Albin 30 FC

[kathylsails]

My husband and I have been looking for a nice 28 TE, and we recently found that there is a 30 FC. Why were so few made? How do they compare to the 28s? We like the idea of the aft berth, but are worried about performance and resale value. Any input is appreciated!

[jcollins]

My husband and I have been looking for a nice 28 TE, and we recently found that there is a 30 FC. Why were so few made? How do they compare to the 28s? We like the idea of the aft berth, but are worried about performance and resale value. Any input is appreciated!

Hi Kathy,
Welcome to AOG. That is a very cool Albin. There weren't many made for a couple of reasons that I can think of.
1.) There wasn't a lot of demand. That model, to me, was a retro styling of the very popular A27. It is a very distintive style and doesn't fit into the clorox bottle style of boats.
2.) Albin production was winding down during the years it was produced.

Resale may be iffy. Albins, in general, hold their value but again, that wasn't a popular model. You either love it or ...

We have a few members with the 30 FC. Johnmurray comes to mind. Search the board for his posts.

[johnmurray]

As John Collins said I am an Albin 30FC owner and have made a number of posts on this board. My boat is hull number 15, manufactured in 2005 and I purchased it new during the winter of 2005-6. I have now had four seasons with it and there are about 400 hours on the engine.
My previous boat was an Albin 27 Express (no aft cabin) and I decided that I wanted a bigger boat with a bigger engine and an aft cabin so the A-30FC appeared to be exactly what I wanted and I have not been disappointed.
Performance wise I think the A-30FC slightly out performs the A-28 with the same engine. The selling dealer suggested this may be because of the longer waterline. In any case it is not less. The forward half of the A-30FC is exactly the same as the A-28 with the same controls, bow thruster, etc. Because of the aft cabin, the cockpit in the A-30FC is smaller than that of the A-28 and the configuration makes it much less suitable for fishing. On the other hand you have a suprisingly large second cabin that provides greatly expanded and more private sleeping arrangements. Only once have I found it necessary to turn the forward cabin into a V-berth sleeping area.
Usually I sleep in the quarter berth forward and my guest(s) use the aft cabin.
While I have no thoughts of selling my boat and don't pay much attention to used boat prices, I would not worry about re-sale value because if the A-30FC sells for less than a similarily aged and used A-28 (but I do not think it does) this reduction should be reflected in the price you pay to buy it as well as the price you might later sell it for.
To sum up the key is considering how you will use your boat. If your primary interest is fishing I would not be too keen on the A-30FC. If your primary interest is cruising and and you want privacy for guests or want to avoid the hassle of making up the V-berth, go for the A-30FC.
PM me if you have any specific questions.
Cheers...John

[kathylsails]

Many thanks! We have decided to make the 6 hour drive to look at one next weekend and also have another one "on the back burner".

[philipjmcb]

I too debated on the pluses and Minuses of the Albin 30 FC. In the end, common sense prevailed after deciding what I intended to use the boat for. Cruising, inviting guests and exploring on over nights to what the bay has to offer. I am new to a single engine, backed up with a bow thruster drive. Coming from sailboats and then a twin screw Chris Craft so expect a learning curve at the dock. Hopefully I will catch on quickly. The boat I purchased is nothing but luxury! AC, power windless, autopilot chart plotting and adjustable helm wheel and seat. My mind runs several scenario's docking, with mid ship access not sure how to handle lines if single handing. Would appreciate a 30FC owner coaching me on how to secure the dock lines and in what sequence.
Thanks.