This fishing trawler could make you a homeowner and a captain for just $125K

Fishing trawler MV Linnee is on the market for $125,000.

B.C. buyers struggling to get themselves on the ladder could have a very affordable housing option, providing they are the type of person who likes a project - and never gets seasick.

The MV Linnee, a former fishing vessel that has been converted into a floating home, is currently on the market and its price tag comes in at less than most Metro Vancouver apartments.

For $125,000, the 50-year-old trawler offers space for 12 people to sleep, a cosy yet expansive living area and ample deck room to enjoy the sea views. It is currently docked in New Westminster.

Considering its age, the vessel is in “very good shape” and passed “with flying colours” when it was surveyed two years ago, said boat broker Hans Ter Host.

The prospect of a unique, waterborne abode is tantalizing, but it is the ship’s interesting history that makes it a particularly special to potential buyers who have already shown interest, says Ter Host.

The late Captain Ron Francis, a “very tall, dashing, man with a reputation here along the coast” purchased the vessel after spotting it languishing in Nanaimo waters about 17 years ago, said the broker. The North Atlantic fishing vessel was transported to a marina owned by Francis and his wife, Lynn, in North Vancouver, where it faced major renovations.

“Ron had big plans for it, he wanted to turn it into an ocean-going yacht and they spent an inordinate amount of money, close to $1 million, in refurbishing it,” says Francis.

The two stripped the back deck, built a whole new living section atop it the size of a small condo, and replaced the engine, all while making an effort to ensure the traditional features of the vessel were retained.

The project had been ambitious, however, and as concerns over costs mounted Francis’ dreams to make the vessel waterborne again began to dissipate. Ultimately, they gave up, and instead began chasing a new vision - one of turning it into a unique bed and breakfast, instead.

The project was listed on Airbnb for a number of years as a 12-bed unique accommodation under the name The Captain’s Quarters until it was listed for sale in 2019. Francis, struck with a new vision, had hoped to sell his beloved fishing trawler to embark on a different project involving another, much larger vessel.

“Ron was quite a character in that way,” said Ter Horst.

Since listing the vessel for sale, Francis says he has “all kinds of people” show interest, including a group who wanted to use it as a fishing camp, another who hoped to use it for eco-tours, and one organization who was looking at using it to lodge workers at an oyster farm.

“There’s been a lot of applications, it just needs someone who has the vision, is ship savvy and has the finances,” he said.

While the engine isn’t hooked up currently, the listing notes that it can be fixed to make the boat seaworthy once again, if there is a desire to. Whoever does purchase the vessel will also have to be prepared to relocate it, as the sale doesn’t include moorage.