Opinions Alberg 35'

[Zach]

Have the alberg 35 and 37 been circumnavigated?

[islandplanet]

Originally Posted by Zach

Have the alberg 35 and 37 been circumnavigated?

That's actually one of the worst ways to evaluate a boat. For one thing most circumnavigations take place with little fanfare. Some people are quietly on their third or fourth circle. All types of boats have been circumnavigated. Many people don't have websites or publicity. Joshua Slocum went around in "Spray" which really wasn't the best choice of boats for that voyage. Circumnavigating is more an indication of skill and determination versus suitability of a boat. If you want to look at how boats perform in extreme conditions go talk to people who routinely sail in them. I know of a few Freedom 33/35's cat ketches that were rolled multiple times in a North Sea storm. Both boats kept their rigs. Many circumnavigators never see those kind of conditions. Some never see more than 30-35 knots of wind thanks to good planning and a measure of luck.

I know of at least one Alberg 35 that circumnavigated. I'm sure the 37 has been around as well. Any boat of this genre is a good candidate for cruising. I would choose the 37 over the 35 if given the choice but keep in mind that James Baldwin went around twice in a Pearson Triton, which is similar but smaller. I know the Alberg 30 has been circumnavigated as well.

The question to worry about isn't so much whether or not the boat is suitable, rather is the sailor up to the task? Circumnavigating is a series of short voyages with the exception of the longer legs like crossing the Pacific. I think most boats run into problems close to shore where there are things to run into.

[alberg]

Originally Posted by Zach

Have the alberg 35 and 37 been circumnavigated?

Ericson "Alberg 35" Yachts

See if you can grab this site.. it has a link to Teddy Seamore, a black sailor that did it solo long ago.
Also have a friend named Case that did it in a 32'

I have a 35 Ericson Alberg set up to do that for sale... Fuskieman@aol.com

[Zach]

Good points. I will keep that in mind for the future.

[Jack Tar]

Be aware they have several old boat problems. Get a good survey. Try to find one with a keel steped mast and upgraded engine & systems.

[islandplanet]

Originally Posted by Jack Tar

Be aware they have several old boat problems. Get a good survey. Try to find one with a keel steped mast and upgraded engine & systems.

Upgraded engine (diesel) and upgraded systems mean a lot.
Deck stepped and keel stepped masts both have their advantages and disadvantages. I wouldn't make either a hard and fast criteria.

The best advice I can offer is every boat is a compromise of one sort or another. Same for construction. Internal versus external ballast.

For cruisers on a budget some of things to be looking at are overalll seaworthiness, reliability, simplicity, and ease of repair.

[unbusted67]

Kind of remind me of Allied Luders. Old thick skinned FG boats, full keel, classic lines, any other similarities?

[Blackbeard]

Unbusted67,
I think the similarities lie in the hull shape, narrow beam, large overhangs, wide side decks and the keel hung rudder that makes all these boats classics and really good safe performers in heavy weather.
If I remember correctly the Allied Luders is a 33 and very similar to the Sea Sprite 34, both Luders. Wasn't the Allied Luders the "Dove" sailed around the world by the kid that was the youngest sailor to circumnavigate. Think so.
Originally, I started looking for a smaller boat such as the Alberg 30 or one of the Pearsons, Vanguard or Trident. I could not pass up the deal I got on my Alberg 37 and it was less than some 35s that were out there and as much as some 30s.
I think the thing with these boats is to take your time, do the survey and do a sea trial. I would be concerned about deck stepped mast in that I would closely take a look at the beam below the step, specially if there is no compression post. You might have to replace it or reinforce it as their great stress and many forces on that beam and these are simply not new boats.
I can understand GordMay's entry here as my Alberg 37 probably has as much room as his C&C 29 but there is a trade.
Finally, I was at Strictly Sail Chicago last weekend where I happened to attend a Seminar given by John Kretshmer, writer for Sailing, Cruising World and Author of various books. The Seminar was entitled something like "Ten Great and Affordables Boats to Sail Around the World." Number two on the list was the Alberg 37. He also has a book out which goes into the characteristics of a good blue water boat.
Anyway that is that,
Jose

[Benny]

The sailor that circumnavigated in the Alberg 30 was French or French Canadian, I believe, and she capsized once that I am aware of. The boat faired OK with only cosmetic hull damage - can't remember about rigging or hatches etc. Almost bought one years ago but went with a steel 30 footer because at the time I wanted to 'sail away' to wherever the wind blew. In any nevent the Albergs are proven designs and most built well. IMHO.

[captqrunch]

Originally Posted by Blackbeard

Unbusted67,

Wasn't the Allied Luders the "Dove" sailed around the world by the kid that was the youngest sailor to circumnavigate. Think so.
Jose

Robin Lee Graham was the sailor's name. He started out on a L-24 (designed by William Lapworth), but it had to be replaced due to structural deterioration about three-quarters of the way around. Graham switched to the Allied 33 ("Return of Dove") in the Caribbean to finish his circumnavigation.