Got my 25 - a Yachtsman at last!

[Sunsetrider]

Greeting Albineers - today I finally got my very own Albin 25 - 1976 DeLuxe (although not so deluxe in all respects as yet). I guess we'll see of the pic posting works in a moment. I've a ton of work ahead of me and hoping for info and guidance from the experienced folks here. I got it for what I think is a good price ($6K) but the motor conked out on the PO a few weeks ago and needs some fueling work. No trailer, so i need to find a berth or a trailer. Etcetera etc.

Will be looking for info on literally all aspects of getting this beauty ship-shape.

[DougSea]

Congratulations on your "new" diamond in the rough! And welcome to AOG.

Best of luck!

[glk34]

How did you make out finding a trailer? One of the great things about the A25 is that it trailers easy so my advice is to get a good trailer and you will enjoy your boat even more. I tow mine all over with a 2003 tacoma, at times we could use a bit more horsepower (in the truck) but overall it works pretty good and is economical.

Chris
"Iron Jack"
A25

[NickScheuer]

Congrats, Sunsetrider! Second what glk34 suggests about a "good trailer". Our previous 28" sailboat rode a "marginal" trailer for 30,000 miles and it was always a nagging worry on the road. The original owner had purposely bought a "light" trailer because he thought the strength of the boat's hull would lend "rigidity". That hoped-for "rigidity" was not evident on RR crossings, etc. In addition, the four 13" wheels were "borderline" for the gross weight and we occasionally gave us bearing problems.

Our Albin-25 came with a very good, practically new, galvanized trailer that is more than capable of supporting the boat on 15" wheels. We recently returned from a trip to Nipigon Bay, Lk Superior and the trailer towed "steady as a rock" all the way.

[Sunsetrider]

Nothing I would love more than to get a trailer, but around here used trailers are a rare find. New ones are beyond my budget at the moment. On top of that I am unsure how to determine whether a particular trailer will suit, beyond knowing it needs to be a tandem axle. Frustrating because I have plenty of storage room at home - I could save $1K per season in winter storage. I take some comfort for the time being in the fact that I am docked in the 1000 Islands of the St. Lawrence, one of the best cruising areas to be found. Lots of exploring there yet to do!

[RobS]

..Frustrating because I have plenty of storage room at home - I could save $1K per season in winter storage.

If the boat and the home are not too far from one another a boat like yours should easily be able to be hauled out on a hauler's trailer and brought to/from your home and still result in a savings.

[Sunsetrider]

That's worth looking into.

[denchen]

After `restoring` my 25, I found a lorry driver `truck driver` with a rigid body that had a Hiab crane arm fitted behind the cab. One Sunday morning around he came, picked up my boat, lowered onto the back and drove about 6 miles. Picked up the boat, lowered it to the ground, added a slightly longer strop and picked it again and lowered it in the water. 60 pounds UK changed hands and every one was happy. Don`t think he would come your side of the pond to do yours, but there might be someone there.

[hetek]

I have my A27FC hauled and launched each year and delivered to and from my side yard, blocked up next to my garage.

$275 each way (almost forgot... USD).

The added benefit is I do my own winterization, tarping, bottom painting and zincs at a huge savings over marina rates. Plus, I get to "tinker on the boat", as my wife puts it.

[Sunsetrider]

Followed the advice here and I have arranged for the Albin to be hauled to my yard for just under $450 (65 kms one way). Bought 2 stands @ $75 ea and having a wooden back up stand built. Now I can keep busy improving it all Fall and Winter!