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People, Boats, and Stories => Boat Discussion => Topic started by: Bill NH on November 20, 2007, 07:49:51 PM

Title: The Albin Vega 27
Post by: Bill NH on November 20, 2007, 07:49:51 PM
Well, I knew I wouldn't be boatless for long...  I went to a sealed bid sale of donated boats at Mass Maritime Academy this past weekend to look at a Rhodes Swiftsure 34 (which turned out to be much more of I project than I wanted to get into).  However, I ended up coming across a sweet Albin Vega 27, a  small but capable boat that I've admired for some time...  well, you all can probably guess what happened.

Much to my delight, I found out today that my bid won the boat!  ;D  She needs a bit of cleaning up and sorting out, but is incredibly solid with gel coat like a 10 year old boat (rather than 35).  Totally dry inside, and a bunch of relatively new sails too!  Looks like I know what I'll be up to this spring. 

I think tonight we'll head out for a pint to celebrate!

(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/CaptSail/Albin%20Vega/DSCN0895.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/CaptSail/Albin%20Vega/DSCN0894.jpg)
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: Captain Smollett on November 20, 2007, 08:08:31 PM
Congrats, Bill!!  She's a beaut.
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: AdriftAtSea on November 20, 2007, 08:10:01 PM
She looks like a keeper... I'd recommend that you visit the American Albin Vega site... http://americanvega.org/

Lots of good info there for you.
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: CapnK on November 20, 2007, 08:24:24 PM
Wow, Bill - Congrats!!! :)

There's a near-abandonded Vega here in Gtown, over by SMolletts boat. I've been wanting to check her out. SHe's stripped, but has sails and spars, and can be bought for $500 from what I hear. Haven't been up close to inspect, but that seems like a helluva bargain for a world cruise-capable boat!
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: Frank on November 20, 2007, 09:54:53 PM
They are a FINE and extremely capable boat! Fast too. lots of info out there if ya check.CONGRATS!! I just put a pic in my gallery of one (under voyager) that a young couple restored and outfitted for cruising doing all the work themselves.I met them in Hopetown Bahamas. VERY nice boat.
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: maxiSwede on November 21, 2007, 02:43:44 PM
Congrats!

She looks just fine.

Since this is a Swedish design, and I know that the owner¨s association here has a long and VERY good list of projects to do to prepare these boats for blue-water cruisng (they do in fact have a few weak points) jus let me know if I can help you with contacting them or translating from swedish to english for you.

Fair winds
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: Bill NH on November 23, 2007, 08:32:54 PM
Thanks for the offer!  I've been through both the UK and US Vega owners sites and have found much good information to start.  I've also found the Swedish Vega owners site at http://www.vegaklubben.se/, but as one would expect it's in Swedish...  If there is a list of projects and common upgrades posted on the site that you think would be helpful, a quick translation would be much appreciated!  Maybe now I'll have to start learning a bit of Swedish!

Tack så mycket!  ;)
Title: Re: New boat... an Albin Vega 27
Post by: maxiSwede on November 24, 2007, 06:38:11 AM
Bill,

I had a quick glance at Vegaklubbens website, and you have got to be a member to get access to all info on trimming and reinforcing the boat. (I know that the mast bulkhead (correct description?) needs to be reinforced) antd that some people reinforce the rigging and chainplates too.

I'd be happy to help you, but try sending an e-mail to Vegaklubbe first, they'll probably be very helpful too.

Lycka till med nya båten!  ;D
Title: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: dean on July 22, 2008, 09:26:56 PM
 Well I spent today removing the adhesive that held  my liner in the v berth and inspected the hull to deck joint.5/16 bolts every six inches look good but need to use a sealer on the joint and may glass tape the whole joint. Any suggestions on the best caulk or sealer?
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: Marc on July 22, 2008, 09:30:28 PM
3M 5200 I think would be the best.  Marc
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: dean on July 22, 2008, 09:38:43 PM
Thank you
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: s/v Faith on July 22, 2008, 09:39:09 PM
If you are caulking it, and looking for some adhesive some will recommend 3M 5200.  I would not.  5200 is good stuff, mainly polyurethane caulk and used by some boat builders to bond the hull to deck joint even without the bolts your boat has.

 PL construction adhesive, sold at Home Depot, and most other box type stores is polyurethane caulk that stays a little more pliable, bonds like 5200 but best of all, it costs less then $6 a tube (compared to ~$20 for 5200).

 It comes in a couple colors, and there are bunches of 'types'.  I like the one that simply says "PL Polyurethane® Window, Door & Siding Sealant ."   (http://www.stickwithpl.com/Products.aspx?ID=Polyurethane-Window-Door-Siding-Sealant)

 (http://www.stickwithpl.com/upload/Window%20Door%20L.gif)

I learned about this stuff from a shipwright who has worked on boats for quite a while... he swears by it, and I have used it with great results myself.
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: s/v Faith on July 22, 2008, 09:46:00 PM
Wow, two replies while I was typing that post!

  I almost forgot... tabbing the joint from the inside would also be a good idea... may be overkill, but if you are taking a beating somewhere on a dark and stormy night it might make you feel better.

  Oh yea... and I would absolutely not use silicone.  Here is a link to Silicone Don't use it and why. in Tips & Techniques (http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=85.0) It is only for use on crappy boats that will represent no loss to the world when they wind up in a landfill.  Your boat most definitely does not fit in that catagory....  ;D
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: Tim on July 22, 2008, 11:00:45 PM
Quote from: s/v Faith on July 22, 2008, 09:46:00 PM


  Oh yea... and I would absolutely not use silicone.  Here is a link to Silicone Don't use it and why. in Tips & Techniques (http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=85.0) It is only for use on crappy boats that will represent no loss to the world when they wind up in a landfill.  Your boat most definitely does not fit in that catagory....  ;D

I highly recommend silicone for Jet Skis, particularly on and around the seat :)

Seriously though, I have used quite a bit of PL construction adhesive for putting down subfloors and would not recommend it except when a very permanent non-flexible bond is desired. On the other hand the Poly window and siding sealant is a tough waterproof flexible adhesive that I can see why would be perfect for semi-permanent use.
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: bobnlesley on July 23, 2008, 07:05:22 AM
...looks good but need to use a sealer on the joint...

Why?

If it doesn't leak, then it doesn't need an extra bead of sealant on the inside face and if it does leak, then a bead of sealant on the inside face won't provide a permanent solution
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: AdriftAtSea on July 23, 2008, 07:25:26 AM
If you have access to the interior side of the hull-deck join, glassing over it is a great way to help strengthen it.  The polyurethane window adhesive mentioned above is probably a much better choice than 5200, both in terms of cost and performance. 

Another possible choice for sealants would be a butyl rubber compound, but this would only really make sense if you were taking the hull deck join apart and rebedding it completely. This would only be  a good choice if you're planning on glassing the whole joint after cleaning it and re-bedding it, and need/want a sealer.  However, it has relatively low adhesive strength.
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: dean on July 23, 2008, 10:12:47 AM
Bob, I have deck leaks somewhere as I had water damage while on the hard so I want to seal everything that I can that is out of sight before I tab the joint. i am going to address all the Vegas weak points  while I have access.
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: skylark on July 23, 2008, 08:45:09 PM
Butyl rubber tape has very little adhesive strength, it is not appropriate for a hull to deck joint.

I have used PL Concrete and Masonry Sealer product in a number of boatbuilding projects and would use it in a hull to deck joint.
Title: Re: Albin Vega deck joint
Post by: dean on July 23, 2008, 10:46:40 PM
I sat in the boat today during a intense rain storm and found my two leaks,A broken solar fan and a dorade vent cap. Everything else looked good. I am still going to seal and tab the joint while I have it exposed and I have the time. I am sure there will be dark and stormy nights in my future,although I look forward to warm water ,sunshine and a warm first mate.
Title: 1974 Albin Marne AB Albin Vega 27' Sailboat - CA
Post by: Shawn T W. on August 26, 2008, 11:46:19 AM
Just thought if anybody was in the area . . . Berkley . . . this is cheap! No reserve on ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Boats_Sailboats__1974-Albin-Marne-AB-Albin-Vega-27-Sailboat-CA_W0QQitemZ360082287856QQddnZBoatsQQadnZSailboatsQQddiZ2831QQadiZ2794QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item360082287856&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1308&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Boats_Sailboats__1974-Albin-Marne-AB-Albin-Vega-27-Sailboat-CA_W0QQitemZ360082287856QQddnZBoatsQQadnZSailboatsQQddiZ2831QQadiZ2794QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item360082287856&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1308&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245)

No motor (but has transmission) and no trailer, look nice in pics. Click on the "more pic" link and see the write up from the owner.

I'm not ready for that big of a boat yet, if it was 10 shorter . . .

Shawn
Title: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 20, 2008, 09:18:56 PM
Hey guys, after long searching I think I have finally found my dream. A (late) 1967 Albin Vega 27. Im going to look at her tomorrow. The price is unbelievable. Shes currently in her slip, bone dry, and interior has been huled out and cleaned/replumbed 2 years ago. Bottom scrubbed last year, but will need a haul out (winter project). All rigging in tact. Sails are quite a few years old (will replace, again, over winter). The original engine was pulled and glassed over.

So, here are my questions.

1) what should I look for with the survayor tomorrow?
2) without the desiel should I ask a lower price?
3) with this boat should I be worried that the price is so low (granted IKE did a number on the surrounding marina and the current owner is on a deadline for a move so is really trying to sell it)?

Thanks!

Nowell
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: CharlieJ on October 20, 2008, 09:47:01 PM
Which marina is she in Nowell?
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 20, 2008, 10:03:52 PM
"The Landings" I think. Owner said hes paid up for a year in advance, but that the marina hasn't been reopend since IKE. Said a few people have already decided to just move out. Eventually, providing she meets the requirements tomorrow, I would like to live aboard since I work in Downtown Houston.
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: Frank on October 20, 2008, 10:16:08 PM
Nice boats.Faster than you'd think.I ran into a great young couple in Hope Town Bahamas that had restored this one and were off on an open ended cruise. I think Norm later ran into them further down the Caribean
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: maxiSwede on October 21, 2008, 01:53:48 PM
Vegas sell here in their 'native' country for anything between 6 and 11 thousand USD. That said I guess (older)boats are generally selling at lower prices in the US.

Without engine obviously on the cheap side.

Things to watch (well known weak spots) Mast support definetely needs work if one consider a Vega for blue water cruising. Chain plates and the gasoline inboards they originally came with. Many have onecylinder diesels since then though.

The Vegas were a quite cheaply boat built  in large numbers in the late 60s and 70s but as we all know a few of them have covered some remarkable distances.

Good luck with it!
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 21, 2008, 02:07:27 PM
Quote from: maxiSwede on October 21, 2008, 01:53:48 PM
Vegas sell here in their 'native' country for anything between 6 and 11 thousand USD. That said I guess (older)boats are generally selling at lower prices in the US.

Without engine obviously on the cheap side.

Things to watch (well known weak spots) Mast support definetely needs work if one consider a Vega for blue water cruising. Chain plates and the gasoline inboards they originally came with. Many have onecylinder diesels since then though.

The Vegas were a quite cheaply boat built  in large numbers in the late 60s and 70s but as we all know a few of them have covered some remarkable distances.

Good luck with it!

Thanks Swede. 2 more hours before my viewing appointment and very excited. Im happy without the diesel. If it works out, im thinking more batteries, and an electric drive anyway. My only concern is price. Its well below what you quoted, but I had an hour long conversation with the owner, and it sounds like he knows what hes giving up, but is in a bind and really has no choice. Ahh well!
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 21, 2008, 09:24:48 PM
Well im am now the proud, and 3rd owner of the 1967 hull #176, Albin Vega "Aquila". She sailed the great lakes until being moved to the Gulf. Now she will be moving from the Galveston Island to Kemah sometime next week. Pics will be posted at that time! Thanks all!
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: roybaots on October 21, 2008, 09:30:45 PM
Congats. im sure youll love it
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: Frank on October 21, 2008, 09:32:09 PM
Good for ya....good for your boat!! They need 'love' too  ;D
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: dnice on October 21, 2008, 10:02:54 PM
today must be a good day for vegas. I got the book "Berserk" in the mail this morning, and have been hooked on it all day.
If you haven't heard of it you may want to check it out.

Congrats on the boat, i'm sure she'll treat you well :)
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: TJim on October 22, 2008, 04:02:16 AM
Congratulations Nowell, It always gives me a good feeling when I see someone come up with a really
"good old boat" instead of the junk most of them buy.  Take care of her and she'll take care of you...TJ
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: Karletto on October 22, 2008, 04:23:21 AM
calm seas
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: AdriftAtSea on October 22, 2008, 06:44:21 AM
Congratulations.  Did you get a survey on the boat??  Can you post some photos of her.
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 22, 2008, 07:33:26 AM
Quote from: AdriftAtSea on October 22, 2008, 06:44:21 AM
Congratulations.  Did you get a survey on the boat??  Can you post some photos of her.

Photos will be coming next week. I had a C&V done, but the haul out survey will be sometime next week. Shes in a demolished marina in Galveston, and has to be moved rather quickly. I had a C&V done just so I could get her out. Overall it came out "acceptable" but I know there is much work to do. Thats what this winter will be fore, with the hopes of moving aboard in March when my lease is up. As previously stated, the owner and I had talked for several hours a few times over the last week. Being a big AV fan, and knowing the bind hes in, lets just say people have spent more on TV's than the price I got this boat for. I don't want the vultures to get her when they demo the marina.

She will be moving under her own power most likely to a temporary slip in Galveston before I can get her put on the hard in Kemah. Will keep this thread updated as I go with pictures and reports!
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: jotruk on October 22, 2008, 02:08:51 PM
congratulations hope you have a long and happy affair with your now boat
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: roybaots on October 22, 2008, 08:46:08 PM
Im looking forward to how she sails report. You are going to be very suprised.  Stable, solid, forgiving, motion is very nice, pionts well, takes weather, single hands. but make mistake she will go. fast to windward and tacks like a dream. youre going to be really impressed. ;)
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: maxiSwede on October 23, 2008, 12:13:11 PM
Congrats and Fair winds!

...and please keep us updated
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on October 28, 2008, 09:03:22 PM
Well like I said, 3rd owner, and until 2003 shes been in fresh water. I even have the original sales brocure and the original engine manual! All kinds of good stuff in here. Anyway, without further adeu, I present you with Aquila!

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0041.jpg)

and

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0042.jpg)

Also, just so you guys can get a feel of what its still like down in Galveston, here are a few pictures of the marina that im moving her out of!

A real beauty, and a real shame:
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0039.jpg)
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0038.jpg)

Ferro, HAHA!
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0040.jpg)

This old timer was IN the boat during Ike, he said the boat lifted up out of the water and smashed down on a pylon sinking her. He jumped in his dingy and the said he didn't hit the water until he cleared the marina! Crazy! She was a beautiful all wood Ketch, this is all thats left:
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0043.jpg)

And this was a huge ketch!
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0044.jpg)
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: AdriftAtSea on October 28, 2008, 10:00:12 PM
Nowell—

Congratulations...she's beautiful... :)
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: Oldrig on October 29, 2008, 09:26:19 PM
Let me join the others in congratulating you, Nowell. The Albin Vega is one tough little boat.

Just look at the thread entitled "Berserk" on this board. And read the book.

It's a great read--only:

Don't try this at home!

--Joe
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: nowell on November 02, 2008, 12:36:36 AM
Well, I just want to keep adding to this thread since it will be my all encompasing build/rebuild thread.

Anyway, as a few of you knew, I was moving Aquila out of her wrecked marina in Galveston (see pics above). Moved down towards freeport. 36.5 nm, 9 hours (mostly motoring in the ICW).

Word of warning, the ICW is bad. Most of the channel markers are gone, and I must have found about 3 or 4 sand bars where there were channel markers!!

Be very careful for awhile if you travel this!!

Anyway, nothing exciting to report, a good sunburn, and got a quick pic. Winds were crappy all morning, and picked up to around 6 knots in the afternoon (towards the end of my run, but really helped!!)

She felt great, and you could tell she wanted to run more. Had to keep her in line as the sails were showing their wear, and the barge traffic was busy.

Anyway, her new home is Freeport, so I will be sailing out of there quite a bit. After this winter's work. Hope to see some of you around. Maybe ill slip down to Charlie's way next summer!

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/nowell350z/IMAG0046.jpg)
Title: Re: Albin Vega 27
Post by: David_Old_Jersey on November 02, 2008, 05:28:37 AM
Quote from: nowell on November 02, 2008, 12:36:36 AM
Well, I just want to keep adding to this thread since it will be my all encompasing build/rebuild thread.

Please do. Might inspire me to get off me backside  ;D
Title: Re: The Albin Vega 27
Post by: s/v Faith on December 01, 2008, 05:44:51 PM
I saw this add on SSCA.org, and thought I would share it here. 

  Kinda says something about the AV27 as a SailFar boat;

Quote27' AlbinVega for sale. Currently in Fiji. $13,900 or trade
The Albin Vega is a tough, capable offshore cruiser. Built in Sweden, it is one of the strongest 27 foot sailboats ever built. "ISIS" sailed from Newport, OR to SF to Hawaii to the South Pacific. With her 3'10" draft it is a perfect boat for the S. Pacific. Check out the blog for photos and postings.
www.sailblogs.com/member/littleisis/
For spec list: Highlight this drop.io site, copy and paste on to Google: drop.io/albinvegaisis/media

"ISIS" is set up for blue water cruising: Yanmar engine (new in 2001), Gori
folding prop, cutter rig with removable inner forestay, Fleming wind
vane, Auto Helm tiller pilot, hard dodger, 4 man Viking Life raft in
valise (new 2007), new Vega aluminum windows (2006), Garmin 162 GPS,
everything ready for your SSB with ground plates, wiring and Galaxy
whip antenna, Sails and upgraded rigging 2001, Refit in 2007. New portable Yamaha generator, heavy duty ground tackle and more.
Call or email for details.
(541) 633-7230, (503) 593-1380, ptresness@hotmail.com