Boat questions- Luhrs, Abelmarle, Pursuit- Express 32-34

[nalu]

Hello all-

I was hoping some people that have spent some time on the following boats could give me their thoughts...good, bad, troubling, ecstatic.....

Boat type to be a Express
Size range 32-34
Price range puts the following into the hunt.

Boats under consideration:
92-97 Albemarle 32 Express (preferred layout over the 98' and up models)
1994-1999 Pursuit 34 Express (again, preferred layout)
2000 Luhrs 32 Open Express

Only boats with 3126 or better Cats for the Abelmarle or similar Cummins/Volvo/Yanmar for the others.

This boat would be used in the Pacific Northwest where we have significant head seas, and wind waves on a regular basis. Boat to be used as a 6 person charter boat for halibut/albacore fishing. Average sea mileage for a day of fishing is 50-125 miles. Comfort in head seas is important.

I have not fished on any of these boats and of course would need to spend some time. The Pursuit and Luhrs have wider beams, but the Albemarle still seems to keep cropping up even though it is older and a narrower. All opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[fishingfun]

Sorry I'm no help with your question but there is a long lasting thread here about troubles owners of newer 41 luhrs are having with posted pics. I have spent allot of time on a 27 Albemarl and would have nothing negative to say about that boat but I did not do allot of fishing in very rough seas. Here's the link and its allot to read.http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...8943&posts=812

[nalu]

Thanks for that. I have read with interest some of that thread. I put Luhrs on the list only because the layout seems appropriate, but I'm not convinced the quality is there.

I currently own a Grady White Sailfish and would hope to have something of the same sort of quality.

[spearfish3]

For a head sea boat, it would be hard to beat the albemarle out of the boats you have listed. The albe is a true deep V where the pursuit is a little shallower. The pursuit is probably finished inside a little better and I do like the boat, but if your biggest consideration is head ability focus on the albemarle. It will roll more and lean over in a turn, but you can see all the tendencies of the hull in a sea trial. I am curious to the actual deadrise amidships on both the pursuit and albe along with the entry. In any case, the Luhrs is not the same quality but that isn't to say that every one of their boats is junk either. Just it seems to be hit or miss with them on quality. Good Luck.

[dpdash]

I have had a 98' 32' Luhrs for a year and a half and love it. I just got back from a two week trip to the Bahamas, covered 720 miles and the only thing that broke was a fresh water hose clamp. Up to 3' short chop and I can run at will, after that, I can go through almost anything at 18-20 kts. The boat is a little too wet imo but I just shut the enclosure and stay perfectly dry. If you buy it right, it would work fine. The Albie and Pursuit are also fine boats.

Keep in mind, there are a ton of internet boat experts who have never been on a boat who heard from a friend/milkman that XXX boat company is no good etc, get on them, ride them for yourself and be the judge. BTW, what Luhrs is doing with the 41 debacle is unconsciable imo.

Also, I have heard/seen ALOT about Grady's where eyes can't easily see that would not exactly impress the builders at Bayliner, but of course, everyone blindly says every Grady in the world is the best. I could care less what people who don't know me think about my boat.

[nsh]

You know in another thread someone wrote about topaz. Those would be worth looking at and riding in.

[troll]

The GW Sailfish is a fine boat but if headseas are your #1 priority I would concur a deep V is the way to go. GW, Pursuit, BW and several others are multipurpose boats. You have stated a specific usage and roll, drift stability, cruise, family amenities don't seem to be important. I cannot a better bit then an 32 Albemarle based on your needs.