1982 Custom 53' Island Queen

Hubert Lowe Custom Trawler "Island Queen"

“Island Queen” is a very nicely maintained, highly customized, long-range trawler laid out perfectly for use as a mothership fishing operation. Equally at home along the Chandeleur island chain near where she lives near now, you could easily run her to the Everglades, or the Bahamas. Disappear into the backcountry chasing inshore gamefish like trout, reds, flounder, snook and tarpon.

Her heavy-duty commercial-grade fiberglass hull and large fuel and water capacity make her ideal for long passages across open water. The bunk layout is conducive to fish camp style expeditions, charters or for big families and can easily sleep 8-10 guests in comfort. Ample seating upgraded LED lighting, marine air conditioning w/ reverse cycle heat, stereo, a large flat screen tv, STARLINK internet receiver, and a nearly salon-length galley make this custom trawler home away from home. Multiple freezers and refrigerators are onboard including in the cockpit and one flush mounted in the galley. Microwave and conventional ovens, sink w/ faucet, and ample storage for preparing meals. Head and shower are exterior under the steps to the upper deck and there is a grill and fish cleaning table towards the aft end of the covered cockpit with overhead lighting. Rod holders can be found on the bridge as well as racks under the cockpit overhang.

Recently updated Garmin screens on the bridge and at the lower helm handle radar, chart plotting, and fish finding duties. VHF radios as well as autopilot controls at both upper and lower helms. Both fiberglass skiffs with 15hp Yamaha outboards are included as well as the davit to deploy them. There is a bow thruster for ease of dockside maneuvering and a windlass for anchoring. The transom can be folded down like a tailgate for swimming or easier access/loading in and out of the skiffs. There is an enclosure for the flybridge/helm seating area in storage and has spent most of its life out of the elements; unused. Excellent access to the engine room with heavy, hinged hatches in the floor of the salon and an exterior hatch under the steps to the upper deck. Main engine, generator, and outboard motors serviced spring of 2024. Northern Lights 20k diesel generator has 2575 hours. Naturally aspirated, non-turbo, 210hp CAT 3208N main engine has 4660 hours and has many thousands of hours left if given the same care it has received its whole life. Twin Disc 2:1 gear drives a 3 blade bronze propeller via a 2” stainless shaft. Numerous spares are onboard including: a starter, an entire main engine cooling water pump housing, hoses, and gaskets. “Island Queen” has all the bilge pumps, safety equipment, battery chargers, and auxiliary equipment a vessel of this caliber requires. She is well equipped and outfitted for just about any expedition you could conceive.

I have been involved with many of the owners of this boat throughout my career, and each one has proven a great steward and caregiver for the vessel as well as keeping her safe during storms. Each one has maintained and updated “Island Queen” in a manner that will ensure reliability and good times for many years to come. There simply aren’t many boats of this caliber, layout, and condition, with its capabilities, ease of maintenance, and price frequently available. If you attempted to build a hull out, you would never come close to the value this boat provides. It will be my absolute pleasure to show her to you and you will fall in love as I have!