Cored Hull

[Steve Mulkey]

Does the 2005 35 Command Bridge have a cored hull? If so has any one historically had any difficulties. I noticed some comments earlier regarding a 28' with a cored hull with no problems.

[Veebyes2]

I have a 1996 'S' type 32. Cored hull & no problems so far. The macerator thruhull needs replacing this winter so we will have a look in that area.

The only problem that I have ever had that is core related was with my 1986 27AC. I noticed leaks around one of the port frames. Removed it & found that due to insufficient sealer used during the installation, water had gotten in & rotted the balsa core.

I removed all the ports, 11 of them, dug out the rotted balsa, left them to dry for a few weeks before filling the space where wood used to be with resin & filler. Further, I reinstalled the ports using through bolts to hold the inner frame & outer frame securely.

Years later I was on the boat a few weeks ago. My repairs seem to be holding up just fine.

I intend to give my 32 the same treatment this winter.

[bnoft]

I went thru the factory a couple of weeks ago and asked about the hull ( I own a 35 CB). I think the hull is solid below thw water line and has a core of some type of honeycombed material above the waterline.

[Mariner]

I do not know any specifics. But I do know that the practice of coring hulls below the waterline was virtually abandoned by all manufacturers after about the early 80's. The only notable exception is obviously companies that use variations on Boston Whaler's Unibod technique, which is quite different than traditional coring.

If would be pretty surprised if new Albins were made with foam below the waterline.

[Steve Mulkey]

The link below is why I was asking the question. I have a lot of information from Albin but it does not address the question of construction. I'm just beginning my research into this subject - I have been looking at a lot of boats and believe the Albin 35 CB is what fits what I'm looking for but the cored hull question below the waterline kinda bugs me. I've seen some Albins for sale in the '95/'97 range that boasts of the thru huls being repaired and filled.

The Albin seems to be a solid boat but as I you said Mariner most mf'g's abandoned the technique.

http://www.albinmarine.com/Press/Airex%20Artical.html

[Mariner]

Yes, but nowhere in that article does it imply that the foam is used below the waterline.

What would concern me more would be references on used boat listings to the through-hulls being redone. That would seem to imply that it is a necessary modification that some boats may or may not have done.

I think this is a question that can only be answered by Albin or their local dealer. If you get a definitive answer, please post it here so we can add it to our repository of knowledge on the boats.

[jruesr]

I am searching for an older Albin 32 to make into a Cruiser for my wife and I. I have looked at many albin boats.

John

[stevediebold]

My understanding is that the bottom is foam cored but all glass around underwater fittings. The sides are all glass. The side decks are balsa cored.