Marine Trader Boats: Worthy Investment Or Not?

Marine Trader trawlers are well-known in the trawler world as reliable cruisers. Built in Taiwan since the 1970s, they range from 32 to 49 feet in length and are admired for their teak-rich interiors and well-thought-out deck plans. Most are single-screw, Lehman-powered boats, with some twin-screw trawlers in the larger sizes. They have a reputation for leaking teak decks and issues with iron fuel tanks, but these can be fixed, and many on the market have already been refurbished.

Marine Trader boats are prone to leaks around windows and hatches

Marine Trader boats have a reputation for being prone to leaks around windows and hatches, which can cause issues such as discolouration and wood rot. This is a common issue that potential buyers should look out for. In one forum, a user mentions that their friend spent a lot of time and money redoing all the windows and hatches due to water leakage. Another forum user advises checking under the windows for wet wood.

Leaks can lead to veneer discolouration and, if left untreated, can cause rot in the wood that is difficult to spot. This can be a costly issue, with repairs running into the thousands.

As a result of these issues, it is recommended that buyers get a good survey done on the boat and account for any repairs that may be needed. It is also advised to check the fuel tanks and fuel lines, as well as the electrical panels and steering system.

Marine Trader boats are well-known in the trawler world as reliable cruisers, with teak-rich interiors and well-thought-out deck plans. They have been built in Taiwan since the 1970s and range in size from 32 to 49 feet. Most are single-screw Lehman-powered boats, with a few twin-screw trawlers for the larger sizes.

They are well-designed, fuel-efficient and have a good engine

Marine Trader boats are well-designed, fuel-efficient vessels with reliable engines. They have been built in Taiwan since the 1970s and range in size from 32 to 49 feet. Most are single-screw boats powered by Lehman engines, although some larger vessels have twin screws.

Marine Trader boats are well-designed and have a good reputation for being reliable cruisers. They are well-thought-out, with deck plans that are often admired by long-range yacht owners. The boats are fuel-efficient, with one owner reporting that their 36-foot boat with 3500 hours "doesn't miss a beat". Another owner describes their boat as having a "hell of an engine".

The Lehman engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, with one owner stating that theirs "will run forever if cared for". It is important to ensure that the engines are well-maintained, with good logs of maintenance and any other services.

The hull design of Marine Trader boats also contributes to their fuel efficiency. At hull speed, they are very fuel-efficient, although owners should not expect high speeds. As one owner puts it, "they are well-designed trawlers, very fuel-efficient at hull speed, just don't get in a hurry!".

In summary, Marine Trader boats are well-regarded for their design, fuel efficiency, and reliable engines. Their Lehman engines, in particular, have a strong reputation for longevity and performance, provided they are well-maintained.

They are cheaper than Grand Banks boats

Marine Trader boats are a lot cheaper than Grand Banks boats. Grand Banks boats are priced from US$29,650 to $2,511,350, with some priced as high as $2,181,550. Marine Trader boats, on the other hand, are available for as low as $21,481, with the highest-priced ones going for $65,000.

The price difference between the two brands is due to several factors. Grand Banks is a well-known brand of luxury yachts, with models that offer advanced features such as V-WARP® TECHNOLOGY, a design that enhances performance and fuel efficiency. Grand Banks boats are also built using proprietary construction philosophy, superior materials, and a precision build process, which contributes to their higher cost.

Marine Trader boats, on the other hand, are more affordable and offer a different set of features. They are known for their palatial interiors, fuel efficiency, and slow but steady performance. However, they have a reputation for leaking teak decks and, in some cases, issues with iron fuel tanks. These boats are also prone to leaks around windows and hatches, which can cause wood rot and discolouration.

Despite the price difference, both brands have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two depends on the buyer's preferences, budget, and intended use.

They are built in Taiwan and have teak decks

Marine Trader boats are built in Taiwan and have teak decks and teak-rich interiors. They have been built there since the 1970s and range in size from 32 to 49 feet. They are admired for their long-range capabilities and well-thought-out deck plans.

The teak decks are a common source of leaks, which can cause rot in the wood underneath. This is a well-known issue with Taiwanese boats in general. One source comments that "all old fiberglass over wood boats have rot. All Taiwanese trawlers, regardless of make, with teak decks... Have rot."

Another source notes that "there's a lot of teak to keep up, pretty when kept right." This suggests that while the teak decks can add to the boat's aesthetic appeal when properly maintained, they also require significant upkeep.

The Marine Trader Owners Association (now the Marine Trawler Owners Association) is a good source of information on these boats.

In summary, while Marine Trader boats have a certain appeal, with their palatial interiors and low fuel consumption, the teak decks require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and rot, which are common issues with this type of boat.

They are a good option for former sailors

Marine Trader boats are a good option for former sailors. They have a lot to offer, including palatial interiors, single diesel engines that are fuel-efficient, and seemingly overbuilt hulls. They are also relatively affordable compared to other brands such as Grand Banks.

Marine Trader trawlers have been built since the 1970s in Taiwan and range from 32 to 49 feet in length. They are well-known for their teak-rich interiors and well-thought-out deck plans, making them a reliable choice for long-range cruising. Most Marine Traders are single-screw boats powered by Lehman diesel engines, although there are some twin-screw configurations available for the larger sizes.

One of the main advantages of Marine Trader boats is their spacious interiors, which can feel like a significant upgrade for those transitioning from the often narrow and dark confines of a sailboat. The generous living spaces and amenities of a Marine Trader boat can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience, especially for those who are used to the constraints of a sailboat interior.

While Marine Trader boats have a loyal following, it is important to note that they may require some maintenance and upgrades. Some common issues to look out for include leaking teak decks, iron fuel tanks, and soft decks. However, many of these problems can be addressed and fixed, and there are also owner associations such as the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) that can provide valuable information and support.

Overall, for former sailors seeking a comfortable and reliable cruising experience, Marine Trader boats present a strong option that combines spacious interiors with efficient fuel consumption. With their sturdy construction and affordable price point, Marine Trader boats offer a practical choice for those looking to explore the waters without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions