New Member - Looking for a 28TE

[ChesapeakeJim]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for welcoming me to this group. Looks like there is lots of great information and I am already taking advantage of it. I have been boating in small power and sail boats for most of my life. My experience on larger boats is limited to crew. I am looking at our first larger boat and really like traditional designs such as Downeast and Chesapeake. However, the Downeast boats I have looked at have a number of limitations and I have not seen any Chesapeake style that check my boxes within my price range.

I stumbled upon the Albin 28 TE and it meets many of my criteria, so is on my short list. I want to be able to fish in the Chesapeake Bay comfortably with up to 3-4 adults aboard - more typically 2-3. I also want to be able to occasionally day cruise with my family - 5 adults and 3 very small children (Patuxent River). This would occur 3-4 times a season at most. More often, we would have 2-3 aboard.

In terms of engines I have settled in on a Cummins 315 or 370. I like the parts availability and lower cost and the serviceability of the Cummins.

I have a few questions - please let me know if I should post these somewhere else.
1) Is the 28TE large enough for my intended use?
2) Do I gain much by going to the 370 Cummins over the 315? I am not looking for a speedboat but would like to cruise at 17-18 kts fully loaded with reasonable fuel economy.
3) Is there anyone in my general area from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore of MD/VA/DE who has a 28TE and would let me examine it before I start going to look at boats for sale and requesting wet tests, etc. While I have been on a lot of boats, I have not actually set foot on a 28TE. Taking a close look at one on the hard or in the water would be great.

Thank you,

[Norseman]

1) Plenty big for a few adults and a few kids.
2) I never ran a 28 with a Cummins, but have 5 years with Yanmar (315 and 300, same engine, no difference)A Yanmar powered 28 may cruise at 16 to 18 knots depending on load, prop tuning, etc.
3) No idea, but if you find one in Florida I can help with inspecting the boat and teach how to operate, maneuver and maintain the 28.
(USCG Licensed Captain, I can charter, deliver with owner onboard and teach while underway)

[ChesapeakeJim]

Thank you for the information and your kind offer.