The vessel is boarded by stepping down onto the teak swim grid and walking through the transom door. As you do this you will notice that the dinghy mounted on the swim grid has been carefully chosen so that it is big enough for two occupants but not so big that it blocks the transom door. The electric trap hauler with swing-out davit is mounted in the port corner of the cockpit. Up against the transom is a large insulated top-opening cooler for storing produce, though it can also do double duty as a storage locker in the off season. In the middle of the cockpit floor is a hatch that provides easy access to the lazarette, a handy place for storing fishing gear, spare anchors and other large items you don't want cluttering the decks.

Walk through the cabin entryway and on the port side of the salon you will find a long settee that serves as a single berth if you have overnight guests. At the head of the settee is the floor mounted diesel heater with ceramic tile base and heat shield. And just forward of the heater is a set of teak cabinets that separates the salon from the galley. As you can see from the picture, one of those cabinets contains a small bar fridge.

On the starboard side of the salon is an L-shaped dinette which converts to a double berth for more overnight guest accommodation. Forward of the salon on the port side is the galley which features one of the best marine stoves on the market -- a 3 burner Force 10 propane stove with oven. The large chart table forward of the galley also provides added counter space for food preparation when you have a big crew to feed.

In the forward starboard corner is the lower helm station with a good selection of navigation equipment, including radar and autopilot. A sliding teak door at the helm station allows the captain quick and easy access to the port side deck when landing the vessel. Several steps from the galley and you are in the very private forward cabin which has double berth to port with a small reading settee to starboard. Just aft of the settee is a large teak hanging locker and across from the locker is the head compartment, complete with shower.

Now that we have had a quick look at the interior, we should to go up and explore the bridge deck because in the warm summer weather, this is where you will be spending a lot of your time. Bridge access is via a teak ladder from the cockpit. Once up top it is easy to understand why bridge decks are so popular - the view is spectacular yet the canvas panels in the safety railings provide a degree of privacy and protection from the sea breezes when you want to lie in the sun and relax.

Right up forward on the bridge deck is the upper helm station with built-in seating for the captain and first mate. To protect the navigation equipment and upholstery when the upper helm is not in use, there is a canvas cover that can be quickly snapped in place. On the starboard side of the bridge deck is the large custom-built 12 volt freezer with a cushioned cover that allows the freezer to double as a seating for guests. And the second dinghy, equipped with a Honda outboard, is stored in the rear port corner of the bridge deck. There is a heavy duty stainless steel davit with electric winch for lowering and raising the dinghy.

So if you are in the market for an aggressively priced, well equipped, economical trawler for exploring this beautiful coast, we would strongly encourage you to come and have a look at this vessel. But don't wait too long -- at this price she will be spoken for pretty quick. She is currently moored in the Gulf Islands and comes complete with a full boat cover for protecting your investment in the off season.