Albin 31 Express?

[jbonnet]

Anyone have or know someone that has an Albin 31 Express.
I am looking to go in with my Brother in-law on a boat that the wives can hang out at the dock while we go fishing. I really like the set up on the Albin. Especially the enclosed helm.
Just curious about the quality, ride and overall reputation of albin.

[Doug in Bermuda]

I have been an Albin owner since 1986. Bought a 27 aft cabin new in 86. Sold it early 2000. Bought my current boat a 1996 32 late in 99.

Albin enjoys a good reputation as a solidly built boat, better than most but not in the range, or price, of builders like Saberliner or GB. The 32 was their first attempt at building boats for fishermen. In my opinion the 32 is a cruising boat that can occasionally go fishing as opposed to many better known for their fishing qualities that can be used for occasional cruising.

The 31 is based on the very popular 28 design, a great weekender for 2 with the comforts of a cruising boat.

[Albin31]

I know a little, having owned 2 and sold 4 or 5 when I was a dealer. First boat had twin 250 Cummins and cruised about 22 knots. Through a bunch of wheeling and dealing with Albin and their need for boat show boats, I ended up with my current boat which has a single 450 Cummins. Cruise speed is about 20 knots. I’ve owned it for 6 years and have no intention of trading.

It is a big, heavy 31 footer with a comfortable ride. I love the pilothouse in both hot and cold weather. When we go offshore fishing (50 miles out), I watch the guys blasting by in their center consoles getting beat, sprayed and wind blown to death while we’re drinking coffee and eating Krispy Kremes.

I also love the separate shower stall, which is rare for a 31 footer.

Quality is good in things that matter. Don’t expect Sabreline interiors or Tiara type glass work or a fancy owners manual. Do expect all the systems to be over spec’d and over built. Older hulls were balsa cored, new are foam cored. Neither should be a problem if you have it surveyed and are careful about drilling any holes in the bottom.

The female side of the equation will also be happy with the pilothouse and open cabin. This summer my wife invited 10 of her girl friends out for a picnic (don’t get excited, they were all over 50). Anyhow, about half needed to stay out of the sun and half wanted to soak up the rays, and there was plenty of room for all.

PM me if you want more info. If you’re down this way, I’d be happy to take you out.

[jbonnet]

Glad to hear you guys like the Albins.
I have a new 32 Regulator right now but, After next season i would like to get back into something that I can overnight on, (either offshore or at the dock) I really like the layout on the 31 offshore. the aft bunk is very important because I have 3 kids and I wife I have to please.
Is the 31 a boat you wolud feel comfortable taking 90 to 100 miles offshore on an overnight chunking trip?
How big is the aft berth it's hard to tell from a picture?
Thanks
Jeff

[Seaveyor]

A friend of mine owns one, nice layout, but he's ready to unload the boat because of the Peninsular diesel engines. It seems like there is always a problem with these engines. They are to numerous to say. No one in the Cape May Co. area knows much about them. I would not recommend this boat with those engines. The power is 300 hp, in each engine, nice riding boat.Now, if you put 315 yannies in there , it would be a different story.

[Albin31]

Queen size sheet fits almost perfectly on the aft berth. The backrest cushion robs about 6" of length, so if you're over 6', you would probably remove it to sleep. It's velcro'd on.

I'd probably be as comfortable in it 100 miles offshore overnight as any boat in it's size range. Low center of gravity and lack of deep-V cuts down the rock and roll. I've had friends sleep out in the pilothouse.

[jbonnet]

I like what I am hearing so far. I would opt to get the 370's because the cruise is alittle higher than the 300's.
I am going to try and find a local dealer to take a look at one.