First Look At an Alberg 30

[Captain Smollett]

Becky is mildly interested in taking a look at that A30 we discussed on the chat - not to buy at this point, but to see.  Would it be possible to arrange for a 'visit' with the owner?

Scheduling for us will be an issue.  We won't be able to do it for at least 3-4 weeks, but if he is amenable, I will let you know some possible dates we can come.  I'm thinking there are not that many this close, and would hate to miss the opportunity to see it and show it to her, so these pictures and descriptions seem a little more 'real.'

[s/v Faith]

I will get in touch with the owner, he lives a couple hunderd mniles away, but I have access to the boat.  When do you want... never mind just PM me whenever you want to come out, it would be great to take you guys out sailing.

[Captain Smollett]

Yesterday, we took our first look at an Alberg 30 for sale.  There was a lot of things to come from this look.

Most importantly was the discussion that followed regarding our long-term (and not-so-long-term) plans.  Was cruising and/or coast hopping in our future, or was this something that was vaporware for us?  We solidified our plans and they do include a boat.

We reallyliked the Alberg 30 as a boat;  the particular boat did not jump and grab us like "we HAVE to have THIS one, though. we made an offer that was rejected by the owner.  However, we decided after talking some more that this is okay.  We offered an amount we could pay RIGHT NOW and the boat does need some work.  But what really came from this is an interest in the boat by my wife, and last night she spent about 2 hours on the Internet looking for other Alberg 30's for sale.

My problem was I feared I was looking too much out of 'buyer's eyes" and without a critical enough view.  I knew I liked the boat design itself and was crossing over that line of seeing the things I liked rather than the things that needed fixing/changing.  The work she requires is not extensive (except for perhaps a re-power), but it all adds up.  Also, last night, I came to remember the buyer's warning of "don't jump into the first boat you look at."

Perhaps as we look and shop a little more, we can save a little more money so our "cash right now" price is a bit higher.  We'll see.  In any case, having broached the subject of "do we REALLY want a livable boat, do we REALLY want to structure our lives around a cruising future" was something we've been avoiding.  That issue is pretty settled, now (specifics are still nebulous).

[Amgine]

::grin::

That decision is really important, but realise that nothing is set in stone and your attitudes will fluctuate over time - even after you've thrown off the bow lines and are out cruising!

One item you might want to think about is the galley, which is, imltho, not suited for full-time liveaboard without a real stove arrangement.

Amgine

[AdriftAtSea]

The Alberg 30 is one of my favorite boats...  There are a couple of blogs by families that are living aboard them, one is located here.  The other couple was living aboard a boat called Rubicon, but have since gone and gotten a larger boat. I think that it is one of the more affordable boats for cruising, as well as one of the prettier boats. 

There are a fair number of them on the market at any given time, so I think you can afford to be fairly choosy about what you want in the boat you buy. 

[Captain Smollett]

Well, some interesting developments this week.  The owner countered our offer and we accepted.  I guess we are in the middle game of buying an A-30.

I'm kinda stunned.  (In a good way).   :)

[CapnK]

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) :D :D :D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Congrats bud!

[Frank]

Who is this 'Alberg guy' ???? ;D     CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the boat. I have a video of the fellow that developed 'cape horn selfsteering' as he tested it sailing around the world.Actually...some of the best 'real' type offshore footage around. He won a 'film award' with it.Happy to mail it to ya when I get back...or PM me with name/address etc and I'll have Judy mail it to ya. You'll feel great about your choice. PS..I feel great about your choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's got it all in many ways...relatively shallow draft,good motion,fairly fast,great tracking and proper berths for offshore. You WILL love it!!

[Frank]

Capt S...you will find this link interesting    http://www.thesailingchannel.com/a-30_refit/a30_prodstills_slideshow.htm

[Captain Smollett]

A couple of pics:

In her present slip:



And the v-berth:

[Zen]

I see some good cruising in your future  8)

[AdriftAtSea]

Have you gotten the survey results back yet????

[Captain Smollett]

What survey?

[David_Old_Jersey]

A couple of pics:

Hi,

Wots the white object on the R/h side of the 2nd pic?.......yes. I am very nosey!

[Captain Smollett]

Hi,

Wots the white object on the R/h side of the 2nd pic?.......yes. I am very nosey!

That's a small air conditioning unit - it is not 'shipped' in the pic, just lying in the V-Berth.

[Frank]

AHhhh...proper bridge deck, straight drop boards and the 'wood interior' before they went fiberglass pan later in the run....ya did good!

[s/v Faith]

 ;D

  Gald it worked out John, just let me know if you need anything.

[Captain Smollett]

  Gald it worked out John, just let me know if you need anything.

Thanks.  And thanks again for the heads up that she was coming for sale.

Barrel of Grog for Faith!!!   ;D ;D ;D

(btw, did you get the pic I emailed?)

[s/v Faith]

  Gald it worked out John, just let me know if you need anything.

Thanks.  And thanks again for the heads up that she was coming for sale.

Barrel of Grog for Faith!!!   ;D ;D ;D

(btw, did you get the pic I emailed?)

  Yup, I got it, thanks.

[Ol' Coot]

Cool!!!  No point in messing around with three-foot-itis when you can jump 12 feet in one shot!!!  Congrats on moving to the "maxi-boat" class!!!