My New US Adventure Starts

[smacksman]

Flying UK to Charlston, SC to jump on board my Albin 27 FC 'Free State' for the first time next week.
I bought her sight unseen last month but it is only next week that I was free to leave. My wife is coming too for the first two weeks to tour South Carolina so that will be fun.
Some work to do on her but I'm told 'Free State' was used last month with no issues.

Some rub rail repairs needed

Comfy seat

Not sure if the windlass is electric or manual
http://www.nysloop.com/pics/Albin27/DSCN2280.JPG
Only 850 hours on the Lehman 4D61. Can you clock an hour meter?

My Peugeot car has the same basic engine but turbo and still just about run in at 145,000 miles on the clock. At an average of say 40mph that gives 3625 hours so 850 hours since 1983 seems light. Maybe it is 10,850 hours?

[Nancy]

You are a brave soul to buy a boat from photos only! Did you have it surveyed?

Best of luck....looks like you have some cleaning to do if you're so inclined.

Looking forward to hearing about your adventures stateside. Have you ever been to Charleston? You may never want to leave.

[jleonard]

Best of luck Smack! Yes you will like Charleston, great town.
If you decide to cruise up to the Long Island Sound Area let me know.
Cheers mate!

[Jay Knoll]

You are a brave soul! The ICW is a great trip, go slow and enjoy every stop.

[Tree]

Best of luck - I know what its like to buy an Albin unseen!

[Panhdjoe]

hello, Thats my old marina, Rivers Edege on the Ashley river. its a nice place. the boat in the background High Cotten is owned by some nice folks "trawler people" and Sony the mechanic there is good and a great guy. His Boat is also in the background of a Photo. We kept our family cruiser there for 3 1/2 years. Tracy the Manager will help you find people and recources to do whatever work is needed. Cross the river on the bridge in the pics to go into the West Ashley area for shopping and dinning. Enjoy... Joe

[smacksman]

hello, Thats my old marina, Rivers Edege on the Ashley river. its a nice place. the boat in the background High Cotten is owned by some nice folks "trawler people" and Sony the mechanic there is good and a great guy. His Boat is also in the background of a Photo. We kept our family cruiser there for 3 1/2 years. Tracy the Manager will help you find people and recources to do whatever work is needed. Cross the river on the bridge in the pics to go into the West Ashley area for shopping and dinning. Enjoy... Joe

Tracey has made me very welcome and I haven't even arrived yet!
Thanks for all the tips.
Sadly finances demand that I do the work myself but it is good to know there is competent backup when needed.
I bought my last sailboat on Ebay, sight unseen from the UK and sailed her down the ICW from New England to Key West and had a great time. Poured with rain the last time I went across Charleston Bay in 2013.
Not long now before I find out what 'Free State' is really like.

[coolchange]

You didn't ask but here is my 2 cents (opinion):

change the impeller (unless you can find the mechanic that did it recently..not owner testimony)
double check all hose clamps..double and tight
check all nav lights
rinse the bilge and check the pump
we have small tanks but if this has been sitting awhile the fuel might need polishing..so do that and change filters

then go have fun...the rest is either cosmetic or not high risk

( I have bought 2 unseen boats on ebay and because I got a good price a little work didn't bother me...and both times I actually sold with a small profit)