I've seen your boat a few times around town.... I'm also searching for 38 to 43' downeast boat. Legacy, Eastbay, Sabre,... might even looks a Mainship. How do you like it, and how is it powered?
I've been waffling between a full blown express style to a fast trawler, to a downright trawler.... can't make up my mind. But have always eyeballed the downeast express boats, and that is what the wife mostly wants, so I think that will be the route we take. I had a 30 Rampage I sold in the fall, "MACHRIA".[/QUOTE]
I've had a "downright Trawler" (390), a Downeast (Pilot 34) and currently in our Pilot 43. All Mainships. I really enjoyed the 390 Trawler, except we had it at the wrong time of life. We were still working and had less time for getaways. Now, we're retired, have more time and have a Downeast Trawler. So, the first part - Real Trawler vs. Fast Trawler or Express really depends on where you are and what you want to do. Trade off - fuel for the most part.
That being said, we have enjoyed our Pilot 43 immensely. Now that we're retired we take 2-3 month getaways, living on the boat, very comfortably. The large beam offers extra room all around the boat (makes it a great party boat as well). It has been reliable, cruises at 16-18 knots with twin 440 HP Yanmars. The hull is not a true Trawler displacement hull, but stable in slow speeds. I do like the Pilot version of the Mainship 43 more than the T43 Trawler version (I took that one up from St. Augustine (factory) to Bay Shore.
Mainships are great boats, with no complaints except for "fit and finish" issues that Mainship was always to lack in. If fit and finish, quality woodworking, etc. means a lot to you, a Sabre, Eastbay, etc would be the way to go. I do highly recommend Mainships. I've had 3 and was happy with each.
Enjoy!