Albin 28' wanna be newbie

[bwo]

Hi folks: Just sold my Regulator center console and now starting my research to buy an Albin 28, probably model years 2003 to 2005 depending on price (gotta keep it under $100k in this economy).

Any pointers on what options and engines I should look to get or try to avoid? Boat will be used for a couples' day cruises and overnights in southern New England waters (Narragansett Bay, Newport, Block Island, Cuttyhunk, etc.). Thanks.

[bulldog]

The best resource around for a used 28 te is ken hilton at standish.. we bought ours in sept of 2007.. a 2000 model w/ yanmar 315 hp engine...725 hours...... it was advertised at 115k at the beginning of the 2007 summer... by mid summer it was adv at 105k,, I jokingly told ken that when the the owner dropped to 85k, that i'd like to make an offer... late august it dropped to 85 k and i offered a cash deal of 82k... now we own one too.... very very very happy with the boat. the only things i've heard about engines is go with the yanmar if you can and to stay away from the peninsula engines.... Cummins is ok, just a little noisier...

flush dexk or engine box....??? both offer considerations but whenit's a little rough out you can get the engine box models to keep the bow up and avoid a lot of the windshield splash.... good luck... hope you're as lucky as we have been... bulldog


ps... ken told me the other day that my boat was the only one he's seen go for less than 100k, but i think there are some great deals available and i'd buy another one in a second..

[RicM]

Your goal is very doable, especially these days. Standish is excellent. I would also call Prestige Yachts in Stamford CT. Peter Thorsby was my broker there 2 years ago. He knows virtually every 28 TE for sale on the East Coast, who has owned it, and what the good & bad points of each are, and what the owner will take for it.
A good broker will know what you can offer without insulting the owner. Remember you can always raise your offer, start low. Don't ask, don't get!
As for specifics on boats, and these are gross generalizations, the Newport edition flush deck is probably a little more of a fishable cruiser, and will be higher priced in most cases than an engine box version. A straight Yanmar motor box is a little more of a cruisable fishing boat (that's what we have). If you are used to a Regulator CC, the engine box 28TE will probably closer to what you are used to but with a TON more creature comfort. You didn't mention a mate, but if she tolerated the CC she'll LOVE a 28TE. Just don't show her the Newport or Gadsby editions or you'll be toast!

[jcollins]

if you can and to stay away from the peninsula engines....

I don't think the dreaded Peninsular was available in those years? I may be wrong. But, if you go older don't be afraid of those engines. Most of what you hear is rumor.
Welcome to AOG. Lot's of good information here.

Good luck with your search. Now is the time to buy!

[bwo]

Ok, I'll bite on the I'll "be toast" statement if my Admiral sees a Newport or Gatsby version. That was a funny statement.

What features do the Newport and Gatsby versions have that will prompt the Admiral to say "now, that's a boat?"

[RicM]

In, once again, a gross generalization, the "Editions" were (IMHO) the versions of the 28TE designed to appeal to the buyer who can't quite swing a Sabre, True North, Hinkley etc. They tended to have fancier upholstery, cosmetic trim etc. The "L" seating gets in the way in a serious fishing boat, and bluefish blood will ruin that upholstery in 30 seconds. The drop down transom seat is widely considered useless when underway in anything less than flat calm windless conditions (spray). They are meant to be cruisers, picnic boats. That's all fine if that's what you are looking for. If you want to fish, you are better off with a straight Yanmar motorbox version. The box is not the inconvenience many assume it to be. It makes a great place to lay out tackle, and I put rodholders on either side of mine.

The motorbox version is quieter in the helm area, rides more "bow up" (better in rough seas), and steers easier.
When fishing for tuna I put the cushion from the motorbox below so that when the rod goes off on the other side of the boat I can make a bee line right across the box to the busy rod.
As for my "toast" comment, there is a lot of design and planning that goes into the model that they take to the boat shows where husbands & wives often shop together. They know how to appeal to the admiral. I took Karen to the boat show and walked her all over the Albermarle 28, a couple of center consoles ("You expect me to go to the bathroom in THERE???!!!"). The last stop was an Albin 28TE. That was about all it took.