Following the thread on Trawler vs. Power, I feel the need to add the case for the Fast Trawler to the discussion. We bought Sans Souci 4 years ago after studying the requirements for Lake Michigan and the Great Loop. Our decision has turned out to be right for us, after 15 months on the Loop, we're about 75% completed. The typical fast trawler has a semi-displacement hull, which means that it can plane but has a deep forefoot to cut through waves when not planing. The hull shape also limits roll, unlike most displacement hulls, negating the need for stabilizers. Our Pacific Seacraft 38T has two CAT 3116 325 HP diesels, which cruises 8-9 knots at hull speed and 15 knots on plane. Based on our experience in four years, here are some observations: Yes it costs more fuel. We usually travel at 8-9 knots, get on plane when we have a long crossing or bad weather is closing in, or simply get bored with the slower pace. Overall usage for the past 5000 miles is 1.28 kmpg. We probably spent about $2500 on fuel than more than a slow trawler. Maintenance is also more costly. An oil change for both engines is 13 gallons. Assuming the captain does his own maintenance (like me) these costs can be manageable. Keep in mind that the costs for the rest of the boat don't change, like bottom paint, waxing, etc. Costs will be higher if prop repairs are necessary. Turbo diesels, which are almost always used in fast trawlers, do require more maintenance, but not with great frequency. The additional cost of the above are not all that significant for many cruisers. Dock space and marina space is by far the greatest cost of cruising. and restaurant eating probably second. We dock perhaps 75% while cruising, eat out about 2-3 times per week. I would estimate the additional operating cost of our fast trawler is perhaps 10% of our total cruising cost. Of course these costs can be significantly reduced with anchoring. But we also have spent a month or so at some marinas, which significantly reduces docking cost (by about 2/3) compared to daily rates. A twin engine boat is far easier to handle and dock than a single. That applies to slow as well as fast trawlers. I'm not trying to open a new dialog that could go on forever, but that is my opinion. The Great Loop requires a number of long crossings. The Gulf of Mexico cannot be crossed in daylight without a fast trawler unless stops are made in the shallow ports in the Big Bend. There are a number of sounds on the east coast that can be an issue.The Delaware can be a challenge. The NJ coast is best travelled outside, another long unprotected leg. Of course Lake Michigan requires significant travel in open water, even along either coastline. There are some rivers and canals that run 3-4 knots, which means you have to double your travel time with a slow trawler. The ability of the fast trawler to get these passages behind you is worth considering. We have been in seas of 9-10 feet with Sans Souci (on Lake Michigan, of course) and found that we could still maintain 8 knots with confidence. Not comfortably, but secure. That extra power pays off when caught in situations like that. Resales are as good or better with a fast trawler than a slow one. The additional capital outlay for a fast trawler will probably be recaptured down the line. Then,of course, there are usually two people making the decision. Carol was as much on board with the positive aspects of the fast trawler. Many crew like her simply don't like long open water passages, and both need to be happy if your going to spend a year or more in a 300 square foot floating home. Bottom line, there is additional cost to a fast trawler, but there are significant advantages in safety and comfort. One more thought on sail vs. power. Since leaving Lake Michigan we have only seen one sailboat that was obviously doing long distance crusing on the Loop, a ketch near Knoxville on the Tennessee River. We called him on the VHF and found that they had left Portland, Oregon 10 years ago, and were expecting a return there in two more years! We've seen some sailboats on the loop that removed their mast and left it home, becoming a slow trawler for the trip. Capt. Bob Kunath Aboard Sans Souci in Solomons, MD. Pacific Seacraft 38T bobkunath@att.net 847-540-8175 Cell (Verizon): 847-921-8175 fax:603-506-5381