| Slow but Seaworthy?
To BenSeattle,
re: Trawlers and " Reverse snob appeal "
I think you have difinately hit on something here.
For years, Mercedies denied or played down, any interest in anything, as transient as " Styling ". Marketed as a car for grown ups.
Dignified and a little ponderous.
Gee, sounds like a " trawler ". Maybe...?
Of course, it wasn't true. If anything, styling was very much a concern, with Mercedies.
Lot's of vertical lines. A retro front end.
- Says you can depend on me.
All done with deliberate intent.
This might all seem a little superficial. But I think it merits serious consideration.
As your statement re;
".....seaworthiness...is that true ? "
Along with MacMal's response,
"...wouldn't bet the bank..."
Opens up a very valid line of inquiry. That needs to be considered by potential buyers.
We can draw the very epitome of a " Salty " trawler yacht. Festooned with all manner of cranes and " funnels ".
- Above the water line.
With an apparent absense of Styling...
Beguiling the unwary, into thinking, that they are getting the Real Deal.
Meanwhile; below the water line, critical elements are passed over, in the sales pitch.
How many brokers and/or buyers talk excitedly, about a vessel's Metacentric height - in relation to it's Centre of Gravity ?
Before a couple of million change hands ?
The same percentage of people - no doubt - who inquire as to how much higher, a SUV's C. of G. is compared to the car, they are trading in.
As Brian points out. There is a the parallel popularity, with SUV's and so-called trawlers.
- And they both can suffer the same hidden danger:
- of being too top heavy.
- All to few people realize how much a few inches - in a gain, in height
- combined with, too narrow a track (or beam) can have a serious effect on stability.
Nicely covered up - in the case of a trawler - by all those stabilizers.
Everybodys so fond of.
During sea trials, before purchase, I'd suggest finding out in heavy seas
- how the vessel feels. With out the " flopper stoppers ".
Cheers !
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