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Correct propeller design is critical to successful operation of a trawler. The propeller acts to translate the power produced by the engine into thrust to overcome the resistance of the vessel and to provide a tow rope pull. The extremes of propeller performance are to design a propeller that makes the vessel go as fast as possible; or to design the propeller to give a great amount of pull. Normally a propeller design strikes a compromise between these two extremes. This compromise will depend on the conditions existing in the particular fishery that the vessel operates in. Vessels with long steaming times may require better free running capabilities than those working inshore and requiring larger pulls. The decision on the propeller design point should be made with thought as to the relative profits of the fishing profile and operation of the vessel. If two types of fishing are undertaken for different periods of the year it may be viable to change the propeller to suit each fishery.

Each year some 20-30 UK fishermen die due to incidents which occur in the course of fishing. Incidents such as men being knocked, dragged or simply falling overboard and incidents where vessels collide, capsize, run aground or founder. In many cases fishermen needlessly drown and yet, had they worn a lifejacket their lives could have been saved.