HI

[J&A]

We are new to boating and pretty much computer illiterate so bear with me. I am "A." We do not own a boat other than a ski boat on an inland lake. We have been searching for 3 years but can't seem to get it done. We have seriously considered a 36 Grand Banks, a 28 Albin, a 29 Ranger tug, and a 31 Albin in that order. We keep coming back to Albins and have norrowed it a 28. However, enginebox, flush deck, Newport??? We can't seem to make a decision. Anyway, this site is very informative and I have visited it so often, I decided we needed to join. Any suggestions along the way will be greatly appreciated.

[DougSea]

Hey A,

Welcome aboard!

I'm sure you'll get lots of answers here but you'll find you need to answer some additional questions first. Budget is obviously a factor that you'd have to factor in but HOW and WHERE you plan on using the boat will certainly have a major implications for which boat works best for you. Fishing, day trips, moderate cruising? How many people on board?

Give us some more data points and the community will help guide you on your way!

Good luck and again, welcome!

[kathylsails]

Welcome to AOG! We considered several of the same boats you did before buying our Albin 30 FC, which is basically a 28 with an aft cabin. (We spend lots of time on overnight trips and love having separate sleeping quarters.) We seriously considered the 28 and checked out flush decks, engine box models, and Newports. The Newports we looked at tended to be newer and thus more expensive than some of the older models. Also, will you use the seating provided by the Newports or would you rather have the deck space? As you will see from this forum, there are pros and cons of both flush deck and engine box. Factors to consider are deck space (much roomier on the flush decks although the engine box would make a great table!), ease of access and maintenance (again, each has its advantages and disadvantages), and even preferences for certain engines, such as Perkins vs. Yanmar vs......, and then, what size engine? We also looked at factors such as the materials used in the through-hulls (plastic vs. metal). We were astounded at how many differences there were between 28 TEs--and then more astounded when we discovered the 30 FC and found that there were many differences between them, too! Basically, as Doug noted, it all boils down to your personal preference, budget, and what you want to use it for. Albins have a GREAT reputation, and it is more than likely that you will be quite happy with whichever you chose! GOOD LUCK!

[jcollins]

Hi A,
Welcome aboard. Others have already said it. It comes down to your needs and wants. I looked at the Ranger tug a couple of years ago but decided I am happier with what I have. I would question the Ranger's stability in rough water. The Chesapeake can be nasty at times but I have never felt unsafe. The Grand Banks is a beautiful boat. Another world for my taste right now.

Once again, Welcome!

[kathylsails]

We looked at the Ranger tug, too, and felt that footing to get from the cabin to the foredeck was pretty unsafe, even with the grab rails. Now, the Grand Banks is another story....But, the amount of maintenance required on a trawler that size was enough to scare us off! Plus, it was too big for our slip. We are very happy with our Albin!

[J&A]

Thanks for the welcome and also the input. I really liked the 31 we saw in Florida a couple of weeks ago, but Jim is leaning towards a 28 so we have the option of keeping it out of the water. We will be using it mostly in Florida, although may bring it up to Lake Michigan during the summer. We have seen a 28 enginebox, but the flush decks and Newports are on the east coast, so we have only seen them online. It is hard to determine space without seeing them in person. We will be doing day trips and weekends. Jim has the Great Loop on his bucket list too. Not on mine!!!!! Ann