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Random Quote: If it's got tits or tires, sooner or later its gonna give ya trouble!!
I don't know where they build Albins, but that is not the true look of a downeast Maine lobsterboat. I friend owned a 30 Rampage about 2 years ago when the first came out. It had a million small problems with how they rigged and finished the boat. Very poor in that department, although this might have been due to it being one of the early boats off the production line, but I would take at those areas. Maybe they have the bugs ironed out by now.
The reason I ask of Rampage is because it's about the only 30' Express boat I haven't seen personally.
I've been on just about all others in that category.
Birdle...As far as the Albin... A trawler is too far away from any sportiness for me. If I ever trade the Hydrasport I'll sure miss the speed. The cruiser boat would need to have a top speed of at least 32.
I've always liked the low profile command bridge like the Blackfin has.
Another option will be the Scout Abaco 320. There's a roumor it will be ready next year. Only problem is, I can't seem to be able to get the roumor started!!
I here ya on the speed though, that's the only problem with those things.....s-l-o-w----- she goes.
Check out Soundings magazine, lots of really nice sporty cruisers made by small private companies advertise in there.
Wiley, you should go back on your wish list and look at the 30' Pursuit. Doesn't ride like a 32 Albie, but it's not the pure fish boat that the albie is. In your area they should be available and the resale should be better than the Albin. Construction would be better than the Rampage. Closer to that Palm Beach styling
I've never seen or ridden aboard either boat, but the first thing that strikes me about the pictures of the two boats is the helm position. Look at the running attitude of the Rampage and near-deck-level helm position. I bet the helmsman sees more bow than water from there. Now look at the running attitude of the Albin and consider it's elevated bridge. It's much less stressful running a boat when you have good visibility and are better able to spot obstructions, coral heads, etc. It will also keep you on top of a school of dolphin, help you spot floating debris, and generally improve your odds when fishing.
My brother has had a 28' Rampage since 1986, twin FWC 350 CID Volvo, 260 HP, inboards. They are bullet proof. It is a very heavy duty Sport Fishing boat. Rampage is now owned by Cruisers, Inc. I do believe. The 30 is the same boat, but includes the bow pulpit now in the length. It is very well made, Tony Lema design. Very seaworthy.
"Never enough time to do it right; ALWAYS enough time to do it over." Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage (1996), twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros.
We went through the same issues wanted a boat for cruising and fishing, sea trialled Albins up to 35', Pursuits, and several others. In the end we chose the GW33 for the following reasons: Noise, express type boats you're normally sitting directly over the engines and at cruising speed in an enclosed area the noise from the engines gets tedious. With the GW and 4strokes running at 4200 RPMs you can carry on a conversation at normal levels.
With out fail, at least once a year I foul a prop, its easier to tilt the outboards up than going swimming (especially here when the water temp is in the 50's.)
At a realistic cruise of 25kts, fuel consumption of the 4s 225's is equal to or better than straight inboards, and with 350 gallons of fuel the range is about 400 miles.
The fit and finish on the 33 is on par with the boats mentioned, as is the ride and fishabillity.
I went from a 30' with twin diesel inboards to the 33, the 33 is easier to handle and more maneuverable in tight areas. Everone likes their own boat but we looked at and tried several before making this choice and for us it works well....
quote:Yeah, if Scout produced a 32' Express model with a wide beam I would definately consider it.
I finally figured it out! Fidhhook54 is not a real person. He is an imaginary character conceived by the likes of Birdy, EdP and Mad-Dog. Contained within the jibberish are subliminal messages trying to convert everybody to Scout.
wiley...rampage looks good..the older ones are much better than the new ones...as for the albin, i think its ugly....im sure its a great boat, but sure isnt eye catching...and def not a downeaster....this is a true maine one my favorite the r.p
I'm almost positive the 30' Rampage is a totally different hull from the old 28'. I just saw the new Rampages at the NY show and if I remember correctly it's a true 30' I looked at the 38' and the layout is pretty nice, but I don't like the lines of the hulls on either boat. They just look too broad up forward with very little bow flare. Doesn't look good, and I can't imagine they take a head sea well. The old Rampages were known as good boats but slammers in head seas, haven't heard anything about the new ones, but they just don't look right.
I saw the Albin at the Newport show and was impressed with the layout, the bridge is so close to the cockpit it feels like an express, but you still have a nice cabin under it. But I don't think I could get past the looks... I don't like the modern look necessarily, I love the old downeast boat look. But that's some weird in between thing... The cockpit is also kind of high off the water and I'm not sure if you're stuck with that big swim platform or if can be removed. The bigger Albin at the show (I forget the size) seemed to lean more towards cruising then fishing.
The "old" Rampage boats were designed and manufactured by Dick Lema in Rhode Island.
At that time he was building boats from 19' to 31' but eventually sold that business along with the molds to Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth,RI.
Pearson built the Rampages for awhile and designed a few of their own, a 33, 36 and a 41.
Totally different hull designs from the Lema design which was a bad mistake.
Not doing well with that line Pearson sold the molds to Cruiser. From what I understand the "new" Rampage was being built at the Shamrock plant in Cape Coral.
Two different builders but at the same location.
Wiley,
If your serious about the "new" Rampage my son in-law's best friend sells them and I could get the info that you would need and pass it along.
e-mail at ka1k@att.net
The new Rampages are being manufactured near Wilmington N.C. Some of the sub-assemblies are shipped down from the Cruisers plant, but eventually they will be vertically integrated in N.C.
Well shoot...... I just now hopped in the Hydrasport and opened it up WOT down an empty Intracoastal. I went so fast I could hardly keep it in the water!
Going to be hard to lose this speed along with all the other amenities.
30' Rampage Express - Albin 32 2
It is very well made, Tony Lema design. Very seaworthy. 
"Never enough time to do it right; ALWAYS enough time to do it over." Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage (1996), twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros.
