blue hulls

[jcollins]

The infamous dark hulls. Mine is black.

John,
I never realized your hull was black. Is that gelcoat black from the factory? Wow, a black softop, are you sure it's not a Mercedes.....That's a real one-of-a-kind.

Yes. Black gelcoat. The original canvas was tan. I replaced it last year. There were two black convertibles built 95-96. Her sistership was up your way I think.
According to Albin, when they were still in business and taking calls, there were 13 convertibles built 1995-2006.
Here is an interesting article:
http://www.albinowners.net/Press/Albin% ... n%2028.htm

I like this comment from the article " it projects a younger, more with-it image" Yup, that's me

[RobS]

The hardtop version is a piece of New England tradition, a buttoned-down keep-a-lid-on-it stalwart, designed for the Greek Fisherman's-hat-pipe-smoking crowd.

hmmm, guess i'm in the wrong boat....they've obviously never been out on TOY-RIFIC

The Convertible, on the other hand, is a wide open sportster. Although squarely within the realm of Albin's salty heritage, it projects a younger, more with-it image. It's a tanning machine, not to mention a cruise-equipped fishboat.

John, I said it sounded like a 2 seater Mercedes

[Veebyes2]

Back in the late 80s Albin produced a topless version of the A27 sport cruiser. They called it the Gatsby edition. I don't think many were sold but I did see one at the NY boatshow 1987.

[Carl]

John, I met your man Gil today at my marina. He said he was going to start on your boat(wet sanding) Sunday or Monday. Sounds like you got the right man for the job. Have fun and good luck

[Butch]

Hay Carl I never knew they had marinas in Catonsville!John When I had my blue hull painted, I did not realize that the pin strip was not reapplied, I have not been back to get it done. and the boat looks like it never has been painted. Painted or not painted I now know you need to wax twice a year

[jcollins]

Carl - I was wondering where Gil was??? He was supposed to start Saturday. I met him and the owner, Heath. Nice guys. Looks like I won't make my March launch but it will be close. Pin your boat to the members map. Butch wants to see where the river runs through Catonsville.

Special K - Sorry to hijack your thread. The "wax vs. paint" thread starts every season. I took some before photos yesterday. I'll start another thread.

[Ray Morley]

Mt 28 has a green hull and it has faded. last year we compounded it and then waxed it and it was beautiful, now it looks like it did when we started. Has anyone any idea what an awlgrip job would cost?

Thanks

Ray Morley

Sea Inn

[RicM]

Awlgrip is in the neighborhood of $5K to $6K, depending on the condition of the hull. Try a wet sand>heavy cut>Finesse it routine first. There is usually plenty of thickness on the Albi gelcoat to remove a layer and get some fresh color on the surface. Awlgrip needs waxing too. There is no substance, natural or manmade that will stand up to sun and salt year after year without constant attention.

[special k]

no harm, no foul. the response from all you experienced albin owners is just what i'm looking for.
i think i got the knowledge i need for the dark hulls .......now for my next technical question next tread.........

[Carl]

"There is no substance, natural or manmade that will stand up to sun and salt year after year without constant attention."

At least the white gelcoat stays white when it fades!!!

[jcollins]

John, I met your man Gil today at my marina. He said he was going to start on your boat(wet sanding) Sunday or Monday. Sounds like you got the right man for the job. Have fun and good luck

Checked progress this morning. Looking very good and he is fixing minor gelcoat nicks, scratches. Turns out he is Richard's neighbor. (Wye Dream)

[Richard]

John:

Small world! (actually his dad is my next door neighbor but he spends a lot of time there). I have been thinking about having him fix some minor hairline cracks so I will be anxious to hear how he does on your project.

[jcollins]

John:

Small world! (actually his dad is my next door neighbor but he spends a lot of time there). I have been thinking about having him fix some minor hairline cracks so I will be anxious to hear how he does on your project.

Richard,
I have been holding off posting anything on my other thread until he is finished. But, I have to tell you I am very impressed with Heath, Gil, and Beth at that company. They are friendly, professional, and have followed through with everything they committed to so far. It's not often that you find someone that is getting paid to do a job, does it very well, and still does more than what has been asked. He started filling very minor scratches and nicks yesterday while we were just talking. I know it's probably nothing to him but it's impressive to me. So far the job is impeccable. That is alot for a 15 year old boat.