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I will put another vote for the Carolina. I think you will get more boat meaning more room. I have never looked at the smaller albes but on the larger ones I think the CC is twice the boat. Just my opinion if its worth anything.
I've owned both. I had a '91 Albemarle 24 in the mid to late 90's. I now have a Classic 25 that I've owned since 2004.
Both are great boats. Can't go wrong with either. I like the added room in the CC. The ride is still a topic of debate at our marina. Honestly, I can't tell that much difference.
Mike
Email me...I'll give you my home phone number if you would like to talk over the phone.
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Spring Fever - 2007 Regulator 26FS
70 West Marina
Wilson / Atlantic Beach, NC
One thing to consider is towing. Several years ago, I had the same decision to make. I think the CC has some better features including a wide open cockpit with no motor box and a larger cabin. I had a regular half ton pick up and could not afford a new boat and truck. So I bought the Albemarle and was very pleased. I could have never pulled the CC without a 3/4 ton truck. The Alby rode great and was an outstanding boat just as the CC.
Great question... I too have considered both recently... THT is too cool, to find someone like Spring Fever who has owned both is incredibly helpful. I believe his response is that the two are equally seakindly... I must admit I didn't expect that. IMO the CC is a much bigger boat... I expected it to easily best the 24' Albemarle in ride quality. That says great things about the fine design of the 24' Albe's hull.
My wife and I really like the 24' Albemarle, as we trailer across country several times each year... the weight of the 25' CC on trailer tests the limits of our Dodge 3/4 ton diesel... the Albe isn't a problem... That said, we haven't bought the Albe (express). It's a wonderful boat but the we can't get past the ergos. The helm is incredibly cramped... it must have been designed by committee??? I finally convinced myself to live with ithe tight helm... then I sat on the engine box with the rocket launcher... damn if both sides, fore and aft, aren't too small to sit on comfortably... the designer must be a really tiny person or incompetent. So we keep looking... the Albe isn't going to happen unless they fix the ergo's... the 25' CC may yet be the answer.
To make things more complex we rode in a bunch of boats at the Miami boat show... some on our short list were disappointing... the boat that vastly exceeded our expectations (we rode on it just to kill time) was the new 27' Sea Pro with twin 200 Verados... it was totally and unexpectedly awesome. I think, IMHO, that hull and the Verados will ultimately get a lot of favorable attention on THT. Tom.
I've owned both....The ride is still a topic of debate at our marina. Honestly, I can't tell that much difference.
I realize that the helm on both boats is protected. But concerning people riding in the forward area of the cockpit, is one boat drier than the other...?
SayYes - 3/6/2005 9:39 PM I expected it to easily best the 24' Albemarle in ride quality. That says great things about the fine design of the 24' Albe's hull. My wife and I really like the 24' Albemarle, as we trailer across country several times each year... the weight of the 25' CC on trailer tests the limits of our Dodge 3/4 ton diesel... the Albe isn't a problem... .
I think to ultimately decide which one rode better you'd need to get yourself into some unbelievabley heavy seas. In 2 to 3 foot sea, I agree there isn't enough difference to even try and debate over. I trailer mine and use a 2004 Dodge 2500 diesel with no problems at all towing. It does hurt my fuel by about 2 more mpg than the old boat did, but it also weighs twice as much. I also have to be a little more careful about stopping, but it is very controllable with only surge brakes on one axle.
SayYes - 3/6/2005 9:39 PM I expected it to easily best the 24' Albemarle in ride quality. That says great things about the fine design of the 24' Albe's hull. My wife and I really like the 24' Albemarle, as we trailer across country several times each year... the weight of the 25' CC on trailer tests the limits of our Dodge 3/4 ton diesel... the Albe isn't a problem... .
I think to ultimately decide which one rode better you'd need to get yourself into some unbelievabley heavy seas. In 2 to 3 foot sea, I agree there isn't enough difference to even try and debate over. I trailer mine and use a 2004 Dodge 2500 diesel with no problems at all towing. It does hurt my fuel by about 2 more mpg than the old boat did, but it also weighs twice as much. I also have to be a little more careful about stopping, but it is very controllable with only surge brakes on one axle.
2 or 3 axle trailer??? With brakes on only 1 axle??
First of all, these are two of the best boats in their class. I would seatrial boat and decide from there, but I wonder if these boats are comparitively priced. I would think that the Albe would be cheaper because its a smaller boat. I think the Albe 26 is a better comparison to the CC 25, but I could be wrong.
What does the heavy seas comment mean? I'm not following... Have you been in a 24 Alby that much that you can compare with your boat you've had for a couple months?
I've blown by enough bigger boats in my 24 to know that size and weight do not always equal superior performance. Not saying that about the CC becuase I know zilch about the ride...but...just curious.
Overall, they are both nice...about as good as it gets for a pocket sportfish.
I am saying that they are or should be pretty evenly matched boats, and to figure out which one handles water the best you'd need to put them in some pretty serious stuff. It wasn't meant as a slam on your boat at all. You've got me beat on time on a 24, I've only been on one a few times and never in anything over about 4 feet. But I know less than 3 feet that either boat eats it up like it isn't even there.
First of all, these are two of the best boats in their class. I would seatrial boat and decide from there, but I wonder if these boats are comparitively priced. I would think that the Albe would be cheaper because its a smaller boat. I think the Albe 26 is a better comparison to the CC 25, but I could be wrong.
Good luck!
Great point. I didn't mean to sound terse in my first reply, was in a hurry and should have waited until I had more time to pontificate. While shopping for boats I looked closely at Albe 247 & 268, CC 25 & 28, along with some Gradys and Pursuits. Each of us has to analyze our current and future anticipated needs. Then you make your choice and enjoy it. You can always trade later.
I've owned a 24 Albemarle about 4 years and have looked very closely at the 25 Classic and ridden it, but not fished it seriously.
My observations... Comparing gas to gas boats.
Towing: 24 Albemarle could be towed with a 1/2ton, CC25 requires a 3/4ton truck
Fuel efficiency: 24 Albemarle gets 2.2 to 2.7nmpg depending on configuration. 25 Classic new with inboard less than 2.0mpg. Diesel Classic is about 2.8mpg as per boattest.com with KAD 300 at best cruise. This is measured with a fuel flow meter during cruise not based on fuel burn estimates back at the dock.
Resale: 24 Albemarle probably a little better, this whole water ingestion thing has really hurt the value of gas Classics and the pre KAD 300 Volvo diesels are slow, but pretty efficient.
Build Quality: Both are excellent, probably a toss up.
Ride: Also probably a toss up. A very reliable source had them side by side and the 24 Albemarle walked away from the Classic. I firmly believe the 24 Albe has a minimally better head sea ride especially in chop, but again my experience with the Classic is limited. I feel the Classic has a better beam sea ride and following sea ride, but not by a lot.
In very rough conditions I'd have to give it to the 24 Albemarle because your slowest planing speed is about 19 knots which will take you through some really rough stuff. 25 Classic slowest planing speed in my experience is about 23 knots.
On the open water troll I'd give it to the 25 Classic, water over the bow in a head sea is much less likely.
Interestingly the Classic owners I spoke with said that if it was too rough to go in the 24 Albemarle, it was too rough to enjoy the CLassic.
24 Albemarle is wetter.
Slow speed maneuverability: 24 Albemarle hands down. Classic just weighs more and is simply not as responsive.
Fishability: 25 Classic...open cockpit. less cramped.
Cabin: 25 Classic..more head room, but less overhead rod storage.
Helm: I liked the 25 Classic better.
Engine Access: 24 Albemarle gets the nod here especially trying to fix something in a pitching sea.
Customer support: I'd give this one to the Classic. Hard to be service from the Privotts.
Having said all that you can't really go wrong with either boat. Neither is perfect, but either one would be all I'd really need.
None of this was meant to alienate either side, but I'm simply sharing my observations.
Good luck, look at them both carefully and then ride and decide. You'll probably know which is for you simply by looking and getting on the boats.
Fellas, all this talk is getting me very anxious for the spring weather. I bought a 24 Albe a month ago and can't wait to run it, especially after hearing all these great things about it. I love a boat that can ride out the rough stuff!!!
I think the CC is great too. I love the CC 28 especially.
C'mon Spring!!
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