Is Alberg the best production designer ever?

[Mickeyrouse]

Originally Posted by Lance Monotone

Oh great, now I have another designer to research. Just when I thought I was getting a handle on this haha.

Do any models between 27 and 31' stand out so I can narrow my reading?

I have always favored the The Whitby Alberg 30. I sailed one for 10 years along the Gulf coast. I know of 3 that circumnavigated, including the one sailing by a friend. I find this particular Alberg design the most aesthetically pleasing, though, being a taste thing, there will be many who will disagree. Almost all A-30’s were launched with seawater-cooled Universal Atomic 4 engines, which if not changed by now are likely really showing their age at a minimum of 35 years at this point. (The Atomic 4 itself is a fruitful topic of discussion).
In that size range, Cape Dory built 2 or 3 designs that, by virtue of having less overhang, resulting in slightly more waterline (thus more potential boat speed) and interior volume for comparable length.
I have always thought Alberg designed very attractive and seaworthy boats, and that they were generally built to a high standard.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by thomm225

My point is the old plastic classic full (cutaway) keel boats seem to be pretty tough and seaworthy despite their old techniques used to build them.

I have slammed docks with mine, tied it up wrong at a dock and it got beat up for a weekend, bounced it of numerous bottoms running aground and it seems no worse for wear.

My experience until I bought this boat was with boats that you do not dock so I did have a learning curve on docking, and this boat torn quite a few chunks out of docks to include pilings.

Yep, my Alberg 35 and the Pearson Ariel before it was perfectly comfortable running into docks and pilings. Definitely thick hulls.

[PerfectPirate]

Originally Posted by Paul L

My Alberg 35 was built in 1961. The hulls in these old boats are thick. They were built with lots of excess resin and often lots of chopped mat. Not nearly as strong as modern techniques. The metals used on these boats varied a lot. My Pearson built Alberg had tons of bronze screws, bolts and fittings. I had to replace and repaire a whole lot of them, not always in fun place while doing it. Realistically old boats like the ones in this thread can be a great way to get into a smaller cruising boat for little initial outlay. That doesn't make them super safe offshore, bullet proof or even cheap to own.

Paul, you are simply confirming my point about the importance of the builder. Some builders used chopper guns, screws and even pop rivets as a way to speed up construction and keep costs down. Other builders insisted on hand lay-up, slow-cure resins and through-bolting. Which is why I don't worry about the hull integrity, hull-deck joints or keel fastenings of 45-year old boats from C&C, Hinterhoeller and Ontario Yachts. Some of the later offerings from C&C, after the Plaxton take-over, I am not quite as confident of. Alberg's designs were built by a number of different builders over a span of many years. Some of them were excellent and some were not.

Gord, a public thank-you for the correction on Allan Nye's first name. I could not recall it, it was in the wee hours and my internet checking did not give me any quick answers. Also, it happened a long time ago.

[ChrisPuget]

I have never put much value in blanket statements like "the best".

[swordds]

Probably not worth adding, but I will anyway. I live on my 1973 Whitby Alberg 30 and sail almost every day. I love the boat and plan to live on it until the end (of me, not of the boat). I will mention, these boats can be overpowered with too much sail. My experience is that complaints of weather helm are simply the result of carrying too much sail, either too large of an overlapping genoa or not reefing the mainsail appropriately.

[yert33]

We have an Alberg designed Odyssey 30. Built in 1966. Previous owner, Ben Wells, took her around the world in the 80's. We are the third owners. He also increased the water tankage to 60 gallons.

Our Odyssey sails LIKE A DREAM. Draws 5'9" and currently displaces 13,000 lbs.

I have nothing but profound respect and love for all of Carl Alberg's designs.

[Linesledaft]

I may be biased as I've owned a couple now, but Alberg designs definitely sail well and are plenty seaworthy. As long as you don't overload the skinny ends, the hobby horsing is pretty much gone. The movement is much easier than many modern boats. It can get pretty wet in moderate/severe chop when beating though.

Currently own a 1967 Alberg 35 Hull 273
Alberg 30/35/37 are all really similar, stout boats. I was able to find my Alberg 35 for a very reasonable price in almost go anywhere condition.
If you have any questions, send them.

Carl Alberg on a Alberg 35 that was caught up in the Fastnet Storm of 1979:

"In 1979, while those modern boats were capsizing and sinking, an Alberg 35 on it's way to England comfortably lay a-hull.
"It was really blowing and though they shortened sails and did everything else they could in order to keep going, they eventually took everything off, went below, battened down the hatches and just ate, drank and played cards. When it had blown over they hoisted sail and continued to England, where they were told they had just sailed through the same gale that had taken 16 lives in the Fastnet race. They had ridden out the storm by just sitting in the cabin while everyone else was capsizing."

"There are still some designers around who whare my ideas about glass boat design. Everyone else is trying to conform to the new rules. My boats are more designed to follow the waves and stay relatively dry and stable."
Carl passed away on August 31, 1986 at his home in Marblehead Massachusetts. His 56 designs resulted in over 10,000 "boats.

[wsteeves]

Hi Lance
I have an Alberg 37. Sailed it since 2012 and moved up to a bigger boat. Alberg 37 is the perfect single hander, very stable and seaworthy and easily balanced with the yawl rig mizzen up. I have it on the hard at the moment to fix an engine issue (minor coolant leak at hose connection) and take care of some cosmetic work, bottom paint, etc. Won't launch until maybe March time frame. Haven't listed for sale but would offer it to you well within your budget requirements. Located near Annapolis MD. Email if interested. wsteeves@neurotag.com

[hukilaumike]

I find it fascinating that so many have such different viewpoints on Alberg designs. In my humble - yet correct - opinion, no one ever designed a prettier boat than ol' Carl. Not even Philip Rhodes. However, the art and science of yacht design has greatly advanced in the seventy years or so since he became active. And it shows. Just about any quality boat of today (or even from twenty years ago) will sail better and be more comfortable in almost every way than an Alberg design.

Yes, Alberg designs do some things very well, but overall, they pale in comparison to modern yachts. It's like trying to compare a 1965 Mustang to a 2021 Toyota Camry. The Mustang does somethings better than the Camry for sure, but the Camry is more comfortable, reliable, safer, and economical. Objectively, the Camry is "better", just like a new Beneteau is "better" than an Alberg. Which is more stylish? Come on; it's not even close; the Mustang/Alberg is what you want to be seen in. But is it the boat you want to sail in?

I'd much rather look at an Alberg than a Beneteau. But I'd rather spend the weekend (or even a day) on the Beneteau.

[Garbonz]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Characterized by a spoon bow, pleasing sheer, moderate overhangs, and long keel, the Alberg boats convey a traditional look, which I [subjectively] don’t particularly favour.
His 28.33 Ft Pearson “Triton” was heralded as the first mass produced fiberglass cruising sailboat.
Evidently, Carl Alberg designed 56 production fiberglass boats, resulting in over 10,000 boats.
Carl Alberg's Yacht Designs ➥ Carl Alberg's Yacht Designs

Recently picked up a Triton for free that a tree fell on damaging one side of the companionway a little bit and pretzeled the stern pulpit. BIG tree, surprisingly little damage..

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Oh, for heaven's sake, Celestial! Let it go.

I honestly didn't remember if it was or another sail on donations person but now I do since it was you that promoted it.

[sandy stone]

Originally Posted by Linesledaft

Carl Alberg on a Alberg 35 that was caught up in the Fastnet Storm of 1979:

"In 1979, while those modern boats were capsizing and sinking, an Alberg 35 on it's way to England comfortably lay a-hull.
"It was really blowing and though they shortened sails and did everything else they could in order to keep going, they eventually took everything off, went below, battened down the hatches and just ate, drank and played cards. When it had blown over they hoisted sail and continued to England, where they were told they had just sailed through the same gale that had taken 16 lives in the Fastnet race. They had ridden out the storm by just sitting in the cabin while everyone else was capsizing."

According to Wikipedia, two J/30's, comparatively modern racer-cruisers, accomplished pretty much the same thing. Although they were apparently actively sailed, one singlehanded(!). So it's not like a 60-year-old design is the only way to survive a storm.

[PI Robert]

I have an Alberg designed Cape Dory 28 listed for sale in this site's classifieds and an album here https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...lbums5459.html. It's a 1979 model that I bought in 1999. She's still in great condition but it's time for someone else to take the helm and be her new caretaker. She lies in Port Isabel, TX where it's a straight shot across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujeres and the Yucatan and from there on into the Caribbean. Check out the ad and pics and let me know if you're interested.

[Puget Sounder]

I have an Albert 29. Beautiful sailing boat. Does every thing I could ever want. It was near 20 yrs old when I bought it 15 yrs ago. My wife and I sail it extensively in Puget. Sound and in British Columbia. Easy to single hand but we take turns as Captain.
No major issues and her interior is just as pretty today as when we bought her.

[popeye101]

Check out the Pearson Ariel........26 ft and has a well for an outboard engine. Since most boats this old with inboard engines that are worn out.......the Ariel has an outboard engine......which requires very little maintenance simply replace it when its worn out