Trawler in a Sailing dominated Marina?

33RPM

33RPM

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2026
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8
Hi there!
Can anyone comment about what it might be like to be liveaboard on a Ranger Tugs in a marina that is dominated by sailboats? How are trawlers received? Are there sensitive issues that annoy sailboaters? Are liveaboarders welcoming to each other generally, regardless of boat type? Thanks so much.
 
I think you will be received very well by sailers. I think most sailers will go to a trawler when they get older. I had sail boats for 40 years, as I got older with less balance and looking to have an easier time boating, I sold the sailboat and bought a 2012 27’ ranger tug. I always liked trawlers, but I enjoyed sailing when younger. You will make friends with sailers very easily as most view having a trawler sometime.
 
hope you like the sound of "wind chimes".
 
Not all sailboats in a marina are owned by GOOD sailors…
 
We have always been blow boaters. This is our 1st powerboat. Clanking halyards are my pet peeve!
 
Exactly, it is especially annoying for those below trying to sleep
We have been sailors for 30 years, now we own our first Cutwater powerboat and we look forward to it as another exciting day on the water!
 
We were sailors for 35 years before crossed the great divide to become Ranger Tug owners. Really glad we did! Most sailors are boaters at heart and will be good neighbors. You might find some finding ways to visit you often as they hanker for a simpler boating life.

We loved sailing, but Christopher Cross only comes on the radio 10% of the time! In our harbor there used to over 90% sailboats, but now there is roughly 40% powerboats / trawlers. Pick a good marina and enjoy the fellowship.
 
This comment is not needed as you have already received a ton of excellent comment. But I just gotta add, as a experienced sailor turned Cutwater boater, your fears are unfounded. You will be acepted as a fellow boater, no worries. However, that said.... Typically sailors are much more sea wise educated than typical power boaters. Let the arrows fly 🙂 and are sometimes a little arrogant about it! And all boaters, even power boaters, would be well served to understand boat things like how to tie a proper cleat hitch, understand wake etiquette, and other salty endevors. Just be a good neighbor!
 
BillyClyde said:
This comment is not needed as you have already received a ton of excellent comment. But I just gotta add, as a experienced sailor turned Cutwater boater, your fears are unfounded. You will be acepted as a fellow boater, no worries. However, that said.... Typically sailors are much more sea wise educated than typical power boaters. Let the arrows fly 🙂 and are sometimes a little arrogant about it! And all boaters, even power boaters, would be well served to understand boat things like how to tie a proper cleat hitch, understand wake etiquette, and other salty endevors. Just be a good neighbor!
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Although this may be true on base, I would challenge that fisherman who frequent multiple day's on each adventure would be equally if not superior in offshore navigation and boatsmanship. Our typical fishing trip is 3 days unless we venture into Mexico, then longer. However, If you are comparing the typical Thursday night Beer can racer, vs. the drop in trailer boater in Newport Beach, I would concur.
 
I have been a boater for over 40 years. I have spent years racing sailboats, sailing voyages, power boating, fishing, skiiing, kayaking and paddle boarding. I am very confused about any animosity between any of the forms of boating. I broke a mast during a sailboat race once underneath the golden gate bridge and was being taking out by the current, it was a jet ski that came and help and towed me back. So it really irritates me when I hear all the negativity.
Boating is about getting out, having fun, being courteous, making friends and being happy, if you are not doing those things you are doing it wrong.
 
Except for commercial fisherman, they are always grumpy. 🙂
 
Eagle 2 said:
Although this may be true on base, I would challenge that fisherman who frequent multiple day's on each adventure would be equally if not superior in offshore navigation and boatsmanship. Our typical fishing trip is 3 days unless we venture into Mexico, then longer. However, If you are comparing the typical Thursday night Beer can racer, vs. the drop in trailer boater in Newport Beach, I would concur.
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“Thursday night beer can racers” are not sailors but yes, all due respect to serious watermen of all endeavors.
 
33RPM said:
Hi there!
Can anyone comment about what it might be like to be liveaboard on a Ranger Tugs in a marina that is dominated by sailboats? How are trawlers received? Are there sensitive issues that annoy sailboaters? Are liveaboarders welcoming to each other generally, regardless of boat type? Thanks so much.
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Healthy variety of vessels at our marina and we're all just boaters. We talk about our destinations, boating experiences, sports, you name it. My sailing dock neighbors love it when I bring them fresh salmon filets, that's for sure.
 
If you actually leave the dock with your boat it will likely annoy many of them 😵

We lived aboard a Westsail 32 for several years and easily 90 percent of the sailboats in the marinas we were in never left the dock. Most were used more like weekend cottages. Trawlers don't tend to annoy sailors as much as sport fishing boats. Years ago the marinas in the Bahamas had separate docks for the sport fisherman. Haven't been over there for 40 years so have no idea if that's still the case.

All that said liveaboards tend to be a pretty tight knit community. Any prejudicial attitudes are likely to come from weekenders.
 
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NorthernFocus said:
If you actually leave the dock with your boat it will likely annoy many of them 😵

We lived aboard a Westsail 32 for several years and easily 90 percent of the sailboats in the marinas we were in never left the dock. Most were used more like weekend cottages. Trawlers don't tend to annoy sailors as much as sport fishing boats. Years ago the marinas in the Bahamas had separate docks for the sport fisherman. Haven't been over there for 40 years so have no idea if that's still the case.

All that said liveaboards tend to be a pretty tight knit community. Any prejudicial attitudes are likely to come from weekenders.
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This!!!
 
With regard to NorthernFocus’ comment, I concur! We have had all of our 4 boats (3 sail and 1 RT) moored in Marion, MA for almost 40 years, and we never ceased to be amazed at the number of boats that never leave their moorings or never seem to have people on board.

We take every opportunity to be on and use our boat: usually 3-4 nights a week from May - September.

Years ago, we had our sailboat in a marina in San Fran for 3 years. The amount of vacant boats versus occupied boats was fairly similar to our mooring field observations.

That being said, we have always found most boat owners to be great neighbors no matter the type of vessel. I say buy and use the boat you want. You’ll enjoy the benefits of the community regardless!
 
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