The decision to build a new trawler, to include your own input on details and features, to modify an existing model or build an entirely new design is incredibly rewarding. Ordering a new trawler costs more and takes longer, but allows you as the buyer to get the latest thinking and to build the trawler to better suit your personal needs. Each trawler manufacturer is primarily in the business of marketing, selling and building new boats. The used trawler/brokerage aspect of reselling their boats is regarded by most builders as “icing on the cake”.
It all starts with a fresh design and a yard to create new tooling and complete the construction. There are several ways that new trawler designs come to market. Typically they are a collaborative partnership between two firms, one a design engineering /sales marketing company that owns the brand and the other firm the physical construction facility – this is, for example, Selene do business. It is rarer these days to have the boat building company also do the sales and marketing and many builders have a dealer network or company stores to solicit orders. The larger the overall size of the trawler the less likely a new hull will be built on spec. There are too many choices and it creates a very expensive inventory situation that can be difficult to turn over.
To develop a new trawler model, the naval architect conceives a new design to meet a particular consumer profile demand with specific priorities and dimensions. The NA develops the hull form, deck plan and interior layout as well as determining the equipment to be included. A set of standard specifications is developed so that the building yard knows how to quote the design/marketing company a “wholesale price” for a trawler completed to an agreed selection of “standard” specifications. Options are also discussed (Will a flybridge be included? Single or twin engine? etc.) and a set of factory options is created to supplement the standard specs. With drawings, specifications and pricing prepared, the new trawler model is ready to be introduced to the boating public.