More Trawler Writers

by Tom Tripp

As the apparent lone proponent of the "dark side" of living aboard (AKA "powerboating"), I sometimes feel left behind in the oh-so-pristine wake of all the sailors here on Write On The Water.  So, from something of a defensive viewpoint — and because misery loves company — I bring to your attention the many blogs of the Nordhavn trawler liveaboards.

While it's true that some of these Nordhavn owners do not live aboard full time, that's not uncommon for most liveaboards.  Many of these Nordie bloggers, however, do liveaboard full time and in fact, cruise full time.  In fact, some of them have accomplished some of the most spectacular passagemaking this planet has to offer.

Ken and Roberta Williams, aboard Sans Souci, a new Nordhavn 63, led a group of three Nordhavns across the Bering Sea from Alaska to Japan.  Dubbed "The Great Siberian Sushi Run," Ken and fellow cruisers aboard Grey Pearl and Seabird documented some new territory for cruisers, particularly regarding their experiences in Japan, a country with practically no recreational boating.

Milt and Judy Baker's Nordhavn 47 "Bluewater" on a Transatlantic Passage -- Photo Courtesy of Milt Baker

Milt and Judy Baker, aboard Bluewater, a Nordhavn 47, have some of the best technical experiences and documentation (next to Ken Williams, above, who has blogged in extreme detail since the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally in 2004).  Want to know how well paravanes work as stabilizers and what to remember when relying on fin stabilizer systems?  Read Milt Baker's blog for the answers.

"Three at Sea" is both the boat name and blog of David and Kathryn Besemer, who have, together with their daughter Ayla, produced a series of videos about life aboard from a kid's perspective, called "From the Pilothouse, with Ayla."

Lots of folks driving stinkpots (not an apt description anymore, by the way, since the advent of electronically controlled diesels) are also writing about life aboard.  It doesn't take millions of dollars to live aboard a trawler, although that would certainly be an ultimate lifestyle and some of these Nordhavn owners are there.  See what's out there. It may be you can afford to live on the dark side, too.

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