Trawler on the Intracoastal Waterway

Personalized

Boating

Instruction

Not Boating School.

Boating Confidence.

Crystal Coast · North Carolina ICW

Experience NC's scenic ICW aboard my Ranger R27 Trawler Tug.

An exclusive captained excursion aboard a Ranger R27 Tug — the pocket trawler that's winning over first-time buyers up and down the East Coast. Try it. Handle it. Leave with the confidence to buy it. Then come back for Personalized Boating Instruction. This isn't Boating School — it's Boating Confidence!

Ranger R27 Dealers Nearby

MarylandNew Bern, NCFlorida

— strategically located between all three East Coast dealers

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Couple enjoying the trawler lifestyle

The Try Before You Buy Experience

Is the Trawler Life
Right for You?

Thousands of retirees and adventurers dream of casting off the lines and cruising the Great Loop aboard a trawler. But buying a boat is a significant commitment — financially and emotionally. And a 40 or 50-foot trawler can feel downright intimidating before you've ever put your hands on the helm.

That's exactly why the Ranger R27 Tug is winning over first-time buyers. It's a purpose-built pocket trawler — approachable, capable, and the perfect entry point into the lifestyle. TryMyTrawler is strategically located between the only three new Ranger dealers on the entire East Coast: Maryland, New Bern NC, and Florida. We're not just a charter — we're the test drive.

Spend a half-day, full day, or overnight aboard the R27 on the actual ICW waters you'd be cruising. You'll leave with a real answer — and the confidence to go buy the boat and begin your next adventure.

Explore Excursion Options

Choose Your Adventure

Four Ways to Experience the ICW

Half-Day
3.5 hours-ish

Half-Day

A taste of the ICW life — perfect for first-timers and curious explorers.

  • Morning or afternoon departure
  • Scenic ICW waterway cruise
  • One or two waterfront town stops
  • Captain-guided narration
Learn More
Full Day
7 hours-ish

Full Day

The complete Crystal Coast experience — up to three towns, open water, and a long lunch at the dock.

  • Full ICW passage
  • Two destination town stops
  • Waterfront dining opportunity
  • Sunset return cruise
Learn More
One-Night Immersion
24 Hours

One-Night Immersion

Day cruise followed by an overnight marina stay — live the Loop life for real.

  • Full day ICW cruise
  • Overnight marina stay aboard
  • Galley meals & stateroom
  • Morning departure at your pace
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3-Day / 2-Night
Looper Life

3-Day / 2-Night

The flagship experience — ICW transit, waterfront towns, and two nights living the Loop life.

  • Swansboro to Oriental corridor
  • Two overnight marina stays
  • Morehead City, Beaufort & Oriental
  • Loop planning consultation
Learn More

Along the Crystal Coast ICW

Four Towns Worth Knowing

Each port of call on the Crystal Coast has its own character. Hover to discover what makes each one unforgettable.

Swansboro

The "Friendly City by the Sea" — a charming historic waterfront with galleries, seafood, and the gateway to the ICW.

Swansboro

Morehead City

A working waterfront city with deep-sea fishing heritage, fresh dockside seafood, and a lively marina scene.

Morehead City

Beaufort

North Carolina's third-oldest town — a beautifully preserved waterfront with wild horses visible across Taylor's Creek.

Beaufort

Oriental

The "Sailing Capital of NC" — a quiet, unhurried river town beloved by Loopers and live-aboards for its authentic character.

Oriental

Intracoastal Waterway

Ready to Cast Off?

Your ICW Adventure
Starts Here.

Spaces are limited for a truly personal experience. Excursions begin August 2026. Reach out now to get on the list and lock in your founding season rate.

TryMyTrawler

A captained trawler excursion experience along North Carolina's Crystal Coast ICW. Half-day, full-day, and overnight immersions for those who want to try the Loop before they commit.

Try the Loop. Love the Life.

Our Promise to You

Your experience aboard TryMyTrawler is our only priority. From the moment you reach out to the moment you step off the dock, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction guide every decision we make. All excursions are subject to weather conditions and captain's discretion — if we don't go, you don't pay.

Don't see an answer to your question on the site? We'd love to hear from you. Call us anytime — we're real people who are passionate about this lifestyle and happy to talk trawlers, the ICW, or the Great Loop for as long as you'd like.

Contact

Crystal Coast, NC
Swansboro · Morehead City
Beaufort · Oriental
USCG Licensed Captains

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