32+2 V-berth vs. queen berth

[Nancy]

After owning a 1978 Trojan F-32 for thirteen years, we're considering an Albin. 28TE flush deck might be a possibility - we'll know more after we see one in person. 32+2 is also on the list. Yes, I know - two very different boats - we're still working on that! 90's 32+2's are priced lower than 28TE FD's, and that's part of the discussion.

We like having a door to the main stateroom - one person can snooze while the other rattles around or socializes. On the 32+2 V-berth model, is there a door separating the stateroom from the galley/dinette area? Does the answer vary depending what year the boat is?

Also, how good/easy is engine access? I see lots of photos of engines, but nothing that shows how you actually get to it. Maybe you just lean over the top and reach in?!

[Nancy]

Typical - I answered my own question about stateroom configuration/door. I found schematics for three different layouts for the 32+2, and now I also understand about galley forward/galley aft. As I look at ads, I haven't seen any with the tri-cabin layout. Must not have been as popular.

[Veebyes2]

I don't know when the center queen bed became common. Back as far as 95 for sure. The big difference is when the 32 Family Fisherman, S type, whatever else it was called, became the 32+2 i.e. hull extended under the platform.

That was later 96, certainly by 97

[Nancy]

>>32+2 i.e. hull extended under the platform<<

Thank you for explaining it this way - I finally understand what it means especially after seeing a good photo. It's a weird design concept for someone used to traditional boats! I know your boat doesn't have this, but just curious - do you know whether there's access to the bilge in the area under the swim platform? Or does the transom bulkhead go all the way to the base of the hull?

How do these platforms hold up in the event of a mishap with a dock?

I'm seriously on the lookout for a 32 Command Bridge of any flavor as long as it has a center queen bed.

[jprohan]

we bought our 32 before the queen bed came along. Saw it first at Annapolis, and almost traded in ours for the new lay out. Then we realized we would be spending 60 grand for the same boat we already owned. Have been perfectly happy with the bed aft and dinette up front. Guest use the dinette berth when aboard. Time to sell tho. We need to downsize to a tailerable pocket trawler; altho we'll miss the room in our Albin

[Nancy]

I would have made the same decision on keeping the existing boat.

What are you looking at for your next boat?

[jprohan]

We are looking at a Rosborough, maybe a Caledon, or even a CDory...all in the 25-27 foot range. We want to trailer a boat up to the NY canal system, or down to FL and then take off (after we retire in a couple of years). A boat that is small enough to trailer, but big enough to live on for a while; and seaworth enough to cross the Gulf Stream and get to the Abacos; one of our favorite cruisung areas. Have to sell the Albin first; the Chief Financial Officer won't even consider buying a boat until we do! And we'll miss it; have had many memorable cruises on our 32.

[Sanatee]

>>32+2 i.e. hull extended under the platform<<

Thank you for explaining it this way - I finally understand what it means especially after seeing a good photo. It's a weird design concept for someone used to traditional boats! I know your boat doesn't have this, but just curious - do you know whether there's access to the bilge in the area under the swim platform? Or does the transom bulkhead go all the way to the base of the hull?

How do these platforms hold up in the event of a mishap with a dock?

I'm seriously on the lookout for a 32 Command Bridge of any flavor as long as it has a center queen bed.

Nancy

Are you still interested in the 32+2? Ours (hull #172) was the 2d one built. #171 was first and we think it was experimental. Terry Compton, the lead Albin architect, liked the way it improved handling. So starting with our hull, they were all made that way until they moved the transom back and it became the 35 CB. We've had ours since new in 1996 and have had no structural issues wtih the hull extension. The space is separated by an open bulkhead, but there is crawl access to the space. Our trim tab reservoir and Racor are back there.

[Nancy]

Mike and Carol.

We bought a 28TE in April, and we're really enjoying it, but the 32 is still our dream boat. I'm sending you email.

Nancy