New Albin 28TE Owner - Juneau to WA

[taowen85]

I've always loved the look of the 28TE and over the last year had been keeping an eye on the market in anticipation of trying to pick one up 5+ years down the road, or just to finally step foot on one! Current boat was a 21' Tiderunner with newer Suzuki 175 that I've fished all over here in Washington all the way up to 50 miles offshore.

Well... late last summer a deal popped up on a 1996 28TE in Juneau. It was totally set up for fishing in the Pacific Northwest (seems rare for Albin's) so I basically bought it sight unseen and flew up to stay on it and fish for two weeks.

Boat was great and an awesome opportunity to check out SE Alaska. Lots to learn coming from a four stroke outboard to the Cummins 250, as well as all the other new to me systems compared to a 21' boat.

The plan this summer is to outfit the boat with a kicker motor and autopilot, then begin the journey home to Tacoma, WA. I plan to leave Juneau around the first of June and make my way down the inside passage while fishing as much as possible. Goal is to be home by the 4th of July. Wish me luck!

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[Nancy]

Congratulations and welcome aboard! I hope you'll post here about your trip. It's going to be amazing!

[WillieC]

Oh what a great plan! We recently flew to Juneau to look at a boat and didn’t want to leave. Can’t wait to hear of your adventures.

[Trisailor382]

Welcome to the Fold. Your trip sounds great! I look forward to hearing about your upgrades and your trip.

[GSSeattle]

Welcome! Great looking boat! There are a few of us pretty set up for fishing in the PNW. Why are you looking to add a kicker? I'm able to slow troll for kings just fine with the trolling valve and autopilot. Also, interesting to see a 28 in Alaska without the Alaska Bulkhead (rare option though)

[taowen85]

Welcome! Great looking boat! There are a few of us pretty set up for fishing in the PNW. Why are you looking to add a kicker? I'm able to slow troll for kings just fine with the trolling valve and autopilot. Also, interesting to see a 28 in Alaska without the Alaska Bulkhead (rare option though)

Thanks! The boat has a trolling valve but I thought it was a pain to use. Trying to make small adjustments was very difficult as it always ended up too fast or too slow. The Cummins rumble isn't too bad but the kicker will be way quieter on the troll too. Above all though, I'll feel much more comfortable with some backup power on that trip. The engine was well maintained and all but I'm just not familiar with it.

[WillieC]

"The engine was well maintained and all but I'm just not familiar with it."

Precisely part of our trepidation buying a boat in Juneau.