1981 43' albin trawler

[jakevr]

Im looking at a 1981 albin trawler, it has some problems such as leaky decks, windows and has been neglected for the past 10 years or so and has had nothing done with it in 2 years as the owner has passed away. ive always heard that fuel tanks on these boats usally need replacement but thats just been hear say. if anyone can tell me commen things that go wrong with these boats and what to look for i would really appreciate it. if i purchase this boat i will live on it here in upstate ny year round.

thank you in advance.

jake

[zinbaad]

I would think it would be well worth having the trawler Surveyed by a professional so you know exactly what you are getting into. Good luck

[jleonard]

I think you pretty much covered it. Other than the usual thing of engine survey, gen survey, and other "standard" boat equipment, these are notorious for leaky decks, windows, and rusted black iron fuel tanks.
Fuel tanks are discussed in the thread below about the 36. Same tanks, same issues, probably same capacity.
I have redone several windows in mine. They are a pia but it's all a matter of patience. Old glass is brittle, don't ask how I know. So far I only broke 2 of 9 while working on them...I am happy with that batting average.
While my decks are sound, the caulk is starting to seperate and I am actually going to start re-caulking them this weekend and next week while on "vacation". I have a "plan", and I'll be able to talk more about it after next week.
After 2 years the fuel is probably really bad and in need of filtering. My advice is to lose the 2 micron Racor elements and go with either 10 or 30 micron.
In case you don't know, American Diesel Corp in Virginia stocks all the parts for the Ford Lehman engines, and they offer excellent advice. Call them and talk. You can find them via a google search.
If you have specific questions fire away, but I will be offline for a week...while working on decks remember???

EDIT: I bought mine from the widow also....after 1 1/2 years.

[dauntless]

My 1984, 43' sun deck , DAUNTLESS has been home for several years here in Boston. These are great old boats with great living space but they all need work. My current project is replacing those nasty fuel tanks - Going to have to pull the engines to get them out (and in). Having slightly smaller custom Alum tanks made to give more space in engine room. Decks are still good and windows are ok to. A good survey will be worth every dime. Good luck.

[jakevr]

i own the boat!

[jleonard]

i own the boat!

Woohoo!!
Congrats!!

[jcollins]

Congratulations! Now we have a Albin clubhouse in upstate NY.

[jakevr]

is there other albin 43s around upstate ny?

[jakevr]

im offically a "liveaboard"

last night was night number one.. the koverklamp frame is going up next week.

[jleonard]

When's the "boatwarming party"?
I assume we're all invited?

[jakevr]

jleonard, i met the old owners of your boat. it was kept at the same marina as i am at. voyager

[jakevr]

winter cover is on... start on ripping up the teak decks this month!