Considering a new 28 TE

[Shark]

Hello all,

A transplanted boater from NY, I have been boating on the Chesapeake in the Annapolis area for the past 10 years. I've done quite a bit of shopping and have narrowed down my search with the 28 TE Newport Edition on top of the list.

I've read many, if not most, of the posts on this site. In addition to taking that information into account, I am seeking any advice, warnings, recommendations, etc., regarding my interest in the 28.

One initial question, does anyone out there recommend the Volvo 310, or is everyone quite happy with the Yanmar 315?

Thanks.

[Veebyes2]

Volvo parts have a reputation for being hellishly expensive.

[Richard]

Shark:

I bought a Newport 28 last summer and I love the boat. I highly recommend that you order the removeable companion seat option. The standard L-shaped seat is very low and when you sit there you can't see out very well. We almost always use the boat with the companion seat installed so that the "co-captain" can see. This still leaves room for one or two people behind the companion seat but generally we just use it to hold other stuff. If we are at anchor and need sitting room under cover then we move the companion seat to the rear deck where it installs into a socket and becomes like a "fighting" chair. We also ordered the flip-down transom seat option. We don't use it much but it is nice to have when you have a big crowd.

I like the Yanmar 315. It is a quiet engine and I am told by mechanics that it is very solid and reliable. Wide open (4000 RPM) it runs at 24 knots but we usually cruise at 16-18 knots (3200-3400 RPM). Based on the Yanmar literature this gives about a 10 gal/hr burn at cruise speed.

You should try to come to the Albin Upper Chesapeake Rendevous on the Sassafras River on Sept 8. We will be there and would be happy to show you the boat.

[fairtide]

I have about 23 hours on my 28TE and it was a 2006 left-over and new when I bought it in July. My Albin experience was with a 1986 27 Sport Cruiser and I wanted all of the nice things about the old boat with the addition of a boat that could move faster than I could. The new boat is even easier to move forward on (from cockpit to bow) and the lack of teak is nice. I spent hours looking over all of the manuals that came bound in a thick loose-leaf presentation. Of course, I got this package after I bought the boat.
If you've been scouring this site, you may have noticed lots of questions asked by Fair Tide (me) about the maintenance items that are new to me. I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the things that need to be done to keep the boat running well. I have asked about whether the transmission fluid and filter (never had one of those) really have to be changed after the first 25 hours of use. My local Yanmar dealer has the filter at $109 and I just ordered one on line (genuine ZF) for $70 including shipping etc.
Yesterday, I did some exploring and found the engine oil filter. My boat has the flush cockpit, so to get to the filter, you need to slide into the side-berth, remove a panel, and then remove a messy filter. I am thinking of ways to protect the mattress and the interior of the cabin while doing this, so suggestions are welcome.
There are zinc anodes that you may have trouble finding and replacing unless you are a dentist and I am not looking forward to that either.
I made notes of all of the fluids that I would need to shop for. The bow thruster needs gear oil in the reservoir and another product for the prop shaft. Oh, there is an anode somewhere on the shaft, it seems. The trim tabs take any sort of ATF, so that's easy, but the hydraulic steering needs a specific ($20/quart) oil, but there is no direction about needing to change this. I looked at the plastic housing that covers the helm steering pump to see how much $20/qt oil was in the reservoir, as the little screw-off cap does not allow any real visibility, but I could not figure out how to get the housing off so that I could see the contents of the reservoir. Oh, well, if it ain't broke...
To make a long story short, the boat itself is very nice and I'm happy that I bought it. My personal obsession with doing things right so that I don't ruin something expensive is, however, taking away from the joys of new boat ownership. I was used to very little maintenance and high reliablity with my 78 hp Nissan engine. Albin, as a company, did very little to prepare me for owning this boat. They did provide a walk-thru as well as the usual sea-trial, but there was no follow-up on how I was doing. They sould have prepared a box with gear lube, steering oil, a filter or two, etc. wrapped in a nice box with a bow (yeah, right!) as a thanks-for-buying-our-boat gift.
I am happy to be a member of this group, as there is more useful information traded here than I could expect from the company. All I can say is that if you are completly new to boating, be sure that you have a dealer near where you plan to keep the boat or that some reputable marine mechanic will be there for you when you have questions and a need for service. Don't think of this boat (or any, I suppose) as a new car where you can drive into a dealership for bumper-to-bumper service or warantee work. If you are an experienced boater, you will know what to expect. Just take a look at the required maintenance schedules and don't think for a minute that you are going to run to WalMart for a Fram or Purelator oil filter. Think Yanmar Filter, if you get that engine, and know that an oil filter costs as much as five of the ones that we wish we could buy. This is not really a big deal, but since you asked, I'm giving you my take on things. If you don't plan to do your own work, ignore all that I just wrote. Just be prepared for the expenses.

[jcollins]

Shark,
Come to Sassafras Harbor on the 8th. It's worth the drive to Georgetown.
Along with Richard's boat you will see older ones and other models. Joe Smith is a good host and will help you with your purchase.

[Mariner]

Fairtide, I think your assessment is, well, fair. For those of use used to owning and maintaining boats with large diesels, it's nothing new. But for those who are used to smaller diesel or gas engines, it can be a bit daunting.

However, in the long run, you come to realize that you actually spend less time and money maintaining these things than you would for a automotive powered inboard/outboard. This is because, over time, fewer "big" things fail, and you pretty much just have to do the basics, like changing the oil, impeller, zincs, belts and hoses. Every once in a while, something big will break, but usually that only happens after many hours of service.

[irishwake]

Ihave a 2005 28 TA with the Volvo D6 310 hp. It is a great motor and after 210 hrs the only problem was the fuel flow meter that was fixed with a reset on the computer.The engine runs like a top and is great on fuel. I have owned a Yanmar on my 26 Albin week ender and had a lot of problems. If I was going to purchase a new boat it would be a Volvo or a Cummins. Good luck!

[Shark]

Thank you all for the information. It has been useful, and for those who have not chimed in yet, please keep it coming (good and bad).

I also appreciate the invite to Sassafrass. In fact, I was just there a few weeks ago, however, they did not have a 28 model available. However, my wife and I did spend some time admiring a green 28 (privately owned) from the dock there. I've also spoken with Joe Smith a couple of times on the phone.

Unfortunately, the 8th is going to be real tough for me to make. Apart from having to work that morning, it is quite a hike (boat in Annapolis, but live near Dulles, VA!). Are any of you guys staying over, and perhaps not departing until late Sunday morning/afternoon?

Thanks again,
Mike

[Richard]

Mike:

A lot depends on the weather on Sunday as thunderstorms are in the forecast and there is a tropical storm brewing off of the Atlantic Coast. We will probably start back very early on Sunday.

I would be happy to show you my TE 28 Newport at some other time if that would work better for you. I am about 10 minutes from the Eastern end of the Bridge or 25-30 minutes from Annapolis. Send me a PM with your contact info and we can try to set up a date/time. I would be happy to take you on a ride down the Wye River if that would help (It never takes much of an excuse to get me out on the boat and I love to talk boats).

Dick

[Shark]

Dick-

Thanks, I tried to send you a PM but apparently do not have the admin rights to do so.

I actually tried to PM you after reading your post, because my wife and I had already talked about opting for your seating set up for exactly the same reasons.

Please email me at <removed>@gmail.com when you get a chance.

Thanks!
Mike

[chiefrcd]

Chiming in at your request:

I've had a 99 for three years and I love the boat and the Yanmar engine....if I had a complaint it would be the cost of Yanmar parts. Now with that said, and keep in mind I spend three days a week, every week of the year on my boat...January right on thru to December. Here is my perfect Albin 28.....

Albin 31 TE Cummins engine, largest they could squeeze in her, heavy duty transmission with trolling valve. I like single diesels due to the maintenance cost savings....white hull, white deck, no colors for me. They are pretty...real pretty but way too much maintenance and cost to repaint a few years down the road. I'd get every option the offered. Love the stern shower, generator, ac/heat, all the cabnet space I could squeeze in her. Over sized anchor,rode and windlass, the best wipers and motors I could get them to put on.

I'd put a Raymarine E120 on her with a 6kw open array antenna so I could see birds over the Stripers. Two marine radios, a second back up gps and for sure a auto pilot. I'd probably install a hard canopy over half the back as I did on my current 28. Something substantial so that when a big guy like me grabs it, it won't let go...and I'm a big guy. Lots of rod holders to go around. Salt water wash, fresh water wash and live well. I'm sure there are other things I'd like, but this would be the perfect Albin 28....and least for me....

but..since life isn't always perfect.......
I love my 28 and I think that if you've narrowed it down and spend some time on one, you'll come to love them as much as we all do.

[jcollins]

Dick-

Thanks, I tried to send you a PM but apparently do not have the admin rights to do so.

I actually tried to PM you after reading your post, because my wife and I had already talked about opting for your seating set up for exactly the same reasons.

Please email me at <removed>@gmail.com when you get a chance.

Thanks!
Mike

Shark,
I updated your account. You should be able to send PMs now.
I don't recommend posting your email address here. You will get hit with spam.

[robonurse]

I have a 2006 28TE purchased new. I am attempting to learn some of the maintenance items. First of all, I prefer the engine box model... it doubles as extra seating and eases access to the engine for service. I have the Yanmar 315 which runs quite nicely (I have about 300 hours over 2 seasons). My local Yanmar dealer, Niemiec Marine, has been most helpful as has Standish Boatyard. Oil filter changes can, indeed, be messy. I use 2 oil absorbent pads... one under the filter and one under the engine to catch the inevitable drippings. The transmission filter (pricey at $53.) I recently found out from my local Hurth dealer that it is washable and can be re-used! When changing the engine fuel filter, the banjo fittings are in the way and must be loosened to clear the rolled lip of the filter. I may try to turn them so this step can be avoided for future changes. The turbo wash, once only available in a gallon jug for over $100., is now available in a single application size for under $5. I'm coming out of the water today and will explore bow thruster, zincs, etc. The Racor is a simple change but the drain plug in the bottom is a bit difficult to deal with. I plan to install a petcock to simplify draining of water and piluttants that collect in the bottom. Engine zinc changes are a bit challenging. There are 5 or 6 but can be reached fairly well with an 11/16 stubby wrench. My next undertaking may be valve adjustments and impellor change (yes, I bought the shop manual...about $40. and well worth it).
Bob J.
Mike 'N Mim
28TE

[chiefrcd]

Yowzah Bob, you're a pretty handy guy. Are you for hire....LOL....

I too have the engine box design and love it as well. I still don't have any other seating after 3 years of ownership, eveyone loves the padded cushion on the box and it doubles as my bait/lure working area.

Regarding your maintenance tips, sounds like you got your act together pretty well. I only wish I could even get to most of those items, but I do have a miniture mechanic (MM) who's Yanmar trained and knows all the tricks and ticks of the 6lp....now if I could just win the lottery so I could pay him I'd be set to go.

[Mariner]

Having had a Volvo engine on our last boat, I can attest that the parts are hellishly expensive. However, the engine was very efficient, smooth, powerful, and quiet. I wouldn't hesitate to power a boat with one again. One of the best engines I've ever had the pleasure to run and maintain.