Question:
Does anyone know of any books of converting fishing vessels to live aboards?
Keredg
2010-11-04 13:47:01 UTC
I am in the process of converting an ex trawler into a live aboard for cruising the West of Scotland then Europe. Is there any literature on conversions of large boats? and also any on people that have travelled the world on motor boats (Not sailing please...much respect to sailors though!!)
Five answers:
seattlesailor2000
2010-11-04 17:23:30 UTC
here is a good web site to start with



lobster boat conversion



http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/news/charis,alobsterb.html



the trawler wanderbird's conversion



http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/news/wanderbird.html



modifying and cruising on a fishing boat



http://www.passagemaker.com/MagazineandEvents/TheMagazine/ReadArticle/tabid/277/articleID/1282/Default.aspx



trawlers and converted trawlers for sale (uk)



http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/gallery.phtml?id=194



more info



http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/index.html



hope this helps
anonymous
2010-11-04 16:05:22 UTC
This depends on what you want from your conversion.



It would be hard to find a book these days on this subject, and I can only suggest asking your local library if they know of one.



Most fishing boats already have living quarters such as state room, galley, etc. I don't know what your boat consists of, but if you are looking at a full conversion then it will be a total strip out and rebuild which will cost a lot of money, and is really unnecessary.



On the other hand if yours has the standard fishing layout then it may be possible just to convert what you have already, taking out a few bunks etc and getting rid of the fishing clobber such as the winch. Maybe a hand winch on the foredeck would be all you need to raise your anchor.



The fish store room I would keep as is, but remove the ice maker if there is one and convert this into a workshop with bench, vice, and tools plus spares cupboards for your engine oil and filters etc.



Also I would definitely fit a spare diesel tank to hold as much spare fuel as possible, fitted with a pump to transfer the fuel to the main tank. This would obviously be as low in the hull as can be fitted.



If your boat has only one main engine then that could be a problem for world cruising because if you had engine trouble far out that is not repairable you could be in serious trouble. A short mast on the stern would be a definite, fitted with a sail. This would keep your head up to wind in a strong blow if your engine did cut out.



You could also fit a main mast with sale which could give you some headway after engine failure.



Really, you need a twin screw (two engines) If not then look at fitting a wing engine through to another prop that's got sufficient power to cope with a heavy sea.



Get to know how much your engines burn per cruising hour and allow for this leaving plenty in reserve. Its surprising how the fuel goes down when your head is to the sea and blowing hard.



The other thing I would suggest is to draw out a layout of your boat on paper, then photocopy this a few times. While you are at home you can put down your thoughts on these drawings to get some ideas of what you want. When all is well then follow your plan to do the work.



One final thing I would suggest is to keep things as simple as possible. You don't need lots of electrics on board to go wrong. Simple bucket shower for instance. A chart table with a low light for another.

A large flat storage space underneath for all your needed charts along with book storage for the nautical books on the counties you intend to visit. I don't advise sailing blind without these.



With all the fishing clobber removed you will then have a better idea on what to convert or whatever you prefer to do with the space you have available..



I could go on for ever as there is lots to think about with a job like this. Pick up a few sailing books on fitting out. Its all the same really just a different power system.



Remember to keep things simple, Good luck on your venture.
?
2016-11-06 02:44:22 UTC
Converted Trawlers For Sale
45 auto
2010-11-04 13:58:52 UTC
The idea is what do U want to end up with and how much do U want to spend. Converting is removing all the fishing gear holding tanks and get the smell out. Then figure out what rooms U want to install and where.Yhe engine is massive and lots of power if U don't need that much sell the engine and down size with a new smaller 1 for economy and less repairs.
Capt. John
2010-11-04 20:44:34 UTC
Keredg,



If you really want to voyage around the world, you seriously need to forget the conversion, and get a true long-distance vessel around 36' to 40' that is made for making long-distance economical ocean passage.



Without this, you will be forever cursed with fuel bills too large to ever go around the world. Of course, sailing would be your absolute best option (and learning to sail is not at all difficult) and their are sailing couples out there now, sailing around the world simply on what it cost them to eat and drink. I have met a few "out there" living on less then $12,000 (US dollars) a year, and a whole bunch more doing it on less then $15,000.



In any kind of motorized vessel, you will spend 20 times that (at least) in fuel alone.



So, if boating around home and living aboard is your dream - then you are in good shape. But if voyaging around the world is really what you want... you need to learn to sail. It has nothing to do with respect for sailors, or power boaters. . . it is simply a matter of economics.



I was a power boater all my life, and had the dream of voyaging around the world all my life. Finally, I did it with my oldest son, but we never could have afforded it in a power boat.



Check out the link below. If nothing else, it will give you some great insight and information, that will be beneficial to you - no matter what you decide to do.



Happy & Safe Boating,

John


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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