If You Could Build the Perfect Troller

biorka

2009-05-02 18:44:51

If you could build the “Perfect Modern Power Troller” for today’s “Alaska” fishery, what would it look like?

Since selling my power troller more than a year ago I have been looking for and researching (perhaps too much) that perfect boat. One soon realizes that it does not exist and therefore compromises must be made. But then the thought occurred to me what if I could start from scratch, what would this boat look like? Not that this is financially in the cards for me, but I am a dreamer!? Much has changed both in the fishery and boat building technology, engines etc. in the 30 to 60 plus years since most of the last “true trollers” were built. Some good, some not. In my observations it seems that some of the old double ender designs are timeless (like the 1911- 45) C&M’s, Clippers and the multitude of older, time proven wooden boats of this type (the “Duna” comes to mind) and may be hard to improve upon. But (like the Glock) modern materials and technology could improve them while still utilizing their overall proven designs (forgive the gun analogy).

My basic parameters for my needs being an old part timer with no highliner aspirations are as follows:

1) Safety - good sea-keeping capabilities

2) Economy - both fuel and overall yearly maintenance costs

3) Comfort – fishing ergonomics for single handing and a good “live aboard”

I am partial to some of the troller/motorsailer designs that I have seen. The Karmon Dee being the extreme example, a 50’ Skookum custom built as a troller. For my needs and pocket I am limiting myself to somewhere in the 32- 36’ range for single-handing and overall costs.

It seems to me that with fish quality being a main issue with modern trolling and three to four day delivery being the “norm” that I could get away with a reduction of fish hold capacity to somewhere in the 1-2000# slushed capability, thus leaving more room for live-aboard space and a larger engine room. It would be nice to actually get down there and see what I am working on! Fuel capacity in many trollers also seems like over-kill in today’s world of more efficient engines and shorter delivery times.

I have been enjoying this forum for some time now and want to thank Jon for putting it together and maintaining it. I have learned a lot, been entertained and look forward to the responses that I hope this post brings.

Find attached a “new” /old” Devlin designed Troller/ Motorsailer.~~[attachment=0]~~kokanee36-510.jpg[/attachment]

Salty

2009-05-03 17:37:31

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These little 37 foot trollers have worked wonderfully in SE. Equipped with a John Deere they burn about a gallon an hour through the troll season. They are proven sea boats, proven producers, and comfortable live aboards.

I think you need more than 2,000 pounds of capacity. On a single good day you could catch more than that. Trollers commonly catch over 3,000 pounds in one day during a season. I think a minimum of 6,000 pounds holding and preferably 8-9,000 pounds so if you ever do really run into them you can take advantage over a 4-5 day trip.

I agree with you about fuel capacity. I converted stern fuel tanks to slush holds a number of years ago and reduced my fuel capacity to 150 gallons. That is not quite enough but we have managed for nearly 20 years. I would be more comfortable with 2-300 fishing SE south of Spencer.