Wrong number? An Albin 23?!

[Bob Noodat]

On the dreaded CList of San Diego, there is an Albin 23. Described (in part, the description is long) as follows:

Make and model is Albin 23’, 2005. It is a long-distance pocket trawler. Fuel tank is 65 gals. Range can be 800 or 900 nm apparently. It is a trawler, displacement hull, the cruising speed is about 7 knots, so if you’re looking for a speed boat, this is not it. The engine is a Perkins Sabre, Commercial Series, M65 diesel engine, 65 HP. There is a Jabsco marine head with a 10 gallon holding tank, a sink with pressure water (water tank is 30 gal), a propane stove top, Standard Horizon Spectrum Plus marine radio, Garmin GPS Map 182, Hummingbird Piranha MAX 215 fish-finder and a radio/CD unit.
Only a few were ever made as a prototype, and most probably you’ll never come across another one, I believe there’s only four in North America. It’s a really high-quality boat, heavily built, and I think this is the reason they didn’t build more of them, they were just too over-built and therefore too expensive for the market to bear. Everything on the boat is solid and heavy. Even the layer of teak and holly sole is 1/2” thick, rather than the usual 1/16” veneer like on most boats. Boat and trailer weigh 8,000 lbs.

He wants $39,000 for it. Here are some of his pictures.

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So who made these?

[DesertAlbin736]

Dunno, but I recall seeing that boat listed on CL couple years ago. I could be mistaken but if memory serves I think they were asking $55K or something outrageous like that then. Nice joinery, but something doesn't add up. A boat of similar design displacement hull to A25 but without aft cabin & 2 ft shorter yet has 65 HP engine, nearly twice the HP of an MD17C & gets 12 mpg @ 7 knots, which is roughly 0.6 GPH (800 NM range on 65 gallons). If boat + trailer is 8,000 lbs that's 2,000 lbs heavier than A26 which is also stoutly built. Are they sure it's not at least semi displacement?

[Bob Noodat]

Google shows one for sale in Denmark:
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Looks like the same, with no hardtop. Price sounds high, at 89,000, but I think that must be Danish Krone, so only $12,800. Interestingly, it is said to be 1600kg displacement, so 3600lb-ish, and engine is a 3 cylinder Volvo Penta MD17, 36hp. Also it is Swedish built, and 1980, which seems much more likely than 2005. Maybe 2005 is the import and registration date? So yes DA several things do not add up about the San Diego one. Nice little boat though, but possibly some customization.... that "back door" for instance? Way too much hp.

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[DesertAlbin736]

The "snekke" type seems to still be popular in Europe, or at least in Scandinavia & low countries. Not only Albin but some Norwegian boats like Saga. Too bad they never really caught on in large numbers in North America. Of course they would be expensive as every other new boat is.

[Bob Noodat]

Indeed, love the snekke type myself, especially the double ended traditional shape. Their continuing popularity probably something to do with all the narrow channels and shoaling waters found off northwestern Europe, where you cannot travel that fast but still have to cross arms of the angry Baltic and North Sea.

My personal favourite is a motor sailer called the Marina 75, built in Finnland by Jutahela Oy, or Oy yachtbuilders as I believe it stands for. Made for 20 years or so, both early wooden hull and later lapstrake-look fibreglass are found. Just 25' long but asolutely glorious with possibly the best planned interior of any boat that length. Some YT videos are to be found. Here are a few pix.

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There was one for sale in Vancouver, all last summer, at a very good price. I agonized over that, but it would not have been a good choice for our needs, that is trailering and lake sailing. In the sounds off BC and Washington though it would be perfect.

[nebulatech]

That Marina 75 is gorgeous. I especially like the chart drawer right where it should be. Reminiscent of an earlier era, before the glow of electronic chart plotters. No head in the drawing. Definitely a deal breaker for me. I promised my wife she would never have to hang over the side again. I also like the combination of the wheel inside and tiller steering at the stern. As with many smaller double-enders, the cockpit is on the small side, but protection seems adequate, especially with a wheel inside for nasty weather. Thanks for sharing!

[Bob Noodat]

Well, it took me a while to find it:

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There is also, in European fashion, a personal ablutions sink/Sitzbad under the helm seat:
(I wonder if this is not also to permit the helmsperson to relieve him/herself of excess fluids without leaving the helm; a strong temptation in any case. Looks as if it has some sort of flush lever on the side.)

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Corbin appears to have imported a number of Marina 75s, no doubt including the one I saw listed in Vancouver. I feel sure I don't need to tell A25 owners of the advantages of sink washing over the hugely wasteful shower, which always ties you to a source of replenishment every few days.

[ssrig]

That last picture above isn’t a 25 footer, maybe a close to a 40 footer. Different boat.

[ssrig]

Beat me to it

[Bob Noodat]

That last picture above isn’t a 25 footer, maybe a close to a 40 footer. Different boat.

Sorry, yes, you are right. Edited to remove. Comes from trusting the Google search too much.

[DesertAlbin736]

Well, that's something we can all agree on. Would be great for PNW & a run to Alaska. Inside steering (or at least a dodger & fully enclosed cockpit) is a must up there. If I lived full time up near San Juans (which ain't gonna happen) & wanted to go back to sailboat or motorsailer that I could dock full time that Marina 75 would be on the list. Another one would be Gulf 32 or 29. A Fisher 37 might be another one had the stock market not crashed.

[nebulatech]

There is also, in European fashion, a personal ablutions sink/Sitzbad under the helm seat:
(I wonder if this is not also to permit the helmsperson to relieve him/herself of excess fluids without leaving the helm; a strong temptation in any case. Looks as if it has some sort of flush lever on the side.)

Screenshot_20200324-060814.jpg

That bronze funnel looks conspicuously located near the sink. I'm sure it's for fueling, but I have to offer the idea; is it an extension for relieving oneself?

Edit - The image link didn't repost for some reason...

[dkirsop]

The Swedes are very proud of their Albins and have archived all information here https://digitaltmuseum.se/011024760202/ritning

Here is a drawing for the Albin 23

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[Bob Noodat]

dkirsop.... I thought you would have the answer! That is a truly wonderful link. Thanks.

nebulatech... I had the same thought! That's scary. But I think it is more likely for filling the water tank. Would not be nice to have a fuel funnel draining its dregs behind you at the helm, plus dripping diesel on the lovely woodwork!

[dkirsop]

I think it is an old style fog horn, Kind of like the horns you find at soccer games. Note the two rings for attaching to a sling.