GLEN JUSTICE

The Fathom 40 is a pretty boat, like many trawlers here on the docks. But the Fathom has a top end speed of almost 19 knots with a single engine — and not many trawlers can do that.

Part or a breed of "fast trawlers" to appear in recent years, which includes boats by manufacturers like Beneteau and Island Pilot, the Fathom 40 combines the room and size of a trawler with speeds that allow owners to make passages shorter and outrun weather systems.

Using composite construction — the boat weighs 24,000 pounds — and design features like a single prop tunnel, and cored hull sides and decking, the Fathom 40 can cruise at 8 knots burning less than 3 gallons per hour, or increase to 15 knots at 14 gallons an hour, according to company data. The engine is a 425 horsepower QSB.

The Fathom 40 also has some interesting features not usually found on trawlers, such as the folding transom door. We haven't tested it, but for those looking for a versatile cruiser, it may be worth a look.

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICE.