The Pacific Northwest is arguably the deepest used-trawler market in North America. Boats here have often been owner-operated by experienced mariners, the regional culture keeps maintenance standards high, and the working dock conversations at any Puget Sound marina include enough trawler-buying expertise to fill a small library. The price range under $100K is competitive; five boats below consistently represent value, with honest notes on what the survey will probably find.
The price ranges are 2025–2026 PNW market reality. They will move with the market.
Grand Banks 36 (1965–1993)
The Grand Banks 36 is the trawler everyone knows. Built in Hong Kong by American Marine, with a following driven by robustness, classic styling, and consistent quality. The fibreglass hull (post-1973) is almost bulletproof; the interior woodwork is beautiful when maintained.
What to check. The fuel tanks on early boats are steel — inspect carefully for rust, particularly at the tank bottoms where condensation pools. Diesel engines (Ford Lehman, Detroit Diesel) are bulletproof if maintained but parts can be expensive to source. Water intrusion around portlights and deck-house joints is common on older boats. Zincs are critical and often deferred.
Budget. $60–95K for a mid-1980s GB36 in good condition. Expect $15–25K in deferred maintenance on any boat this age — fuel tanks, head systems, and electronics are the working budget items.
Californian 38 (1975–1990)
The Californian trawler line was designed by Ed Monk Sr. — one of the more respected Pacific Northwest yacht designers. The 38 is a full-displacement, pilothouse-style motoryacht with an aft cabin and a well-balanced hull that handles Puget Sound chop gracefully. Built in California (the name is accurate), the boats have a strong PNW following.
What to check. Osmotic blistering in the hull is common on Californians; get a moisture survey. Fuel tank placement (under the sole) makes inspection difficult; ask about previous tank work. The Ford Lehman 120 diesel is an excellent engine when maintained. Electrical systems on older Californians are often a patchwork of owner additions; budget for cleanup.
Budget. $45–80K for a well-maintained example. Parts availability is better than for many comparable boats — the Californian community is active.
Bayliner 4550 Pilothouse (1986–1994)
The Bayliner name carries stigma in certain boating circles — unfairly for the pilothouse trawler line, which is an entirely different product from the production runabouts. The Bayliner 4550 is a working liveaboard cruiser with a full-beam master cabin aft and good range under power. Built by US Marine in Arlington, Washington — a PNW boat for PNW water.
What to check. Deck-to-hull joint integrity (a common failure point on Bayliner products of the era). The Volvo TAMD41 diesels are reliable; older Crusader gasoline models less so. Survey the running gear — shafts, seals, struts — carefully. Cored decks can show moisture damage; moisture meter survey is essential.
Budget. $35–65K — among the better values in the category if a clean example surfaces.
Nordic Tug 32 (1989–present)
The Nordic Tug is designed and built in Burlington, Washington — a PNW boat for PNW water. The semi-displacement hull gives better speed than full displacement (up to 12 knots if pushed) while retaining seakeeping in chop. The single-stateroom interior is efficient and well-engineered. Nordic Tugs are frequent in the working PNW anchorages for working reasons.
What to check. The tunnel-drive system (prop in a tunnel under the hull) is unusual; have it inspected by a yard familiar with Nordic Tugs. The semi-displacement hull requires more power than a full-displacement trawler — fuel economy at cruise is 1.5–2 mpg, not the 3 mpg full-displacement boats achieve. The Cummins B-series diesels are reliable.
Budget. $75–100K for a late-1990s to early-2000s example. Nordic Tugs hold their value.
DeFever 41 (1967–1990)
The DeFever 41 is the serious bluewater trawler on this list — a full-displacement, round-bilge hull designed by Art DeFever that has crossed oceans in the hands of experienced owners. For ambitions beyond Puget Sound to the Inside Passage or further, the DeFever earns its consideration. The boat is the working choice for the PNW-to-Alaska summer cruise.
What to check. Original boats have steel fuel tanks that may have been replaced; verify the current tank material and age. The Ford Lehman 120 or Perkins diesels are reliable and well-supported. Original teak decks are maintenance-intensive and often the working deal-breaker — look for boats where the teak has been replaced with synthetic deck systems. The wooden interior trim is beautiful and time-consuming.
Budget. $65–95K for a well-maintained 1970s–1980s boat. The best DeFevers have had significant investment over the years; budget for a proper survey and accept that the boat will reveal at least one expensive surprise.
Working advice for any trawler purchase
- Hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor. Not optional. The cost ($1,500–$2,500) is cheap insurance on a $70,000 purchase.
- Get a sea trial. Check all systems under power. Watch the engine temperature gauge and exhaust colour through a full hour of cruise-rpm operation.
- Budget 10–15 percent of purchase price for immediate work. Even clean boats have deferred maintenance; the buyer who plans for none is the buyer who runs out of money in the second year.
- Talk to the local trawler community. PNW trawler owners are generous with experience and recommendation. The conversations on the dock at Shilshole, Anacortes, or Bellingham are working continuing education.
The PNW trawler market rewards patience. The right boat is rarely the first one viewed; it is usually the third or fourth, after the buyer has learned what to look for and what to walk away from. The boats above are starting points for that working education.
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