I need an opinion asap:/

[Jeremyvmd]

I am currently looking to buy an Albin 28te. The boat is a crazy deal (less than half of any other Albin 28 on the market) the owner had a massive stroke and the wife has been trying to get rid of the boat for two years. I am fairly handy (I rewired and fully upgraded my 20ft center console cat) and willing to take on a project. My surveyor is concerned about a waterline in the bilge. I am starting to think she had a foot of salt water in her hull at some point:/. Would you guys walk away? The boat is otherwise in good shape and genny and motor fired right up and ran great. All major systems work 100% (except ac but they think the water line has air in it) but the salt and fresh pumps and water heater don't work. Here is a pic of the waterline inside

[RobS]

For sale a couple years and located in NJ.....Sandy damage?

A pre-2000 is likely balsa cored. Many cases of core damage happen from the inside out. With a bilge waterline that high there would be numerous points of water ingress. Has the hull been percussion tested and moisture metered? Also, the engine and gear and genny would have been well submerged as well. Have oil samples for both been done?

What can you get her for? - it's impossible to comment on "walk-away" or not without knowing what you could get her for...

[catalina_mike]

The surveyor should have a moisture meter to check how bad it is.

[Jeremyvmd]

Oil samples have not been done but both ran beautifully and I did check the oil visually as did they surveyor with no milkyness or any other issues visually. Hull was tested with no abnormalities noted on moisture meter or percussion testing.

[Tree]

With a tide mark that high, the batteries would have almost certainly been submerged. Is it everywhere in the boat or just forward? Is the boat afloat or ashore? What's the chances of it being rain water? Any more pictures?

[Jeremyvmd]

That is the only spot I saw a water mark. I know that the rudder position sensor is dead (could be from submersion) but the batteries which are next to the water heater have 2/12 ship dates and are clean (no water marks) as are the battery trays. The boat has been on the hard for 2yrs. Lots of pics but nothing useful for water intrusion. I will say the cabin is ckean and even the deep dark corners have no evidence of water. I was thinking rain water and snow melt water but my surveyor disagreed and said it was Probibly salt water (he was thinking plug left out while on the hard during sandy).

[Jeremyvmd]

If you look to the left of the first pic I sent you can see the water level in relation to the shelf. The batteries (you can barely see one) are on that shelf

[Panhdjoe]

My Experince on boat buying is this. Whatever people tell you it will cost to fix the stuff the surveyor found, double it. Then add that much again for the stuff that was not found. When they say that they think its "just air in a line" be doubtful. Plan on AC replacement.

[Jeremyvmd]

I was afraid someone was gonna say that:/ they are gonna prime the line and my wife and dad are gonna go down tomorrow. My surveyor said plan for an ac replacement too. He figured 5g if I did the labor myself. Is that a reasonable number to shoot for? Anyone know the flow and psi (or even models) of the pumps used for freshwater system and saltwater washdown? If they can't demonstrate the ac working im gonna try and get the price lowered. Keep the comments going guys I appreciate all the input. Its showing me it might be as bleak as I was afraid of. Im still leaning towards purchase. Im ok with a project boat as it has good bones (hull and top sides are solid and in good condition) and options I want

[Chuckatuck Ray]

If it was indeed salt water I'd be concerned about damage to the electrical system. Salt water that gets into wiring has a way of not showing up immediately. A few years down the road everything starts going crazy. Be Careful.

[Jeremyvmd]

Really odd. I had posted a reply and it went poof. I'll try it again:/. More detailed this time.

Wife went down today. After priming the line the ac ran great...super cold. Kept the cabin at 68 with the hatch open on a 89* day. For over an hour. Then they turned it off...an hour later ran perfect again. Alternator is working correctly according to the testing today. Very happy with those two facts. As for the water the owner had left the bottom plug in with batteries diconnexted. Mistake wasn't noticed for 7-10 days of bad weather. So it was fresh water sitting in the hull not saltwater...which makes me a little happier. Not thrilled about there being water but at least the batteries were out and it was not salt water.

We have decided to buy the boat after all. Just need to work out a few minor details but hopefully will close on it in a few days. Then off to my marina to get hauled so I can start making it "mine". Thank you all for your insights and im sure I'll be asking more stupid questions in the coming months...looking forward to Albin ownership!

[Nancy]

Jeremy,

When we replaced our fresh water pump in 2012, we used a Jabsco 31395 Series PAR-Max 2.9 Water System Pump. We're very satisfied with it.

[Jeremyvmd]

Jeremy,

When we replaced our fresh water pump in 2012, we used a Jabsco 31395 Series PAR-Max 2.9 Water System Pump. We're very satisfied with it.

Thanks!

[coolchange]

get some Corrosion Block (name of product) and spray on all wires, terminals and etc...this stuff is amazing and will wick up into wires and reverse corrosion problems....May save some replacement time and improve elec. performance.

[Jeremyvmd]

Good idea! Thanks for the heads up!