traditions. Something has changed a little bit and more and more sailors are going on the dark side and are enjoying real trawlers ( less noise and vibrations, safety atsea, long passages, minus diesel consumption) but it is still a 'niche market" for experienced yachtmen and admirals or else or other salty dogs near their 50- 60 or more.Now a new concept is developing and if you add the word Explorer to the marketing brochure, you are the king of the boat show.
Last, I must admit that with my keel cooling cheminey on the flybridge ( fortunately my brillant JD 6081 AFM 75 heavh duty M1 doesn't emit rude smokes) , I feel like Sir Lawrence of Arabia, "arab in a british communauty and so british in an arab communauty" . To be clear, a stranger to sailors and as well a stranger in the small world of bling-bling new money fast motorboat owners. But I do not take care because I am pretty sure they are all jealous of my brave Dutch steel passagemaker

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