Issues with older A 27s

[Dandy]

I am looking at buying an Albin 27 FC. I need to know what to look for. I had an email exchange with a broker recently as follows: Me - "I have heard that some of the older Albin 27s have had big window leaks. Any such problems with this one? Or other issues?" Broker response - "It looks like this boat has that issue, in overall general condition is weak, but seller is very motivated." I have not viewed this boat (or any other Albin 27s) yet. What should I be looking for? I will of course get a survey before purchasing, but before spending that money what will stand out as issues common to the model?

(BTW I currently own a Cape Dory 33 sailboat which I will keep.)

[Jay Knoll]

Hull deck joint leaks
Pilot house to cabin leaks/rot
Port leaks/rot
Window leaks/rot

I think you get the idea.

If you're handy and have the time these can be repaired

I'd look at the boat before I spent the money on a survey

Jay

[Sprig1]

That about covers it. But add Holding tank,head.water tank,thruhalls,fuel tank cleaning, fuel lines,electrical ask me how I know. As some wise person said here 1/3 to buy 1/3 to fix known problems, 1/3 to fix unknown. Good luck they look like fun boats I've never got to try mine yet someday.

[coolchange]

Let's not forget canvas, cushions, how high has salt water gotten to in the bilge, stringers, transom, prop, ground tackle, hull paint (bottom)...etc.

There is likely nothing you can't fix but the question is how much time do you have, how much money, how much skill, how many tools...the layup time and cost..and if you have a family that shares your enthusiasm. But done right you got a great, fun boat. (I was lucky and got one that had been just finished from ground up..then the guy had to sell it without ever being able to cruise in his own project)

[Jay Knoll]

Is this the one you're looking at?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1984- ... -102496116

That headliner is a problem as well

[Beta Don]

Is this the one you're looking at?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1984- ... -102496116

That headliner is a problem as well

Pretty nice looking boat for the money, IMO - I *wish* mine was in that shape when I bought her!

Don

[Dandy]

Thanks all, I get the idea. All good things to know. Yes jay that is the one.

[smacksman]

Why do people expect 30+ year old boats to be problem free?
Come to that, why do people expect all boats to be problem free!
No boats have sunk because the headlining was a bit ruffled or the decks soft in places.
Whats wrong with a sponge to dry lockers after a heavy rain?
My No. 1 question would be - Is she seaworthy?

[Vic K]

I was taught that a' boat is always in the process of breaking'. If you can't live with that premise you shouldn't buy one. I don't know about anyone else but I spend much more time messing/fixing/doing stuff with and to the boat than actually leaving the slip. It's a life style. Being able to take a cruise every once in awhile is a bonus. Last week I went to the marina with the idea of taking the 'Mary Jo' on a bit of a run. The weather turned bad so I turned on the AC stretched out on the salon settee with an old copy of Wooden Boat. After a Subway and a short nap I went home. All in all a good day and I didn't break anything that I know of that wasn't already broken.

Vic

[tego]

Dandy, Listen to Vic and Smacksman before all the naysayers. You shouldn't own an older boat unless you get as much enjoyment out of tinkering with it as you do traveling in it. The vessel you're looking at looks to be in pretty good shape, compared to a lot that I looked at when I was shopping for one. If she's good mechanically, that's the most important part(translate: expensive part). It's hard to judge from online pictures, but I'd give it a thumbs-up for a closer check. Good luck. Ben

[Mark Deeser]

Compression test, look at the condition of the of the exhaust manifold, some parts are hard to find. Cosmetic work can show dramatic and satisfying results, but major mechanical repairs can bring real finical pain. Sprig1 rule of 1/3s is worth taking to heart. Thanks, Mark.

[Dandy]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts/advice. I appreciate the input. Just to be clear, I don't expect an old boat to be trouble free, but am not familiar with the Albin 27 and its particular issues. (Builders' methods and design flaws tend to result in problems that repeat in models over time. Just trying to learn which rocks to turn over.)

[smacksman]

I just re-read my post above and it appears a bit bruske. Sorry, Dandy - I didn't mean to be rude. In fact, you are doing exactly what I did before I bought 'Free State'. I logged in to this forum and read all the A27 posts and learned a lot.
Admittedly, this Brit is a bit crazy buying a US boat on an eBay auction, sight unseen, no survey, then jumping on board and sailing 1800 miles solving problems that arise while having fun.
Maybe there is a happy median between that madness and the chap who nurses a classic to 'better than new' condition but doesn't then use it.
'Free State' is still for sale in New Orleans if this boat is not suitable.

[JT48348]

I think this is a great question. I had an initial response but was too large to put up easily. And I got to thinking it would be a great chance to compile a bunch of info in a "Buying Guide for the Albin 27". I've been involved with other boat associations that did this informally. Of course old boat issues are always there--but there are specific things to watch out for in the Albin 27 in my opinion. You can find them in the forum. But it would be nice if they were summarized in a living document and stored in the library.

I have compiled a 8-10 page document that kind of discusses some basic info and basic things to look out for with regard to decks, window leaks, etc.

I'm looking for someone to contribute info on the various engines that came with the boat. And someone to contribute on trailers. The info on differences in boats based on production date is especially interesting but I need that written up too.

If someone could add 50-200 words here and there on these topics it would round out the skeleton of what I have. . We would then post the guide to the documents section for it to be availed permanently. It could be modified as needed with supplements or addendum as needed.

Anyone interested? Please PM me.

If no response I will go with what I have and post the link here once it's uploaded. My thought is someone can then add info at your conveiience by creating ur own .pdf file and naming it: "Buying Guide Supplement: Engines". Or whatever.

[Dandy]

Smacksman: No problem. I own an older boat (1984 Cape Dory 33) and owned an old boat previous to that. I enjoy working on them and don't mind living with some "I think I'll get to that next week" problems while enjoying the use of the boat. Is there a link to Free State?

I really think JT is onto a good thing. I can't contribute at this point, but having such a resource immediately available would be great. That type of document would not necessarily deter buyers (it would some for sure), but it would sure help them to know what to look for, what might be ahead, and allow them to better negotiate a realistic price. The next step, JT, is to then accumulate all of the DIY projects in these posts to help with resolving the problems if they occur. Just sayin' . I'd love to see hat you have so far. Thanks.