We all want the best – perfect timing, the perfect boat, and a perfect plan. Waiting for perfect, however, can sometimes mean missing the opportunity to begin.

Saving money, creating time, and preparing to step into the trawler lifestyle is a complex puzzle, especially if you haven’t done it before. Over the years, I have spoken with many experienced trawler owners, and I consistently hear one common reflection: they wish they had started sooner.

Finding the right trawler in the right location, with the right equipment, in the best possible condition, at the right price is a tall order. I am often the first to suggest buying your final boat first, as moving up or down can be both costly and time-consuming. But how long do you wait?

At some point, the opportunity in front of you may not feel perfect, but it may be more than good enough to begin.

Getting your financial picture and insurance coverage prepared and pre-approved will help you act quickly when an elusive trawler appears; sometimes it only takes missing out once or twice to realize how important preparation can be.

At JMYS, we have decided to celebrate 2026 as a “Good” year, with our quarterly messages reflecting on recognizing opportunity and moving forward with intention. The future is never perfectly predictable, but many of life’s most rewarding experiences start with the decision to begin. Years from now, we may look back and recognize this season as part of the “Good Old Days.” How we respond to opportunity often shapes the course of what comes next.

If you are interested in discussing your trawler cruising plans, whether you are planning five years out or believe this could be your year, we invite you to connect and explore how JMYS can help you move forward with confidence, especially when the opportunity feels good enough to begin.

Jeff Merrill

Cell: 949.355.4950

Email: Jeff@JMYS.com

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Nordhavn 46 Next Dimension

Located in Beaufort, NC

Nordhavn 46 Arcadia J

Located in Kodiak, AK

Diesel Duck 462 Peking

Located in Ketchikan, AK

Ocean Alexander 50 Lightning

Located in Baltimore, MD

Nordhavn 46 Carolina

Located in Bainbridge Island, WA

Welcome Mark Benno

Mark and his wife, Catherine, are full-time cruisers aboard their Nordhavn 55, What’s Next—living out the very spirit of their boat’s name. Looking for a broker who lives the lifestyle? Read Mark’s story.

We just cruised past 10 MILLION views on YouTube!

On March 4th, we passed 10 million views on YouTube! What started as simple “Talk Through Tour” videos has grown into one of the largest libraries of trawler knowledge online.

Trawlerfest FLL Recap 2026

Reflections from Mark Benno: TrawlerFest Fort Lauderdale 2026 was a full-circle experience—returning from attendee to JMYS team member, with learning, connections, and a shared passion for cruising.

As always, thank you to our YouTube subscriber community for every like and comment! We see and appreciate each reaction and we look forward to bringing you new trawler videos in 2026. Here are the latest videos from our channel.

Cruising Conversations Episode 15 – The 71 Percent

Dock Walk and Talk FLL Trawlerfest 2026

Talk Through Tour – SOLD Nordhavn 55 – Tabula Rasa

Talk Through Tour Nordhavn 40 – Next Dimension

TrawlAboard Playlist
We continue to invite you aboard vessels not listed for sale by JMYS – to help you learn more about the wide range of power vessels available for cruising. There are several new TrawlAboards from the Fort Lauderdale Trawlerfest in the works.

Our community of trawler owners and enthusiasts continues to share special moments from their journeys. Click the image to see the latest postcards on our website — and be part of the next collection.

Marlow 58 Miss B Haven

Key Biscayne, Florida

Cheoy Lee 66

Fjords of Greenland

Our community of trawler owners and enthusiasts continues to share special moments from their journeys. Click the image to see the latest postcards on our website — and be part of the next collection.

“A long overdue thank you for guiding us through our first trawler search. We truly appreciated your patience and support as we explored different options—never feeling rushed or pressured. You made what could have been stressful an enjoyable, smooth experience”

— Peter and Debbie Bisio

“From the moment we shifted our thinking from a Great Loop-capable boat to a vessel that could take us to even more destinations, we knew we needed someone with deep Nordhavn expertise.”

— Mark and Catherine Benno

We all face daily choices in life. Questions come up and we have to decide how to answer. It’s probably been awhile, but we have all played the game Truth or Dare. It’s an interesting way to learn something about another person.

A Truth is asking someone to admit the most embarrassing thing, or to explain the craziest thing they have done – it can be very amusing. What is it about you most people don’t know? Let me pose a Truth or Dare “truth” question to you– “When you approach the finish line in the game of Life and have a chance to look back on what adventure you didn’t take, but wish you had, what would that be?”

A Dare is a challenge. It’s often something you are asked to act out or mimic, maybe it is a request to eat something strange? Normally it is something a bit different than you are used to and designed to take you a bit out of your comfort zone. I don’t think you need somebody else to dare you, but here goes, “I dare you to plan for a trawler purchase and then complete the task”.

The holidays gave us pause to reflect on what has happened and think about what may will be. During this introspective year-end season, maybe you should ask yourself what your plans and desires are? Challenges, excuses and timing ultimately provide a pretty good cover for not doing anything, but that’s for other people, isn’t it?

Someone else can always dare you, but only you can find out the truth about yourself.

Sending warm wishes and encouragement for adventuresome plans in the new year.

Jeff Merrill

Cell: 949.355.4950

Email: Jeff@JMYS.com

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Kadey Krogen 58 Tapestry

Located in Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Nordhavn 46 Arcadia J

Located in Kodiak, AK

Kadey Krogen 48 Great Escape

Located in Palm Coast, FL

Ocean Alexander 50 Lightning

Located in Baltimore, MD

Selene Yachts Celebrates Yard Expansion

On Saturday, December 6, 2025 a rare red full moon rose into the sky and was triumphantly decorated by a barrage of fireworks to finalize the celebration of the Selene Yachts Grand Opening.

2025 Selene Rendezvous – Baltimore Inner Harbor

The 2025 East Coast Selene rendezvous was held at the Baltimore Inner Harbor and timed to coincide with the Trawlerfest that followed.

The Kosmos Team’s Baltimore Experience

Eric, Christi and Keith Grab from the Nordhavn 43, Kosmos, recently shared a thoughtful write-up about their time at Baltimore TrawlerFest.

TrawlerFest Baltimore Recap 2025

The 2025 Baltimore TrawlerFest brought together trawler owners, buyers, and cruising enthusiasts for three vibrant days on the docks of the Inner Harbor.

As always, thank you to our YouTube subscriber community for every like and comment! We see and appreciate each reaction and we look forward to bringing you new trawler videos in 2026. Here are the latest videos from our channel.

Nordhavn 41 Trawler Tour TrawlAboard Episode 18

Dock Walk and Talk Baltimore, MD – TrawlerFest

SELENE 53 Trawler Tour – TrawlAboard Episode 19

SELENE 57 Trawler Tour – TrawlAboard Episode 20

Our community of trawler owners and enthusiasts have been sharing snapshots of their adventures. Click on the image to check out the latest postcards on our website — and send us your favorite trawler photo to be part of the next collection!

Nordhavn 47 Navigator – Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Aboard a trawler, you play many variations of Red Light/Green Light as you shift between underway and at rest. An aquatic command could be red for anchoring and green for being underway through the water, but these colors are reserved for navigational purposes by identifying the sides of your boat.

Coincidentally called “running lights”, red for port and green for starboard—these lights enable other vessels to understand your heading and course. The white anchor light at the top of your mast signifies stop.

When you grow up, will you regret never leaving shore or will you cast off and turn adventures into memories?

If you are ashore and thinking about going cruising on a trawler, you are in “red-light” mode.

The right time may never reveal itself…going cruising won’t happen unless you give yourself permission to pull up the anchor holding you in “red” and just green-light it.

Please call, text, or email if you’re done staying anchored in the past and are ready to green-light your future plans and push away from the dock.

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Kadey Krogen 58 Tapestry

Located in Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Nordhavn 46 Arcadia J

Located in Kodiak, AK

Kadey Krogen 48 Great Escape

Located in Palm Coast, FL

Ocean Alexander 50 Lightning

Located in Baltimore, MD

We’re excited to share that several trawlers have found new owners and are now out cruising: Nordhavn 40 Dei Amor, American Tug 435 Odyssey, Nordhavn 47 Ranger, and Selene 48 Highlander. Congratulations to all the buyers, sellers, and brokers involved in making these sales possible!

For this boats and all past JMYS listings, the brochures and listing details will remain available on our site under JMYS listings sold.

As always, thank you to our YouTube subscriber community for every like and comment! We see and appreciate each reaction and we look forward to bringing you new trawler videos in 2025. Here are the latest videos from our channel.

TrawlerFest Anacortes 2025 brought together trawler owners, buyers, and enthusiasts in a vibrant Pacific Northwest setting.

Josh Johnson joined the JMYS broker team in August and is based in Alaska. Looking for a knowledgeable broker? Read his full bio on our website.

Andrea Plata has joined the JMYS team! She’ll be leading our website, social media, and digital marketing efforts. Read her full bio on our website.

“Having moved back east just as Selene 48 Highlander went on the market made it tough to keep her show-ready. Jeff and Eric stepped in with care and attention to detail, giving us peace of mind from afar. We’ll always be grateful for JMYS’ efforts.” — Dixon & Kiki

We are witnessing this old children’s game playing out on the world stage and to us it’s tarif-fying.

Pulling with all your strength to try to overwhelm your opponent used to be an Olympic sport over 100 years ago. The friendly version of trying to tug the other side across the line harkens to simpler days and friendly competition.

Opposing forces in life create a balancing act filled with choices in the middle.

Can you tip the balance from wait to go? How much longer will you keep a tight grip and pull? Now may be time to let go, better yet, why not turn let go to “let’s go!”

There will always be a reason to put off your plans. At this stage would you prefer to dig in your heels or kick off your heels?

When days are uncertain…wouldn’t you be happier toppling your hesitation and heading in a new direction?

Games like tug of war always end.

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

American Tug 435 Odyssey

Located in Orange Beach, AL

Selene 48 Highlander

Located in San Diego, CA

The Snowbird 73 True Love has sold and is out cruising with new faces aboard. Congratulations to all involved in these sales!

For this boats and all past JMYS listings, the brochures and listing details will remain available on our site under JMYS listings sold.

As always, thank you to our YouTube subscriber community for every like and comment! We see and appreciate each reaction and we look forward to bringing you new trawler videos in 2025. Here are the latest videos from our channel.

Making smart choices after closing on a trawler can help improve your boating experience. Check out Jeff’s article for Passagemaker Magazine’s Trawler Transactions series titled The Key Moment for post closing pro tips.

At JMYS, we strive to make boat buying organized, friendly, and fun – always aiming to exceed expectations and create happy customers. We focus on being your trusted partner from the first conversation through closing and beyond, offering expert guidance without pressure and always with timely follow-up. Our team believes in ethical business practices, deep product knowledge, and hands-on coaching to ensure you feel confident and comfortable when it’s time to cruise on your own. And the best part? The lasting friendships we build along the way – here’s what some of our happy clients have shared about their journeys with JMYS!

We all played this game as kids, and we are better prepared as adults because of the experiences we enjoyed in our youth. Some of us live private lives, keeping to ourselves. This is a form of keep-away that is easy to play…but isn’t there more to enjoy in the outside world? 

There comes a point in your life where something new may pique your interest, and you may no longer wish to hide. Your ambitions turn to getting away and seeking these new activities. Perhaps it’s your inner child curiosity …wondering about the excitement of something new? Maybe you’re restless staying indoors? Either way, it’s time to seek. 

At JMYS we have worked with many clients to help them realize their goal of cruising on a trawler. Most people own a trawler because they are seeking adventure while enjoying the company of family and friends. When you are out at sea seeking a new destination, there is no place to hide. Getting offshore adjusts your focus as you become one with your immediate situation and surroundings. Isn’t it refreshing to get lost in the moment and watch time slow down?

Being aboard may also lead you to escape to a secluded cove where you can relax and hide out for a while. A proper trawler in the hands of active adventurers will enjoy both sides of the hide and seek game.  

 The momentum from 2024 is flowing into 2025 and the JMYS team is experienced, conscientious, knowledgeable, and ready to assist. Please get in touch so we can discuss your turn for grown up play time.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are!”

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

American Tug 435 Odyssey

Located in Orange Beach, AL

Selene 48 Highlander

Located in San Diego, CA

The Selene 55 Finish Grade and Snowbird 73 True Love have sold and are out cruising with new faces aboard. Congratulations to all involved in these sales!

For these two boats and all past JMYS listings, the brochures and listing details will remain available on our site under JMYS listings sold.

As always, thank you to our YouTube subscriber community for every like and comment! We see and appreciate each reaction and we look forward to bringing you new trawler videos in 2025. Here are the latest videos from our channel.

The city of Baltimore became home to nomadic trawlers of all sizes during Trawlerfest, which took place this past September at the Inner Harbor Marina. With over 30 boats on display, this event had a wonderful turnout. Read all about it in our recap article!

What does it take to complete the purchase of a trawler? Check out Jeff’s article for Passagemaker Magazine’s Trawler Transactions series titled Closing In to find out

We received this nice note from a future client – the JMYS site is filled with information for people in all stages of their trawler transaction and we are happy they utilized it during their research on trawlers!

“Hello Jeff, 

I just wanted to send you a quick note and thank you. 

Approx. 6 months ago I somehow, probably soc media, found out about the great loop and was intrigued. Although I have some history in the maritime industry, I didn’t know anything about it, or the various types of boats. After months of research…now I do. And I owe a lot of my new found knowledge to you. Your videos and, your web site are an invaluable resource, and I thank you. 

I eventually shared my discovery with the Mrs and she was just as intrigued as I was and we have decided that we will be retiring on a boat, doing the loop, Bahamas, east coast ME to FL etc. And, we will hopefully be doing it on boat with the name Krogen associated with it. One of your 8 rules about buying a boat says don’t fall in love with a boat you don’t own. Well, It’s not a specific boat but it is the brand. The details of what we would like/need are for another time. 

It’s probably 5 years out and anything can happen between now and then, we are in our early 60’s. One thing is certain, when we are ready to go, you will be my first phone call. Again, thank you for all the great information.”

For the first time in many years, the Florida TrawlerFest has a new location – Fort Lauderdale! We are excited for this change and look forward to seeing you at the Bahia Mar Hotel and Marina from March 4-8, 2025! Tickets are now available – the discount code “jmys” will take 15% off your purchase of ALL Tickets – even VIP passes!

Trawler News

The secret to success; especially if you know what you want to do and where you want to go, is getting in position. 

To focus your aspirations and accomplish your goals, it’s easier if you create an end game with a strategy. This plan needs to be activated and followed before age catches up with the time you have left.

 The most important part is knowing where you are. Understanding your coordinates enables you to better plot a course to your next destination.

 Are we talking about life plans or cruising ambitions? Yes!  Both are intertwined if you intend to move forward and take off.

 We are seeing more quality listings and downward pressure on prices. The trawler market is opening up, but if you don’t want to miss out then you need to be ready. If you have been waiting for the right opportunity to make a move, your patience may be paying off.

As we enter Q4 and await the results of a leap year election cycle, the JMYS team is extremely optimistic. With preparation, a bit of luck, and a sense of adventure you can set your course in any direction you wish.

Our team of experienced yacht brokers welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans and hope we can help you soon embark in new directions.

Nordhavn 40 Amarok

Located in San Diego, CA

Selene 48 Highlander

Located in San Diego, CA

Snowbird 73 True Love

Located in Deltaville, VA

Congratulations and safe travels to the new owners. Although Grey Goose has sold, the brochure will always remain available for educational purposes on the JMYS Listings Sold page.

Thank you for subscribing and interacting with our YouTube channel – all 30,000 of you! Check out our latest video below and watch as Jeff tours the home of Selene Yachts – Jet-Tern Marine in Zhuhai, China.

This past spring, Jeff connected with Merrill Charette, a smart and ambitious influencer in the Marine industry, and was asked to be a guest on Merrill’s Shipshape podcast series. Read more about Merrill and find the link to the podcast in the article below!

On Jeff’s episode of the ShipShape podcast, one of the topics of conversation was his specialty as a trawler broker, and how being an expert in the trawler market has shaped his success and credibility.

 After the podcast aired, Charette wrote the following article about his conversation with Jeff – emphasizing the importance of specialization in achieving success in this highly competitive field.

In Jeff’s latest Trawler Transactions article for Passagemaker Magazine, he explains how survey approval by an insurance carrier clears your path to trawler ownership. Learn how to maneuver this step in your trawler transaction by reading Jeff’s recent article for Passagemaker Magazine!

Jeff Merrill became a member of the American Great Loop Cruiser’s Association back in 2014 when he founded JMYS. This association offers wonderful support and resources for people learning about the Great Loop – a continuous waterway journey that spans 6,000 miles throughout 15 states in eastern north America. 

 JMYS believes in giving back to the power cruising community and supports many associations. To read more about the AGLCA, click the button below!

Keep an eye on JMYS.com for the 2024 East Coast Selene Rendezvous and Baltimore TrawlerFest recap articles!

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales for their exceptional support in both buying and selling our 50-foot Nordhavn, Grey Goose. Jeff and his co-broker, John Hoffman, demonstrated a truly professional approach throughout the entire process.

From the moment we started our journey, Jeff was resourceful, realistic, and accommodating. He utilized the latest media and technology to promote the sale, ensuring maximum visibility and interest.

John’s expertise was invaluable; he not only had extensive knowledge about the boat but also provided great insight into the market. His understanding of our needs made the selling process seamless and stress-free.

Overall, our experience with Jeff and John was nothing short of excellent. I highly recommend Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales for anyone looking to buy or sell a yacht. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication!

Thank you Eric, Jeff, Tom, and Susan!

 My wife Cathy and I were sailors – until just months ago. We had owned and occasionally lived aboard cruising sailboats for decades. We were even proud owners of a small sailboat dealership, until selling it recently as we navigated towards retirement. Despite our vast boating experience, little of it was under power. But then, almost on a whim, we started looking at boats with big engines. Needless to say, we had to endure the teasing of our sailing friends who insisted in disbelief that were were “going to the dark side.” Indeed, if you’d told us that someday we’d own a boat without a sail, we probably would have just laughed.

Sitting on our Catalina 380 in the San Diego sun one day, Cathy popped the question: “What do you know about trawlers?” (She was looking at an ad for the Nordhavn 40, Limerick, on the JMYS website.) I shared everything I knew: “They’re really cool-looking boats.” So we stared at each other in disbelief as I dialed Jeff Merrill at JMYS Trawler Specialists. Jeff explained that the salesperson was a guy named Eric Bescoby, and he gave me Eric’s cell phone number. Less than 24 hours later were found ourselves standing at the side of m/v Limerick with Eric Bescoby. Of course Cathy and I figured this was just the beginning of a vast, lengthy, tireless process of shopping for a powerboat.

But we were wrong. Limerick, previously owned by Tom and Susan, was breathtaking. It was instantly obvious that they had taken exquisite, loving care of her for many years. Perhaps more importantly, Eric earned our trust as we immediately recognized his knowledge, professionalism, patience, and integrity. Within hours we signed an offer to purchase Limerick at asking price. Trust in Eric made this decision easier than Cathy and I ever could have imagined.

So we closed on Limerick more than four months ago. After all papers were signed and we were Limerick’s proud owners, Eric remained by our side to make sure we were happy and Limerick exceeded all expectations. Eric provided instruction when needed and rolled up his sleeves to help when we asked for practical assistance mastering the intricacies of trawler life.

It’s been more than four months since we closed on Limerick and popped the champagne corks…and everything Eric promised about how much we would love Limerick has come true. Even more impressive, Eric remains available to this day to answer all our questions.

Cathy and I feel so fortunate to have discovered JMYS, Jeff Merrill, Eric Bescoby, and Limerick‘s former owners, Susan and Tom. We know that we will think of them fondly as we cherish many more years on Limerick.

Do you want to operate your own trawler and travel the high seas?  I’m convinced that if you are reading this you already have an edge and further, I believe you can combine your desire and wherewithal to make it happen.

If you have a wandering spirit, you know you can travel outside of your comfort zone. When you tell others about your plans to sail away on a trawler, they may raise their eyebrows and say, “impossible”. Don’t listen to them. 

 Life is filled with opportunities.  Some accomplishments take a lifetime to achieve. Others unfold due to circumstances and opportunities.  Good things happen to those who know what they want. 

The nautical definition of the word “fetch” is ‘the distance traveled by wind or waves across open water’. 

Are your trawler cruising ambitions really so far-fetched?

If you aren’t already out cruising, how far along are your adventure plans? 

Are your boating goals a fantasy lotto-winning long shot or a methodically outlined step-by-step plan for success?

 Preparation is an essential part of boating.  Even the most organized cruisers understand that if you wait for everything to be perfect you may never depart. 

The idea of buying and owning a trawler may at times seem to be a bit out of reach, but time afloat traveling to new destinations is a firm objective we can all grasp. 

Imagine arriving in a remote, secluded cove aboard your own trawler enjoying special times with family and friends.  If you really want it, you will realize that your aspirations aren’t so far-fetched after all.

It may seem implausible, but why wait for a better time if you can do it now?

JMYS is immersed in the trawler realm and the current market is active with buyers and sellers.  We welcome your connection to discuss your plans.  

We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Selene 48 Highlander

Located in San Diego, CA

Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Selene 55 Finish Grade

Located in Baltimore, MD

Snowbird 73 True Love

Located in Deltaville, VA

Congratulations and safe travels to the new owners. Although these beautiful vessels have sold, the brochures will always remain available for educational purposes on the JMYS Listings Sold page.

We are closing in on 30,000 subscribers on YouTube and we have you to thank! We see and appreciate every subscribe, like, and comment. Have you missed any of our recent videos? Catch up on the latest below!

The first NW Selene owners Rendezvous took place in April in Roche Harbor, WA. There were over 100 Selene owners in attendance, and nearly 40 Selene trawlers lined the docks. Read more about this event here and find details on the next Selene Rendezvous!

TrawlerFest Anacortes was action packed with over 200 boats on display! We enjoyed meeting new faces and connecting with past clients, friends and acquaintances on the docks and in the seminars. Check out our recap article of the event! If you were present in any of Jeff or Eric Bescoby’s seminars, you can download the handouts and presentations at the bottom of the article until July 30th.

The trawler community lost an icon, both on and off the water. Bruce Kessler lived a wonderful life full of adventure and he will be missed by many. We encourage you to read about Bruce and all that he accomplished in his lifetime.

Where to start…

November 2022, Mike casually mentions we should buy a boat…I roll my eyes and redirect the conversation. How nonsensical, we know nothing about boats, never owned one, let alone an ocean-going vessel built to circumnavigate the globe????

Unbeknownst to me Mike had been researching for months and JMYS, Jeff Merrill, was the go-to person with extensive experience and a stellar reputation in the industry.  Jeff recommended we connect with one of his brokers and within a month we had a zoom call set up with Rob Piwowarczyk and his wife Deanna to give us some sense of the trawler life.

Following that call, I “drank the kool-aid” and committed to co-invest with Mike in this grand adventure.

Rob was endlessly patient in answering questions, providing an experienced sounding board, market comparables etc. with absolutely zero pressure to close. We were convinced we were looking for a Nordhavn given our range requirements, yet the availability and pricing made this a challenging find.

In the Spring of 2023 Rob had an off-market trawler that suited our criteria.  We closed on the purchase of our 66’ 1991 Cheoy Lee at the end of June 2023.  Rob’s attention to detail, recommendations on survey professionals was critical in understanding the scope of work to be undertaken to retrofit the boat for our intended purposes.

By the end of 2023 we were ready to embark on our grand adventure, with more than 50 hours completed with our training Captain and upgrades to navigation, mechanical and electrical systems.  In 5 months we have taken the boat more than 5,000 miles from Marina del Rey down the Pacific Coast, through the Panama Canal (with 13 people on board) and up to Jacksonville FL where we are having some further work completed in anticipation of a Northern crossing to Europe in July 2025.

We are living the dream and our desire to bring our extensive global network of friends and family together to join us by “hopping-on, hopping-off” is now a reality.

All of this made possible by Rob, whom we now consider a friend.

We hold Rob in the highest regard for his professionalism and his continued support of what many people considered a “hair-brained/half-baked” venture.

Dream big and make your dreams a reality, grand adventures await.

We are looking forward to Trawlerfest in Baltimore on September 24-28! Ready to buy tickets? Use discount code “jmys” at checkout for 15% off!

With the first quarter swirling in our wake, it’s time to look ahead and peer through the bow pulpit.  For many of us it is all about finding the time – we know we want to take off and go cruising.

Growing up there was a message of a uncertainty attached to anyone who said they wanted to run away…but now that we are grown up (at least older) the idea of leaving is more appealing. Especially if it involves getting underway, disappearing from the coast and breathing in the salt air surrounded by water on all sides.

Isn’t that what you really want to do? If so, let’s respell run away changing the word run to go, and adding a nautical spin by converting away to aweigh.  Now consider an important question you need to ask yourself…when are you “Going Aweigh?”

JMYS has had a busy start in 2024 promoting new listings and completing successful closings.  Trawler prices are adjusting, making it an active buying and selling market.

More buyers are joining the search to find a trawler.  Fortunately, several sellers have asked us to represent their trawlers (including a few listings in the works that have yet to be announced).

If you are interested in marketing your trawler, JMYS’s internet presence generates a lot of inquiries.  Behind the scenes we continue to arrange private sales where we introduce sellers to our loyal buyers who know what they are looking for and are qualified to sign.

Getting closer to becoming an owner/operator? Let’s talk. It’s important to make sure your preparation path is on course and that you will be qualified when the right trawler is available. Our current inventory of trawlers for sale offers some excellent choices, each one is a prime candidate for a ready buyer.

The JMYS team attended the Stuart, FL TrawlerFest and had two of our listings on display, the Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose and the Selene 55 Finish Grade. Jeff presented two popular seminars and also moderated two expert panels.  The attendees created a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the classroom and on the docks. The slips for the marina show sold out and there was a waiting list of brokers who wanted to bring more boats to show. Having more trawlers to choose from is a refreshing shift that is gaining momentum.

We are in a business that involves travel. Whether flying to be on a trawler or enjoying time underway, it is all about spending time aboard with our clients. Thank you for keeping in touch, we aren’t going anywhere, but are hoping to help you find a good reason to soon be going aweigh on your own!

So, feeling like you need to get aweigh? We have a great selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Nordhavn 47 Navigator

Located in Manitowoc, WI

Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Selene 55 Finish Grade

Located in Hilton Head, SC

Nordhavn 62 Island Greeter

Located in Anacortes, WA

Snowbird 73 True Love

Located in Deltaville, VA

Congratulations and safe travels to the new owners. Although these beautiful vessels have sold, the brochures will always remain available for educational purposes on the JMYS Listings Sold page.

Thank you for following along and watching our JMYS YouTube channel! We have new Talk Through Tour videos to share below, and more in the works! Please subscribe to our channel to be the first to know when new videos drop!

The first Trawlerfest of 2024 has come and gone, and we had a wonderful week spent learning, exploring different boats and rendezvousing with new and familiar faces – all of whom we share a very fun, common interest. Did you miss the Stuart Trawlerfest? Read our recap article!

We’ve got mail! A new Postcard in Paradise has arrived from the Bahamas! This is Selene 59 Calypso sent in by Doug Kieler.

JMYS sold our beloved Limerick for us in March 2024, just in time for St Patrick’s Day. It was an emotional experience for us, as we had lived aboard the boat for 17 years, and cruised her for 12 years. We knew it would be difficult to part with her. Jeff helped us every step of the way, from taking the pictures posted in his listing, to all the documentation and complexities involved in closing the sale. He is a consummate professional with exceptional knowledge of the market–trawlers in particular– and the ability to bring people to the perfect boat to meet their needs.

We are looking forward to Trawlerfest next month in Anacortes. Ready to buy tickets? Use discount code “jmys” at checkout for 15% off!

You plan to have your own trawler at some point in your life.  This is never an impulse purchase and there is a lot to prepare for.  What do you need to know? When is the right time? It’s a personal decision that only you can determine by asking yourself if you are ready or not.

There is a marketing phrase a couple of boat builders have used in print ads, “If not now, when?”. Overused perhaps, but the simplicity of the message is on target for those of a certain age and phase in their lives who see the trawler lifestyle as an enriching alternative to enjoy a few years away from the routines and confines of civilization.  

Do you want to get away? Where will you go? Wouldn’t it be great to purchase your own trawler and determine where you go and for how long? This underlying appeal to take off cruising has inspired so many people like you to (and now I’m borrowing from Nike), “Just do it!”.

We have these conversations several times each month with people who have the same ambitions as you. Your desire is real, but the process from shopping to owning can be a little bit complicated. 

You can learn all about trawlers by getting aboard at boating events and during showings, by reading magazines and scouring the websites, videos, blogs, etc., on the internet.  Most of our clients can easily envision friends and family joining them for adventures, but they are not sure about the purchase process or how trawler ownership works. Owners, who wish to become sellers, need to figure out the best method to market their trawler. As a buyer, you know this is a sizeable purchase requiring deep research and proper representation. Whether you are relinquishing the helm or looking to steer your own course, you should go into this informed and aware. 

Jeff has written a column for PassageMaker magazine called, Trawler Transactions. These articles are also available to read here.

The team at JMYS works exclusively with buyers and sellers of trawlers, full time. We are neither distracted by nor have a conflict of interest running a service or repair business. Each of our brokers is a trawler owner-operator, providing a resource of incomparable product knowledge. To work at the highest level and insure client confidence, each JMYS broker is licensed in California and/or Florida, and a member of a regional yacht broker association which demands adherence to a strict code of ethics. We use our experience, to ensure you have the best experience!

The initial Covid wave of demand for trawlers peaked and we are seeing more opportunities to purchase and sell trawlers as we journey into the new year.  Leap years are special, the Olympic Games and national elections will soon create a lot of noise. What are your intentions for 2024? 

We are available to work together with you as a trawler buyer or seller – please get in touch. Now is a great time to refine your ambitions and realize your goals – are you ready to pursue this? 

We have a great new selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Nordhavn 40 Okie Dokie

Located in Holden Beach, NC

Nordhavn 40 Limerick

Located in San Diego, CA

Nordhavn 47 Navigator

Located in Manitowoc, WI

Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Selene 55 Finish Grade

Located in Hilton Head, SC

Nordhavn 56 Perelandra

Located in Solomons, MD

Kadey Krogen 58 Bulldog Sally

Now located in Stuart, FL

Nordhavn 62 Island Greeter

Located in Anacortes, WA

Snowbird 73 True Love

Located in Deltaville, VA

The Nordhavn 50 Mabuhay has sold! Congratulations to broker Mark Pittman, the new owners, and the sellers. Although she has sold, the brochure will always remain available for educational purposes on the JMYS Listings Sold page.

Thank you for following along and watching our JMYS YouTube channel! We appreciate every comment and thumbs up from our followers. We have new videos to share below, and more in the works!

Allotting time for a post-survey recap is a vital step in the boat buying process. Find out why by reading Jeff’s latest article for his Trawler Transactions column in Passagemaker Magazine titled Critical Issues.

We had a fantastic fall Trawlerfest event in Baltimore. JMYS was represented by Jeff, Pam, Pam’s father Jon, and broker Mark Pittman. The team stayed busy meeting new faces, hopping on different boats, and catching up with old friends. Did you miss the event? Read our recap article!

Mark and Sally Ethell sent us this beautiful shot of their Nordhavn 52 Sally Forth anchored at the Great Barrier Reef! 

Will you be looking for a trawler specialist in the next 30-40 years? We might know a guy!

JMYS is gearing up for another great week of trawler education down in Stuart, FL on February 27th-March 2nd! We will have two boats on display – the Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose and Selene 55 Finish Grade. Ready to buy tickets? Use discount code “jmys” at checkout for 15% off!

One of the advantages of cruising in a trawler is that you have more predictable timing – a steady pace makes forward progress and while running at trawler speeds, time slows, but never stands still. 

The routines of being underway; engine room checks, preparing meals, off watch sleeping and taking the helm punctuate your travel. Day and night merge into one total adventure which ends when you reach your destination.  

Patience and planning are rewarded with a successful arrival that, in reality, merely signifies one more step completed along your chosen path. Enjoyment is consistently enhanced with each safe passage. 

More people want to grow cruising and the good news is that the market is opening up.

The JMYS team has been extremely busy since we last sent out a newsletter update. In fact, we skipped right past the second quarter report and are now merging six months’ worth of news in this report. With the end of the third quarter, the boat show season has also concluded. As the year-end holidays approach our brokerage business remains incredibly active. The JMYS inventory of used trawlers continues to expand and the wave of new buyers continues to surge.

If your plans for the coming year include being a trawler owner-operator, you are searching in a very encouraging climate. Thank you for your continued engagement with JMYS and please keep in contact so that we may know what we can do to assist you with this fantastic lifestyle. Asteady pace will keep you focused and get you closer to fulfilling your cruising ambitions.

Cheers,

The JMYS Team

We have a great new selection of available trawlers available for viewing all over the country!

Nordhavn 40 Limerick

Located in San Diego, CA

Nordhavn 47 Navigator

Located in Manitowoc, WI

Nordhavn 50 Grey Goose

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Nordhavn 50 Mabuhay

Located in Chesapeake, VA

Selene 55 Finish Grade

Located in Hilton Head, SC

Nordhavn 56 Perelandra

Located in Solomons, MD

Kadey Krogen 58 Bulldog Sally

Now located in Stuart, FL

Nordhavn 62 Island Greeter

Located in Anacortes, WA

Snowbird 73 True Love

Located in Deltaville, VA

The Nordhavn 60 Ginard, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater, Nordhavn 40 Dawg House II and the Nordic Tug 42 Fog Dog have all closed and are out chasing new horizons. Although these boats have sold, their brochures will always remain available for educational purposes on the JMYS Listings Sold page.

The JMYS YouTube channel has been busy with our new listing Talk Through Tours and other fun videos pertaining to the #TrawlerLifestyle. We enjoy your feedback and comments on our videos, thank you for following along and watching!

Read about Buddy and Kathy Bethea’s travels aboard Nordhavn 55 Always Friday as they traveled north from CA to AK, south beyond Mexico, through the Panama Canal and then arrive back home in Virginia. This would make an excellent holiday gift for the cruiser in your life!

The JMYS team traveled to the PNW for Trawlerfest Anacortes back in May – read our recap article of the event here!

Jeff Merrill – CYBA, served as moderator for an esteemed panel to discuss tips for brokers gathering listings and preparing their sellers. This two-hour webinar covered some key suggestions regarding getting listings and preparing the seller and the sellers boat for marketing!

JMYS brokers Mark Pittman and Rob Piwowarczyk attended the East Coast Selene Rendezvous in Solomons, MD. It was a fantastic weekend meeting Selene owners and speaking with the founder of Selene Yachts, Howard Chen! They co-authored an article about the event here!

Nordhavn 78 Voyager III

Suva, Fiji

Nordhavn 47 Nelson

Dry Tortugas National Park

Nordhavn 47 Igloo

Valdez, AK