New Member Looking

[Kickinback]

Hi,
I am so glad I found this forum I have been reading it for hours. There is a lot of info for people looking to buy an Albin, it has been very helpful.

So naturally I have some questions. The big question I have is Twins vs. the Single in the TE 31. I know it has been debated to death and I think I have decided on the Single, but I am a little worried about buying a boat that is underpowered. I will be fishing in the Pacific out of Oregon. Where there is almost a head sea going out. I have been in underpowered boats where the boat didn’t have enough torque to hold its speed going over swells especially when going slow. I hope that makes sense.

For the single owners with 450hp Cummins;
When loaded down with ice and fuel does it feel underpowered?
Does it have enough power going over swells?
The boats for sale I seen list the cruise between 15-19 for the single and 18-25 for twins do these numbers look about right?
Do you gain more compartment space with the single?

Thanks for any info that is provided.

[jcollins]

Welcome to the group. I own the 28. But, I can tell that I have not seen any posts complaining about the 31 single being underpowered. I'm sure a 31 owner will jump in and answer your questions.

Thanks for joining,

[zinbaad]

As a more recent member here with my first Albin, a 31te with twin 315's, I can say so far I am very happy with it. The numbers 18-25 seem to be pretty accurate but keep in mind I have only run them about 20 hours so far. Still getting used to the trim tabs and a more accurate fuel consumption. I also coonsidered the Cummins 450 but have always been concerned with the I could have, should have of more HP so when I found a real clean twin 31 I went for it.
My last boat was an brand new Wellcraft Coastal with a 175hp and 2 years later I land up spending $20 G for a 250 hp, but thats a differant animal.
My biggest concern with the Albin was being content with a 20-25 knot boat coming up from a 45 knot. So far I am more than happy with the abundent benifits of the much larger Albin. I am sure the single scre guys will chime in

[Tuxedo]

I owned a 31 with a single 450 Cummins for 9 years. The boat had a solid 18 - 19k cruise at 2400 RPM. It never felt underpowered or struggled with swells.

[joe.baar]

Welcome Kickinback,
If you're based out of somewhere like Depoe Bay or Bandon - where the entrance is narrow - I'd be more concerned about manueverability coming back in than power going out. From my observations twins give you a way better chance to put the boat exactly where you want it in those confined and very rough channels. Just an opinion.

[Kickinback]

Thanks for the welcome and the input. I will be going out of Newport, so no worries there. I am sure I will have a learning curve coming from a 21'CC.

[dtownsend]

Hi, I am a new member and glad I found this forum. What a great source of information.
I am looking at a 31TE with single versus twin. My current boat has twin 350 chevys and loves the fuel dock. We make Two trips to the Bahamas and one trip to the Keys each year.
My question is, any new thoughts on single versus twin engines in the 31TE? We are very happy running 18kts so I don't think speed is an issue. Also will the twin engine version will burn much more fuel than the single?
Thanks for any help.

[Anthony1013]

Kickinback -

I run out of Ilwaco on a 28' Albin so I can't speak from experience however there is a 31' Albin on the same dock as me. I think he has a 420hp engine but don't quote me on that.... anyway, he has never expressed concern crossing the Columbia River bar with his power plant. The 31' is a beast and you're going to have a blast loading up the boat with Albacore. I'll be in Newport next summer for the OTC event, hope to see you there!

[sharffj]

Anthony,
You should have another 31 Albin in Ilwaco this summer. Just purchased a 31 TE with twin Yanmars in San Diego and have brought it up to Portland for some work. Diesel heater, different antenna, davits for a dingy, spotlight, more rod holders to increase tuna rod capacity, and a few more things. Plan to put it in the Columbia in late Feb early March to run it around Portland to get the know the boat well. Then in April or May when we get a weather window run it up the outside to Anacortes and use it up there for late spring and early summer and then back down to Ilwaco for August and Sept tuna and salmon. Will still fish the Slabhunter - the 23' Ed Wing - as can't yet part with that boat. Also wife thinks will destroy the Albin with tuna blood and she views the Albin more for cruising than hardcore fishing. Looked long and hard at a 31 TE in Long Beach with the 450 Cummins, but that boat did not seem well cared for. Do worry about no keel to protect the props.
Jeff S
(on ifish as flatocean with boat Slabhunter)

[Anthony1013]

Hey Jeff -

Glad to see you on the board! I remember you saying this summer you were in the process of buying a 31' out of California.... CONGRATS! That's going to be one heck of boat for our area, you're going to love it! As for the tuna blood, it washes off but you do have to be somewhat careful going in and out of the pilot house. You'll figure out the routine and I can't wait to see you on the 125 line. What are you going to name your boat?

Anthony