member introduction

[Treanor]

I am a new member, a sailor of 40 plus years, ready and anxious to get into trawlers. I recently found out about Albin Express 36 and it seems to have the things that I am looking for. Not having considered this boat before, I am interested in knowing more about this specific model as well as the company itself. Some of the postings that I have seen on the internet imply that the company support is lacking and that manuals are not necessary included with the boats. This disturbs me. There are also mixed reports about the cored hull and the hulls design. So i definitely have questions about the company as well as the model. i have been looking at the Nordic Tug 32 and the Grand Banks 36 and have chartered both boats to get a lengthy opportunity to use and evaluate them.

[jcollins]

Hi Treanor,
Welcome to Albin Owners Group. You mention lack of company support. This group was started in 2006 for that reason. Albin has been owned by 3 companies since the start of this group. The latest company is very good but they are only supporting models they build. The 36 is not one of them. Personally I would be impressed if they took the time to answer questions about the older models instead of just referring folks here, that's just me. Albin was never very good about suppling a master manual with the boats. But, they did supply manuals for the various systems and components. Some owners saved these and some did not. I do have a "boat book" that I save everything. (it's getting thick)
Personally I don't see anything wrong with a cored hull. As long as modifications to the hull are done properly. As far as hull design questions you may have, fire away. I'm sure owners will jump in and answer your questions.

Again...Welcome to AOG.

John