Albin 28 or Grady White Sailfish 28??

[fisham]

Just send your Phone# or e-mail by PM

[RicM]

They really are two very different types of boats. I don't find the lower top speed of the Albin too much of an issue. Depends on your age and stamina and how you use it. I can't take 3-4 hours in 3-4ft waves at 30kts anymore. Except in flat calm seas, the Albin is going to ride smoother at a given speed. I get to Block Island in the same amount of time or less than I did in my 25' walkaround that topped out at 28kt. I would not choose the Albin for running 50 NM to the canyons everyday. But we spent a week aboard last summer and went to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard etc and had a great time. I don't miss fishing over twin outboards. The 28 Hydro Sport with twins at my dock drinks like 36 GPH at fast cruise!
You should be able to find a clean 2000-2004 28 TE with a Yanmar for about 100-115K. Call Peter at Prestige Yachts in CT. He knows all the 28 TE's on the market on the east coast, who's owned them, and how they have been treated.

[jcollins]

FHomans,
Another thing to think about is resale. You will find in your shopping that Albins, in good condition, will demand prices that are above book value. That surprised me when I was looking.
Looking at my year boat (95) which I purchased in 2005 prices are still very close to what I paid.
This is not to say that Grady doesn't hold resale value too. Just another thing to think about.

[RobS]

Yes, the resale is up there, the single deisel a major factor for sure. For the same money considerably more bought could be bought with a pair of gas motors.

Some feel strongly that if you are one to put on very little hours, it's not worth the xtra money for the diesel as it would take so long for the fuel savings to justify the higher purchase price. But who buys a boat with the intention of not using it much. Of course the single diesel offers many other benefits over gasoline power.

Fuel efficiency was a huge factor for me since I do put on quite a few hours with just myself, the wife and my 2 daughters, as opposed to loading the boat with 4 or 5 buddies and splitting the fuel costs up. I've tried getting money from the kids, the 5 year old contributes some, ain't getting nothing out of the 7 year old

I had a 28 Pursuit with a pair of 350's and got tired of avoiding the trips due to the fuel costs. Wether you could afford the gas or not is not the point, it just got to the point of being stupid: Over $400-$500 for a 60 mile each way run to spend the weekend in Montauk. Add in the slip cost and we could be on a weekend in FL or the Bahamas instead.

The Albin is going to be able to match my single outboard 22 Pursuit in fuel economy and when you figure all of the times slowing down due to wave conditions, wake crossings, etc., the speed loss is minimal. The gain in comfort and safety far exceed the few knots which are lost.

If running offshore regularly I could see the speed issue, it could be the difference of an hour or two fishing time but then you'd have the crew to split the fuel with. For the family, the Albin should be a great fit.

As far as the noise, I find the Yanmar to be quiet, conversations easily held at cruising speed.

[FHomans]

Rob, John, Ric, Fisham....thanks to all for your insight. Great info from years of experience and I appreciate that you are sharing it with me so that I can make a sound decision. Thank you for the "Albin Education" I am getting. Back to Yachtworld to browse the inventory!

Fritz