Newbie

[TheJudge]

I just came aboard and will certainly have many questions if I am successful in getting this boat. I hope to land an Albin 36 Express Trawler but there are many steps along the way. I am familiar with big boats having previously owned a 44' Gibson Houseboat. But it was twin engine gas and now I am looking at single engine diesel. A whole new world for us. I am fairly mechanical and rebuilt my own engines on the Gibson, converted her to electronic ignitions and had her able to run 28mph! That is moving on a 44' houseboat. Of course it burned 2 gallons per mile at that speed and kicked up a wake that would sink a small so we did not open it up much. Anyone with any problem areas to look for on the 36 please chime in. My brief reading seems to indicate that the factory claimed draft is not accrate, the dark blue hulls are a impossible to keep shiny for long and the single engine 450 will not plane this boat. What else can you tell me?

[joreyn]

Blue Moon is a 36 Express. Assuming that the one you are looking at is well maintained, I don't see where you can go wrong with it. The main issue I had to contend with was rainwater leaks. If you review the 36ET threads you will find some discussion about drainage on the bridge deck. I try be diligent about keeping those clear. I also had window leaks in the main cabin because the drain holes in the window frame were not placed correctly. I drilled new holes and the problem has not recurred.

There is a tradeoff with these boats betrween fuel economy and performance. You can expect very seaworthy behavior from them, and they do have a top end that is not found in most trawlers. My previous boat was a 32 Grand Banks. It was pretty, and it gave me 2 gallons per hour with a top end of 7.5 knots. It was an awful boat in rough seas, constantly taking water over the bow. The Albin handles rough water very nicely, allows me to get out of the way of storms quickly, but I get 7 GPH cruising at 10 knots. I think you always have tradeoff like this with boat design, so it comes down to your personal preferences. Personally, I am willing to pay a little more at the pump in order to have a boat that will go where I want to go without worry, and give me options with respect to the speed I can employ.

The boat is comfotable when you get to your destination with lots of space for guests to come aboard. One of the best features is boarding the boat via the integrated swim platform. Here in the Northwest, all of the docks are floating docks, so the swim platform is even with the dock. It is effortless to step off the platform while docking. With the GB, the first mate had to leap from the side deck. She doesn't enjoy that.

The Albin 36ET is a no frill boat. No exterior wood, no granite countertops, etc. However, the build quality is pretty good and the components intalled on them are usually high quality, well known name brands. Personally, I like the nofrills approach. I used to spend all my spare time varnishing exterior teak. No more.

My blue hull requires an annual buff and wax job, but here in the Northwest that's all that's needed. I think it might take more effort in warmer regions.

In terms of value for the money, it is the best deal out there for a relatively new boat in this size range.

One other comment. If you go with the single engine, you'll want a bow thruster.

[TheJudge]

joreyn, I appreciate the info. I have heard the name of your boat mentioned before. Did you do the loop? Your comments make me feel less apprehensive about this undertaking. Compared to my 1984 Gibson this Albin has a number of daunting systems. I am sure that in time I will become as familiar with them as I was on the houseboat. I have always prided myself on not having to "pay the man" by doing all my own work. That is not as likely on some of these systems. You are right about the fuel usage. It is a tradeoff and I doubt fuel cost is going down in the future. But I just cannot see myself putting along all day at 7 knots. I am not crazy about all that waxing and the heat down here will bake that hull, but when they are shined up there is nothing that looks better.

[RicM]

There's a lot of info on blue hulls on this forum if you use the "search" feature. I have one on my 28TE and have had good luck this year with a product called Rejex. Buy a really good buffer and once you get good at it it's not so bad. Of course a covered storage area is nice, and if you don't have that option, try alternating bow in and stern in in your slip so you don't always have the same side facing south (or the sun where ever you are).

[jcollins]

28 in a houseboat???? Glad we never crossed wakes.
Where do you boat?


Wecome to AOG!

[jleonard]

But I just cannot see myself putting along all day at 7 knots

Youll get used to that in no time.
Just requires planning, and will limit your "weeken range".
Try it...you'll like it!

[TheJudge]

To jcollins, you are right. The wake on that Gibson at full throttle was awesome. I always had to be careful especially in narrow sections of the river. I will attempt to post my prospective homeport. We mailed an offer on the Albin 36 today so we are one step closer to getting there. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Balboita]

Welcome aboard. I'm a little late in this conversation but I saw your note about a 450 HP engine not planning the boat. My 2001 single planes easily and does the advertised 18kts. If one dosen't something simple is out of whack..wrong pitch on prop, to much weight, very dirty bottom....
So, did you get the boat? Single or twin?

[TheJudge]

Balboita, I have no idea whether the boat will do 18+kts or not. I was merely commenting on other sources I have read. I will know shortly however because we now have a contract and will be doing sea trials. As to the engine, it is advertised as a Cummins 450hp but everything I read says they used Cummins 420hp. So I will find out at the survey. I look forward to getting things wrapped up but do not look forward to once again learning the definition of B.O.A.T. Anything you can contribute to help me in responding to my questions will be greatly appreciated.