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scm007 · 10-03-2009, 17:39

Anybody have any thoughts on this boat, specifically for bluewater cruising?

scm007 · 11-03-2009, 13:56

Anyone?

svHyLyte · 11-03-2009, 14:10

See Preloved | uk albin ballad - yachts and motorsailers reviews

sestina · 17-03-2009, 05:56

I used to have a Ballad. Nice boat, stiff as a church, good turn of speed, quicker than a Contessa 32 and more room inside to boot.

There are a couple of structural issues to be aware of: Look carefully at the bulkheads. Albin had a dotty system for tying them into the hull. Rather than glass them in over a top hat section ring frame, they are bolted to a flange.

The bolts work loose and the bulkhead moves. Also, pull away the woodwork round the mast step. There's a steel plate down here, covered in glass, which over time spalls away. Leaving the mast to descend through the bottom of the boat. Well, it did on mine. Sold her as a repair project. Broke my heart, she sold for £4,000 and had £7,000 worth of new sails.

I was planning an Atlantic circuit with her till the failure. I feel she would have made a reasonable cruiser, for a couple, though you would have to watch that you didn't overload her. Those vast cockpit lockers could accommodate a mountain of junk! The original 10hp Volvo is a bit puny.

Other Euro boats of a similar style worth consideration are: Waquiez Centurion 32 and the Scampi.

jackylelfan · 21-04-2009, 13:00

hi I sell 5 sails for an albin ballad: 2 jibs, 2 genois, 1 tourmentin
the sails are in Belgium, at Brussels.
if you are interested, I can send you the measurements.
see you

bob perry · 22-04-2009, 07:47

That is a great boat, strong and good looking. It should sail just fine.
I have an Albin Cirrus 7.8 and I love it. They don't build small boats in the US the way the Swedes build them.

If the Ballad is in good shape I can't imagine why you would not enjoy this boat.

Cran · 20-04-2010, 19:55

I have had my Ballad since 1989. the only thing wrong with the Ballad is my bad maintenance, and age. I have sailed Lake Conroe, and the Gulf of Mexico with no problems. It is a stiff boat, it sails great and is very comfortable, is easy to work on, and built well. I am on the hard at the moment, new Beta 16, new Flexfold prop, and fresh paint. Oh yeh, my only complaint is the original Gel coat, and the Vovo.
I am impressed with Mr. Perry's comments, he is someone I look up to.

captsam54 · 06-07-2010, 04:56

I have my 30, Albin Ballad up for sale on eBay for $5,500.00 need a new engine, but other than that is in good condition and no mast step problems..!!

Cran · 03-12-2010, 19:26

Cran here, my Albin, "SIPANGO" is back in the water and looking good. The Beta 16 is great, and everything is working out. Prop is good, just waiting on Santa for new sails. Merry Christmas and good sailing. Drop me a note if you want.

captsam54 · 04-12-2010, 07:47

Post some pic's.. I would like to see one all gussied up and in good condition..!! I sold mine to a fellow from Miami for $4500.00. It is over in Dinner Key now, and he is working on it..

Vic de Beer · 04-12-2010, 16:53

Hi Guys.
I have had my Ballad now for the past five years up in Nova Scotia Canada. Last years is the year that we've used it most, but only for coastal sai;ling and the longest trip was only about 6 hrs. Next year I hope to use tghe boat a lot more. Right now the boat is hauled out for the winter and I hope to get some work done on her... e.g. remove the old vinyl interion and replace it with the original vinyl glued to a cork backing, which in turn will be glued to the inside of the hull.... I hope it is going to work as the vinyl has started coming away from the hull where the original foam backing has broken down.
I love the boat but would prefer to have something around 36-38ft in length..... any comments?

Cran · 04-12-2010, 20:39

CRAN here, yes I would love a bigger boat, BUT.... Can't have everything. As for the vinyl I ripped it all out and replaced with plastic laminate in the main saloon, the V-berth got tounge& groove quarter inch pine. When it's not so late, I will tell you more.