A Boat Owner’s Insights – Albion Trawler Yacht
In this post of “A Boat Owner’s Insights,” we highlight a 37′ Albion Troller converted to Trawler Yacht.
This Albion Trawler is for sale by Waterline Boats / Boatshed Port Townsend look for the direct link below.
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Albion Trawler: Capable Commercial Fishing Core Combined with the Luxury of a Yacht
Imagine a vessel with the sturdy design of a commercial troller, but also the luxury and amenities of a trawler yacht – all the adventuring that could be had, while remaining cozy and comfortable! For the owner of this Albion Trawler he didn’t stop at just imagining this scenario, but turned it into reality.
To make this happen, the owner oversaw the conversion of a retired commercial salmon troller to a trawler yacht. The result is a vessel with a unique combination of capable and practical with comfortable and snug. Half the fun for him was just in the work of the conversion, though he also thoroughly enjoys fishing, shrimping and crabbing all through Washington waters on this stand-out boat.
Read on to learn more direct from the owner on the thought and effort that went into this spectacular conversion, and the on-the-water opportunities that await new owners.
From Troller to Trawler: Finding the right boat for the conversion
The owner of this Albion Trawler had previously owned a trawler and, being familiar with what that type of boat could offer, set out to find something in that style. He was looking for a vessel with, “…heavy construction, fiberglass hull suitable for two people to spend extended periods aboard but still small enough for day trips, local fishing/crabbing, etc.” When he found a retired salmon troller in Nanaimo, British Columbia it had all the basics he was looking for, and so began the journey of making it his own.
The owner, an electrician by trade, oversaw the conversion. After two years and close to $100,000 the transformation was complete. The re-build included everything from the cabin structure to the electrical and plumbing, and nearly every other component in between.
While the owner certainly has fun using the vessel, it’s also clear he enjoyed the work of the conversion itself. “I have enjoyed using the boat for the 900 hours on the engine,” he says, “but have found that I likely get greater enjoyment in the process of building/repairing/fabricating etc. Not much of that left do to on this boat.”
With that, if you are looking for a truly turn-key, very capable vessel, this is certainly your opportunity!
Cruising the Pacific Northwest
The owner has made numerous trips local to the Port Angeles area, where it’s moored, “…often to the Washington coast between Neah Bay and La Push, fishing/clamming/crabbing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca area, Hood Canal for shrimp and oysters and just messing about.” The owner reports that the boat has also been to, “…the San Juan’s, of course, and as far north as Port Hardy in British Columbia.”
Most recently the owner took friends out Coho salmon fishing in the Straits of Juan de Fuca – with excellent success.
Exceptional Performance and Notable Additions
The owner has been, “…really happy with the performance of this boat…and the reliability of all the systems aboard.” No surprise given the systems are all new, or carefully refurbished. Other reasons that make this boat stand out above the rest include:
• Fuel efficiency, it has, “…exceptionally frugal fuel consumption.”
• A heavy commercial salmon troller hull.
• All new yacht-grade systems and structures, while still retaining many troller features from the original design.
• A single screw protected by the keel.
• Freshwater cooling via a keel cooler.
• Hydraulic anchor winch on the foredeck.
• A bow thruster, “…for easy control while docking.”
• Well-designed rail system on deck, “We were particularly attracted to the welded aluminum rail system as relates to grandchildren safety (and us too!)”
This boat is built tough enough to handle the conditions commercial fishermen face, but with all the touches of a recreational yacht. With that, this Albion Trawler offers opportunity to cruise off the beaten track, or, just as well, stand out in a popular anchorage.
Where to Learn More
This sturdy yet comfortable vessel is truly special and shouldn’t be missed. For complete listing details on this beautifully executed conversion of a classic salmon trolling vessel, including 115 large format photos as well as videos and 360 Virtual Tours, visit our Boatshed presentation.
