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Asmodeane · 09-09-2011, 17:16

Guys... I've been sailing a 23ft "Helmsman 23" boat for the past 5 years around the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, but I've decided that it was time to graduate to a bigger boat. I've been saving up for that eventuality for the past three years, and now I've gone and done it. Sold my old boat and am about to sign a deal on my "new" one, a 1978 Albin Vega.

Thing is, even with a fairly "cheap" (12800€, or about two years worth of savings on my income) purchase as that I am scared shitless. Even though the boat is a fairly safe buy on paper, as she has a new(ish) engine, reinforced bulkhead under the mast, new sails and a new furlex at the bow, as well as AIS, VHF and a decent plotter, I still harbor misapprehensions. I know I am buying a legend, a veritable classic, but even after inspecting every inch of the boat to make sure she is free (as far as I can tell) of fatal flaws, I still get that sinking feeling at the pit of my stomach.

I am just wondering, is it normal? Is all this apprehension and doubt a natural part of the boat buying process or just my own weakness of spirit? Should it be more like a "love affair" when everything is suddenly crystal clear and you just know you have to have that boat?

This post, I think, has little practical values. I guess its purpose is to gather soothing noises from the sailing crowd and supporting arguments, since I have almost no sailing friends who'd understand what I'm going on about... Of course if you can think of any typical defects/flaws an Albin Vega might possess that you could point out I would find it mighty helpful.

**boatman61** · 09-09-2011, 17:37

Have you had it surveyed...??
If not it could just be down to a lack of confidence as to whether you covered all base's...
Or... if the sick pit in your stomach ties in with the sensation of your hair rising walk away... thats an intuition...

stratosailor · 09-09-2011, 17:39

Asmodeane, I think it is quite natural to have apprehensive feelings when laying out a significant amount of money for anything, especially a boat. Also, I'm sure you were quite comfortable with your old boat, knowing it inside and out like the back of your hand. Letting go of the familiar for something mysterious is always difficult. I wouldn't worry about it. I mean, worrying that you are worrying too much is kind of silly, isn't it? Anyway, I think this forum does have practical value. I've learned a great deal from the postings of other sailors on this forum and others. Best of luck. By the way, you are right about this boat being a legend. I think you made a great choice, and in time you will know your Albin Vega like you knew your old boat.

nv5l · 09-09-2011, 17:44

Those are good boats, so as long as you've done you homework, there's nothing to worry about. Enjoy it...

zeehag · 09-09-2011, 18:25

smooth sailing. you will love her.
ps...welcome/.

bangkaboat · 09-09-2011, 18:40

Asmodeane,
What you're going through is called "buyer's remorse". It is completely natural to experience this when/after making a significant purchase, be it a house, car, boat, whatever. Unless this was a sudden impulse buy, you'll feel better as you spend more time on the boat. I'd suggest grabbing some food & booze, a significant other or friend, and going to the boat & just sitting in the cockpit and chatting about nothing important, on some warm evening. You'll be surprised at how fast the regret will vanish & be replaced by a feeling of satisfaction & contentment.

High Heels · 09-09-2011, 18:44

What bangkaboat said!

onestepcsy37 · 09-09-2011, 20:08

i owned a 1967 albin vega for five years. wonderful boat, although like all boats i had a few problems.

1) the 'chainplates' are actually 'u' bolts. one of mine wore through at the point where the turnbuckle attached to it while i was sailing. but the rig didn't come down and i was able to quickly and cheaply replace the 'chainplate' when i got back to shore. they are easy to inspect and easy to replace.

2) a 'spider' crack developed around the inside of the hull where the rudder/tiller post went through it. it began weeping water slowly. i fixed it by adding more resin and glass around the post on the inside of the hull. end of problem.

3) i had the old 12hp albin gas engine with the single lever forward/reverse/feathering prop. the engine gave me some problems which should have been cheap and easy to fix but here in florida u.s.a. parts were exorbitantly expensive and hard to get. the gearbox mechanism leaked sea water badly and that had the same parts problem as the engine. i eventually removed the engine/transmission and replaced it with an 8 hp outboard. worked just fine and also freed up a big storage space in the former engine room.

all in all i would recommend the albin vega as a good sailing boat and small cruiser. the reason i eventually sold it was that it had 5'10" headroom and i am 5'11" in my bare feet....

Unicorn Dreams · 09-09-2011, 22:10

CONGRATULATIONS

barnakiel · 10-09-2011, 04:37

Is albin vega at 12800 a good deal? It sounds pricey to me.

Why is the bulkhead reinforced? Was there any issue?

Have you checked at blocket?

b.

kolbywhite28 · 10-09-2011, 04:49

There's nothing to worry about as long as you have enough money to buy an Albin Vega, and make sure you will pick the good quality and economically friendly.

**Pete7** · 10-09-2011, 05:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

CONGRATULATIONS

Absolutely

Make sure she is insured from day one then go and enjoy even if its just sitting in the cockpit as Bangaboat suggests.

Now have you uploaded photos of her to your profile yet?

Pete

Asmodeane · 10-09-2011, 07:28

Thank you all for your kid words and encouragement! A couple of hours ago I bit the anchor and bought the boat!

I am now a proud owner of Albin Vega hull no. 2466!

Will sail her over to my pier tomorrow, take some pics and upload them on to my profile. Phew. Now it's time to celebrate with a dinner at a decent restaurant and a bottle of some bubbly!

conachair · 10-09-2011, 08:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmodeane

Thank you all for your kid words and encouragement! A couple of hours ago I bit the anchor and bought the boat!

I am now a proud owner of Albin Vega hull no. 2466!

Will sail her over to my pier tomorrow, take some pics and upload them on to my profile. Phew. Now it's time to celebrate with a dinner at a decent restaurant and a bottle of some bubbly!

Congratulations! My previous boat was a Vega, great boat, great fun.