Scratched the Albemarle off the list, now what?

[Capt Ron B]

I was looking very seriously at a 28 Albemarle Express, but I have since ruled it out. I asked for feedback on this site and a few others. The one thing I heard across the board was that boat had a real tendency to rock and roll on a drift. Since I like my crew to keep their breakfast down, I decided against proceeding with this purchase.

Now I would like suggestion on what to look at next

I have the following needs when I start my search again.

Overnight Sleep aboard capability for two people.

Standup Shower and head

Small galley (Microwave etc)

Heat /  AC

28 to 30 ft in length

Min cruise of 21 / 22

Twin engines   (inboard or outboard)

I plan on using it for anything from inshore fluking to canyon tuna fishing.

I am really partial to the lines of the Albemarle and the Carolina Classic.

Your input would be greatly appreciated

[Maritime Matt]

Hi Ron. You did not mention fuel usage or dollar amount you want to spend so here goes:

Inboard: Henriques - One of the best built, rock solid hulls you can buy.
One of the biggest cockpits per square foot.
Serious fishing boat with some nice amenities.
They hold there value.
Built in Jersey.

Outboard: Grady 30 Marlin. I worked at a couple of Grady dealers and can tell you that it is probably one of there nicest all around boats.
Great cockpit space with lots of storage.
Nice cabin layout.
Lots of options.
Rock solid hulls.
They hold there value.
Outboard power for easy serviceability.

No boat is perfect, including the ones I mentioned, but I personally would consider these for myself and in addition I would consider a downeast boat also. A friends father has a 30 Fortier and it is real nice. Hope it helps. Matt.

[Capt Ron B]

Thanks Matt,

I have been getting a lot of positive comments on the Henriques along with Pursuit, Blackfin.

I am scheduled to look at a 28 ft CC next week. I like the lines of that boat

[rossg]

We fish on a 28 Grady Sailfish
The boat is heavy and is very stable.I would look for a 2002 or newer so you get the 4 stroke yamahas

She gets up on a plain easy even with 6 on board and is very economical even with 2 engines
A run to the red church area from Belmar and back is 60 bucks
If you would like to check her out just let me know
Ross
The Lady J

[wb]

remember I an biased... 
2 good suggestions above 28 sailfish or 30 marlin will both fit the bill and you won't regret it
look around lots of leftovers still.. some '04/'05s brand new.. price is much less than an '08
my friend picked up an '05 leftover sailfish very solid, large cockpit, nice accomodations, twin 225 yammy 4strs
get the grady
or consider lightly used it's a buyer's market and cash is king....

[Capt Ron B]

You are so right. Cash is king now. They are even willing to take my Mako at a decent trade in. I plan on jumping on a bargain.

I had heard that GW's had a ongoing problem with transom rot and that is why I have no looked at them. 

Ross, I might take you up on your offer.

Thanks

[Wreckfish]

If I where looking for something larger ...Grady. Of course, I actually would like something little smaller in a center console. But I can always hook up Capt Ron when you get the new boat for some offshore adventures. 

[brickken]

Me I love the Wellcraft and how it handles in rough seas as well as nice days. Just did a search on Yachtworld and there are a number of 30 and 33 footers that would fit your needs.
Here is one of the better deals I saw there as an example:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatDetails.jsp?&units=Feet&currency=USD&ro=6&r=1696032&rs=yachtworld.com&rt=Express&boat_id=1696032&checked_boats=1696032&enid=0&cit=true&toLength=34&ftid=0&man=Wellcraft&searchtype=advancedsearch&Ntk=boatsEN&type=%28Power%29&fromYear=2000&hmid=0&sm=3&currencyid=100&luom=126&boatsAddedSelected=-1&fromLength=28&slim=quick&is=false&rid=100

Almost a 13 foot beam and 16,000 lbs... with lots of fishing amenities. I have the 36 and it's great for both pleasure and fishing... just my 2 cents 

[Capt Ron B]

Looks like I will be adding the Wellcraft to my list. I really like the interior layout.

Phil, Sure you can hitch a ride. We need to get a wreck trip in soon though

[Pfishingruven]

Sounds like you have a whole lot of suggestions now, Capt Ron!  Good Luck in your search!!

 

[CaptWill]

Thanks Matt,

I have been getting a lot of positive comments on the Henriques along with Pursuit, Blackfin.

I am scheduled to look at a 28 ft CC next week. I like the lines of that boat...

Capt, I had a 29 Blackfin for 6 years, and I can tell you that it is a great head-sea boat with a ride second to none, but she really rocks and rolls on the drift. 24 degree deadrise; same as Carolina Classic and Albe.


I'll second the vote for a Grady 28 Sailfish or 30 Marlin. I have the Sailfish, and she is a very versatile boat capable of anything from in-shore and backbays, to a canypn run. If you can find a Marlin priced to your liking, that would be the better choice.

No issues with transom rot any more than any other boat. It's how the boat has beed cared for, and how holes have been drilled in the transom for transducers, etc. that causes the problems. Get her surveyed.

[Capt Ron B]

Funny you mentioned Grady, I was actually doing a search online for used Grady Whites today. I would want something with a bracket instead of that euro transom. I think they really cut into cockpit space.

The damn guy with the Albemarle keeps sweeting the deal though.. He is almost making it a offer I cannot refuse   

[wb]

Lots of nice boats out there for sale now if you got cash.

Definitely get her surveyed if used.

I read Grady is replacing the 28 Sailfish with the 29 Chesapeake. Looks like the same boat in the few pix I've seen...

[Capt Ron B]

Yup, a lot of really super deals out there and the prices are dropping daily, just like the stock market.   



I would not think of purchasing any boat without a survey and a title search to see if there any liens against it.