May buy Albin 28 TE

[ismaris]

Hi folks,

I'm considering an Albin 28' TE, w/Volvo power. I will fish mainly in Lake Michigan for Salmon. Is this boat a good platform for downriggers? Any special considerations?

[DougSea]

Hi and welcome!

The 28 is considered an excellent fishing platform and there were recent discussions on how to mount down-riggers, complete with photos. You can use the search function to find them. The only consideration I've seen from the fishing crowd is trolling speed (slow speed), which they have a variety of methods for.

What vintage boat, and what power?

[ismaris]

Looking for a rig less than 10 yrs old, 300 hp. My current boat has 260 hp and flies. It's 24' and obviously much lighter. Also considering FD vs engine box. There appear to be loads of these boats on the market, and they hold value well. I'm also considering a Fortier 26 but they are not nearly as available and don't have near the overnight comfort. Thanks for your welcome and quick reply.

[RobS]

I wouldn't worry so much about the "10 year" cut-off. There are plenty of mint condition well cared for older boats (like my 2000 ) and there are plenty of neglected late model boats. Every boat needs to be judged on it's own merits. Check out the gunnel height on the FD if you are tall and plan to fish a lot, I have heard that they can be uncomfortably low..

Here's an example of a fine boat that is outside of that 10 year window and isn't this one right in your neck of the woods?

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5592

[ismaris]

RobS - Thanks for the observation re "well cared for" older boats vs neglected recent models. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to judging the condition of boats. Will definitely pay for a quality survey when I get to that point. And being 6' tall, I would appreciate the extra gunnel ht.

[RobS]

"Quality Survey" There's a topic of it's own...

[voyages]

Hello there, I have an Albin 28 (2002) that I use for fishing on Lake Ontario. Great boat, very stable and fishes great with ot's of room for up to 4 fisherman
I will send you a picture on your private email, I don't know how to transfer it here.
Denis

[jcollins]

Hi folks,

I'm considering an Albin 28' TE, w/Volvo power. I will fish mainly in Lake Michigan for Salmon. Is this boat a good platform for downriggers? Any special considerations?

I am more a cruiser than fishermen, but I am fortunate to have a few friends that are serious about fishing. They all love the Albin for fishing. Drift, live-line (not a fan with this boat), trolling, and at anchor. The only complaint is the trolling speed. We solved that with a home-made canvas drift bag. Slows me down to 2-3 knots.

Welcome to Albin Owners Group.

[RobS]

Drift, live-line (not a fan with this boat)

John, What's the issue with live-lining

[dkircher]

I am like John, more of a cruiser than fisherman. Our 28 has a Cummins engine with a trolling valve and it does troll slowly. Ours is an example of a well cared for older Albin (1998). She had only 225 hours when we bought her two years ago. We just passed 500 hours. Even with low hours, the boat was regularly maintained by the previous, original, owner. These are great boats.

I hope you find the perfect Albin and welcome to AOG!

[jcollins]

Drift, live-line (not a fan with this boat)

John, What's the issue with live-lining

I guess I should have qualified that comment. I enjoy live lining myself. The last time I was out on Afterglow my fishing buddies wanted to "hang" around the pilings at the Bay Bridge with a swift current and 2' chop. It was work for the captain. I like to just throw out the anchor and relax.

[whwells]

Welcome 28' Prospective Owner. You will be happy with that choice. Have had the pleasure of fishing the Albin and all make a great platform.
Stable, dependable, and fun to operate.

My Nibbles has Cannon downriggers on both sides as well as Walker's which were used by original owner in the Georgian Bay, Canada area. As long as you use the elec. series all will work well on the boat. Having had hand cranks in the past - that is a not so fun way to go.

Were I buying new now would consider Scotty's. If you are doing fresh water the Walker's are great. Would make you a deal on my two. They have been stored and used only for fresh water. I sent them back to factory last summer for servicing as well. If interested send me a note onteh private comunication.
Whwells 'Howard"