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Brand · 16 hulls on the market

Mainship

Live inventory

On the market

16 listings
2011 Mainship 395 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2011
39.4 ft

2011 Mainship 395 Trawler

Rouses Point, NY, US
$250,320
2004 Mainship 400 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2004
41.3 ft

2004 Mainship 400 Trawler

Gulf Shores, AL, US
$229,500
2007 Mainship 34 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2007
38.8 ft

2007 Mainship 34 Trawler

Gig Harbor, WA, US
$219,000
2005 Mainship 43 Trawler Aft Cabin
New
Mainship · 2005
47.8 ft

2005 Mainship 43 Trawler Aft Cabin

San Diego, CA, US
$198,000
2008 Mainship 34 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2008
34.8 ft

2008 Mainship 34 Trawler

Poulsbo, WA, US
$189,000
2005 Mainship 34 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2005
38.8 ft

2005 Mainship 34 Trawler

St Augustine, FL, US
$179,000
2000 Mainship 390 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2000
39.8 ft

2000 Mainship 390 Trawler

Cheboygan, MI, US
$135,900
2001 Mainship 390 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2001
39.8 ft

2001 Mainship 390 Trawler

South Bristol, ME, US
$134,500
2004 Mainship Pilot 34
New
Mainship · 2004
34 ft

2004 Mainship Pilot 34

Ballard, WA, US
$129,500
2003 Mainship Pilot 34
New
Mainship · 2003
34 ft

2003 Mainship Pilot 34

Sturgeon Bay, WI, US
$129,000
2000 Mainship 390 Trawler
New
Mainship · 2000
39.8 ft

2000 Mainship 390 Trawler

Earlville, MD, US
$124,400

Want to learn more about Mainship?

Talk to a Mainship expert — leave your number and a Fly Yachts broker will call you.

Mainship builds compact, fuel-efficient trawler yachts and pilothouse cruisers designed for owner-operators seeking extended range and seakeeping ability without the complexity of larger vessels. Known for practical, single-level layouts and proven diesel propulsion, Mainship yachts in the 34–40 foot range have established themselves as reliable platforms for coastal and offshore cruising. The brand emphasizes honest construction, accessible maintenance, and the kind of no-nonsense engineering that appeals to experienced boaters who value function over flash.

About Mainship

Mainship has built a reputation around the fundamental premise that a cruising yacht should be seaworthy, economical, and straightforward to operate and maintain. The builder's philosophy centers on the pilothouse and trawler segments—hull forms and layouts specifically engineered for extended voyages at displacement speeds, where fuel efficiency and comfort in rough water matter more than speed.

The Mainship lineup reflects decades of refinement in the American trawler market. Rather than chasing trends, the company has focused on proven designs: full-displacement hulls, protected pilothouse stations, and engine rooms accessible enough that an owner or a competent mechanic can troubleshoot and service systems without specialized tools or dealer dependency. This approach has made Mainship yachts attractive to cruisers who plan to spend months away from home ports and need confidence in their vessel's reliability.

What Models Does Mainship Make?

Mainship's core range centers on three proven designs that dominate the used market and reflect the builder's core competencies:

  • Mainship 34 Trawler — A 35–39 foot single-level cruiser with a full pilothouse, modest beam, and a reputation for seakindly motion in a package that fits many marina slips. The 34 Trawler is the workhorse of the Mainship fleet, with numerous examples from the 2000s and 2010s still actively cruised.
  • Mainship Pilot 34 — A slightly more compact variant emphasizing the pilothouse concept, typically in the 34-foot range. The Pilot 34 shares the 34 Trawler's hull and propulsion philosophy but with subtle differences in cabin layout and accommodation.
  • Mainship 390 Trawler — The larger platform in the classic Mainship range, stretching to 40 feet and offering additional cabin volume and fuel capacity. The 390 Trawler appeals to cruisers who want more living space without stepping into the 45+ foot category and its associated complexity and operating costs.

All three models share Mainship's DNA: full-displacement hulls, single-engine diesel propulsion, and pilothouse-forward layouts that put the helm station in a protected, 360-degree sightline position. These are not fast boats—they cruise at 8–10 knots—but they are efficient, capable, and designed to be lived aboard for extended periods.

How Is a Mainship Built?

Mainship trawlers are constructed around solid engineering fundamentals rather than cutting-edge materials or processes. The hulls are laid up in fiberglass using traditional methods, with emphasis on thickness and layup schedules that prioritize durability over weight savings. The company has historically used proven diesel engines—typically Cummins or Caterpillar in-line six-cylinder units—paired with conventional shaft drives and bronze through-hulls, systems that have decades of field history and are supported by widespread service networks.

The pilothouse design is central to Mainship's engineering identity. The helm station sits high and forward, offering commanding visibility and keeping the operator out of weather. The cabin sole is typically a single level, which simplifies construction, improves stability, and makes the interior feel more spacious than the footprint suggests. Engine rooms on Mainship yachts are generally laid out for accessibility; fuel filters, oil changes, and coolant top-ups can be performed without contortionists' flexibility, a practical advantage for owner-operators on extended cruises.

Mainship has not pursued exotic construction techniques or boutique finishes. Instead, the builder has focused on systems integration, corrosion resistance, and the kind of redundancy (dual battery banks, backup charging systems, through-hull isolation) that matters to cruisers planning to be far from a boatyard. This philosophy results in vessels that may not turn heads at a boat show but prove their worth over thousands of hours of actual cruising.

What Does It Cost to Own a Mainship?

Mainship yachts are positioned as economical to operate and maintain, a significant advantage in the long-term ownership calculus. Fuel consumption on a 34 or 390 Trawler typically runs 3–5 gallons per hour at cruise speed, meaning a 500-nautical-mile passage might consume 50–80 gallons of diesel—a fraction of what a comparable planing hull would burn. Over a season of cruising, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings.

Service and parts availability are straightforward. Because Mainship yachts rely on standard diesel engines and conventional systems, repair costs are predictable and competitive. A Cummins or Caterpillar engine can be serviced at any competent marine diesel shop, not just a Mainship dealer. Hoses, impellers, zincs, and other consumables are commodity items, not proprietary. This accessibility is a major selling point for cruisers who may be operating in remote areas or prefer not to depend on a single service network.

Resale values for Mainship yachts in the 34–40 foot range have remained relatively stable, particularly for well-maintained examples with documented service histories. The used market for Mainship trawlers is active; there is consistent demand from cruisers seeking proven, affordable platforms. A 2000–2005 Mainship 390 Trawler or 34 Trawler typically holds 40–50 percent of its original purchase price after 15–20 years, a respectable depreciation curve that reflects the builder's reputation for longevity.

What Should Buyers Look For?

When evaluating a Mainship yacht, prioritize the engine and fuel system. Request complete service records and a recent compression test. Mainship yachts are typically powered by engines with 10,000–20,000-hour service lives; knowing the hours on the engine and the maintenance history is critical. Fuel tank condition is equally important; older Mainship yachts may have steel tanks that have corroded internally, a costly repair. A fuel sample and tank inspection should be non-negotiable.

Examine the through-hull fittings and seacocks carefully. Bronze and stainless steel components should show no white corrosion or pitting. Check the condition of hoses and clamps; older Mainship yachts may have original hoses that are due for replacement. The pilothouse windows and seals warrant close inspection, as leaks around the helm station can lead to hidden water damage in the cabin sole and structural components.

The cabin sole and structural integrity are worth a moisture meter survey. Mainship hulls are solid fiberglass, but the cabin sole is typically plywood or composite; water intrusion here can be expensive to remedy. Look for soft spots, discoloration, or odors that suggest delamination or rot. A pre-purchase survey by a surveyor familiar with trawler yachts is essential; the cost of a survey (typically $1,500–$3,000) is negligible compared to the cost of discovering major structural issues after purchase.

Model-year considerations: Mainship yachts from the 2000s and early 2010s represent the sweet spot for value and reliability. Earlier examples (1990s) may have outdated electrical systems or less robust engine installations; later examples command higher prices without proportional improvements in capability. A 2003–2008 Mainship 34 Trawler or 390 Trawler with documented maintenance and reasonable hours is likely to be a sound investment.

Equipment that holds value includes upgraded electronics (GPS chartplotters, autopilots), a functioning genset, and a well-maintained galley and head. Cosmetic wear—faded gel coat, worn upholstery—is cosmetic and easily addressed; structural and mechanical soundness is what matters. A Mainship yacht is a tool for cruising, not a status symbol; buyers should evaluate it on its ability to perform that function reliably and economically.

Buying a Mainship Through Fly Yachts

Fly Yachts maintains active inventory of Mainship trawlers and pilothouse cruisers, including the 34 Trawler, Pilot 34, and 390 Trawler models. Our team understands the practical requirements of trawler ownership and can guide you through the evaluation process, arrange surveys, and facilitate inspections by qualified marine engineers. If you're seeking a proven, economical cruising platform with honest engineering and strong resale fundamentals, Mainship yachts for sale through Fly Yachts offer transparent pricing and detailed vessel histories to support your decision.

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