25 Wannabe, AKA the new Guy

[gregw]

Hello Albin owners,

Greg White from Louisville, Kentucky.

I'm in search of an excellent (for it's age) Albin 25, with the prime purpose of doing the Great Loop. So I thought I would come here to learn more about this boat, what to look out for, rigging, etc. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[jcollins]

Welcome to AOG! I would think that 27 you replied to in the other forum would be a perfect candidate. From what I have read here, the extra 2 feet makes a lot of difference. Good luck in your search.

John

[zinbaad]

Glad to see someone else is dreaming of the Great Loop. For sure is on my bucket list. I was thinking that my 31 TE it would be a bit to small for storage & comfort doing the loop. Then again some camp out for weeks at time in small tents bringing only the minimal creature comforts an enjoy their adventure. I would hate to have my mate jump ship somewhere in Canada with the pressure living in tight quarters, lol. Perhaps with a rear canvass enclosure and a few cubic feet of storage on the hard top, I might just be able to pull it off. The Hudsone is just down the block for a start off point...tic tic tic -

[gregw]

Glad to see someone else is dreaming of the Great Loop. For sure is on my bucket list. I was thinking that my 31 TE it would be a bit to small for storage & comfort doing the loop. Then again some camp out for weeks at time in small tents bringing only the minimal creature comforts an enjoy their adventure. I would hate to have my mate jump ship somewhere in Canada with the pressure living in tight quarters, lol. Perhaps with a rear canvass enclosure and a few cubic feet of storage on the hard top, I might just be able to pull it off. The Hudsone is just down the block for a start off point...tic tic tic -

It will be a solo trip, so boat size is less of an issue. Also a smaller boat is easier to single hand, especially for a newbie boater like me. Additionally the smaller boat is easier to trailer, I think the 27' boat needs a special permit?? at 9'-8" wide??

I will be a looper on a budget, so the increased fuel efficiency along with initial boat cost are big factors.

[zinbaad]

Pursue your dreams, in an Albin of course

[obertra9]

Greg, I ahve a 1990 27 Sport Cruiser in Cincinnati, OH. If you get up this way after April 1, let's go for a cruise.
Roger

[gregw]

Greg, I have a 1990 27 Sport Cruiser in Cincinnati, OH. If you get up this way after April 1, let's go for a cruise.
Roger

That would be great! I'll take you up on that offer. I'm going to put a link back to this post in my calendar.

I think the 27 Sport would be the perfect boat for doing the loop, I don't need the aft cabin and without it, it's like a cruiser with a nice large backyard deck. The only problem I have with the 27 is the overall cost, initial purchase price of the boat + higher maintanace and fuel cost for a 7000 mile trip. This is just personal financial problem with my business in this recession.

I also think the steering position of the Albins, 25 or 27 makes them easier to single hand than say a C-Dory where the steering station is completely inside the cabin. Would you agree with this? What is your experience with single handing your 27?

What are your cruising speed and fuel numbers like? The 27 sport has the larger engine doesn't it?

Thanks for posting.

[jleonard]

Glad to see someone else is dreaming of the Great Loop. For sure is on my bucket list.

It is on our calendar for 2012.

[jleonard]

Glad to see someone else is dreaming of the Great Loop. For sure is on my bucket list.

It is on our calendar for 2012.

[gregw]

Glad to see someone else is dreaming of the Great Loop. For sure is on my bucket list.

It is on our calendar for 2012.

Does that mean your looping in 2012 or do you plan to dream about it in 2012?

For me in Louisville, 4-5 days by way of the Ohio river to the loop (Kentucky Lake) which means a late fall departure. Just in time for the rendezvous at Joe Wheeler state park.

When would you start, early summer? Which Albin will carry you?

[b.cranorAlbin25]

Howdy Greg, Welcome to the group...I'm new here too. I have a 1970 Albin 25 for sale in Virginia, check out my posting @ the AOG For Sale/Swap/ Trade Bar. You mentioned you would be singlehanding the boat, and my two cents worth is that the difference between the 25' and 27' boat is so small as to not warrant discrimination between the two. Trailerability however can be a very important consideration. The Albin 25 excels in many categories; excellent construction and design, protection of the pilothouse and wheel steering, safety and conviviality of the central cockpit, aft cabin for gear storage, head relocation and or guest accomadation, minimal draft, economically driven hull, great lght below ...and yes trailerability. I've owned a variety of boats for over 25 years, and found this boat neglected in the back lot of a nearby boatyard. I posted a description when I joined AOG.....it needs TLC...but it's a solid boat!!!! I have rescued this boat....but don't plan to keep it....I have a 30' Pearson sailboat that is better suited for my family of four. If you're interested, let's chat.....I won't refuse any reasonable offer. Check out the Albineers of BC site and the Albin 25 site, if you haven't already.....there is a passionate and devoted following for these boats for a reason! Best Wishes, Bill.

[gregw]

Thanks for the response b, glad you saved the Albin and I'm sure it would be a great project boat for the right person. I will be building a house this summer and doing a lot of the work myself and don't have time for 2 projects. I'm looking for a turn-key ready to go boat for this spring so I can begin learning how to operate a single screw trawler. Looks like the loop will be fall 2012, so hopefully that will give me enough time on the water to get competent.