new member boston

[kevmac]

Hi, thanks for all of your work with this site! I am looking at buying a used (probably late 80's) Albin I like the sportcruiser but the family cruiser could work also. Does anyone have an opinion on whether the aft cabin takes up too much usable space on the deck to fish and dive from an FC? Also I'd be interested in any available 27's in the Boston/Cape Code/NH/Maine area or anywhere in the northeast. One more thing, how easy are the 27's to trailer? Thanks!

[whwells]

Welcome to AOG. There has been a considerable amount of discussion of the 27' recently. Those people seem to very much like the 27' and speak to it's room-ness. There has been some discussion about traiing in the past. Others will have to help you with that. Lots of well infomed owners out there. If you look at the new person right below you that is a recent 27' purchase. Looks to be a great boat. I have towed up to a 30' boat with 11'4" beam with no problem except for need to get a permit. Enjoy your serach. I am sure your questions will get answered by 27' owners shortly. Best of luck in your search.
whwells "Howard"
Sportfisher/Conv.
Nibbles"

[obertra9]

Kevmac,
I purchased a 1990 SportCruiser on the east coast last October from Ron Ginger. Solitude II is a solid boat that I have added 250 hrs to her this season on the Ohio River near Cincinnati.
SC are fewer than FC, but when I announced I was doing an east coast trip to buy one, I found that I hade a list of 6 SCs to look at from long Island to Booth Bay Maine. Fall is a good time to buy.
The SC is 1/3 larger in the cockpit area, so unless you need the aft cabin, I suggest you find the right SC.
I purchased a new Venture 3 axle trailer in Conn for $4100, rented a 3/4 ton diesel pickup from Enterprise and towed it the 1000 miles to Cincinnati. The stock trailers have to be modified to trailer the keel boats. Look at sailboat trailer designs and modify a stock Venture accordingly. There are few 27's that are trailere, but those of us that did it, did so without the permits, albeit illegally. It is difficult to judge that you are a wide load because the wide load is so high. Without a DOT licensed truck you will not be stopping at weigh stations.
I left the East Coast with a list of 3 SCs that I was willing to purchase. The other 2 (? still available) were owned by:
John Loos, Amity II, Fall RIver, Ma.
July's Journey was a brokered boat that was in garage storeage for several continuous years in Salem, Ma.
The remaining 3 boats were seen but not considered.
Roger Obert,

[obertra9]

Kevmac, one other point. Are you sure you want a slow boat? Most of us with 27SC and FC are content (maybe even happy) with boating slow and easy, 6 to 8 mph. At that speed there is little wind and noise so she is very comfortable. I have heard that these boats will do over 10mph, but I have my doubts. On the other hand, i use about 3/4 gal hour, so the cost of fuel for 250 hrs per season is insignificant compared to the slip cost of $1800/yr.

[imagine30]

We are just finishing our first season with a 27 AC. Love the boat, although being a former sailor I'm still trying to get used to going in a straight line! Not a fisherman, but I can't see how the AC would accomodate any serious fishing.

[kathylsails]

We have the 30 FC and it would be great for diving, since you could stow your gear in the aft cabin. As far as fishing....Well, that would certainly be iffy, even with the 3 extra feet we have.

[kevmac]

Thanks to all... great information to have while searching for the right one