Albins with outboards

reefmagnet · Jun 25, 2001

In 1998 I paid $9500 in Maine for a 1971 Vega in very good condition,
Westerbeke 12B diesel with150 hours, radar, stereo, interior lined with
hardwood strips painted white, wood stove on the bulkhead, good sail suite
including fully battened main, and trailer (and I love my boat. . . )

Journeyman # 1167.

reefmagnet · Jun 25, 2001

In 1998 I paid $9500 in Maine for a 1971 Vega in very good condition,
Westerbeke 12B diesel with150 hours, radar, Maxprop, Tillermaster, stereo,
interior lined with hardwood strips painted white, wood stove on the
bulkhead, good sail suite including fully battened main, and trailer (and I
love my boat . . . )

Journeyman # 1167.

reefmagnet · Jun 25, 2001

I paid $5200 for my Vega #2947 in 1997. I repowered with a Yanmar 2GM20 for
$10000, which includes the installation at the yard. I also rewired the
boat, which I didn't keep tabs on how much that cost, but I'd say around
$500. New running rigging cost me about $1500. Some of which I did myself.
But the yard installed the lazy jacks and jiffy reefing, and lead my control
lines into the cockpit. It was worth it because I don't like drilling holes
in my boat. I let the yard do it; if they screw up, they fix it.

I love my Vega. She's very everything: easy to sail by myself, fast
(enough); and I love sailing her, simple and inexpensive (sort of; it's all
a matter of perspective) to maintain. Before I bought my Vega, I didn't
realize what they were about. But since I've owned her, I get a lot of: "Is
that a Vega" and even some envious looks: "Nice boat, looks like a real
offshore boat." So it all comes back in the long run.

It's been worth the effort and the cash.

Steve DeMont
"Erendira"
Vega #2947

reefmagnet · Jun 25, 2001

Andrew Burcham andrewburcham@... writes:

| Hello all,
|
|
| Have any of you repowered your Vegas? How much did it cost you?
| This boat would need the works: engine, transmission, shaft, prop,
| and probably a tank.

I have a 1974 model Vega. Paid. USD 9000 in 97. Since then I have
probably spent something like USD 10.000-15.000 on her

-epirb,raft,survial-suits,radar,monitor-selfsteering,ham-radio, sails
etc. Probably not the stuff you need if you dont have any plans on
sailing to Greenland.

And yes. Vega is probably one of the best small blue-water cruisers
you could find in this price-range.

--
/Jonny
Opera Software
phone:+47-24164370 fax:+47-24164002

reefmagnet · Jun 26, 2001

Andrew, the boat is worth the money. Our boats sell for a lot less than they
are worth. Repowering is not cheap. We did it with a Yanmar for around
$6000. But we had a friend machine the shaft for a case of beer. and did the
rest of the work ourselves. Steves statement was realistic. I knew the yard
where they did his work and they had a good rep. I think I'd go with a Beta
if I was going to do it again. The Yanmar 2GM wasn't as fuel efficient as
I'd hoped and is bigger than we need for our boats.
If you are interested here's the address for a lady I've been mailing
recently. She has a low hours Albin gas engine in her Vega and is asking
$7500. You may have to pull it to where you are but it is on a trailer.
Diane at zacok@... . Good luck. Walt (Lyric #120)

reefmagnet · Jun 26, 2001

Hi Andrew,

Although I'm very happy with my Yanmar, if I knew about the Beta motor, I
probably would've went with that as well. Its size would have been more
compatible with the Vega's engine compartment. Also, I think that using a
standard stuffing box, prop shaft, and prop are options well worth
considering in regards to maintenance.

I agree with Walt, too, about the cost of a Vega. These boats are solid,
easy to sail, will go anywhere, and are not very expensive to maintain. Keep
your systems simple (KYSS).

Steve

reefmagnet · Jun 26, 2001

Hello, Mort:

I live in Southeastern Connecticut.

Three years ago, I bought VESPER, #1868..... I paid $7500 for her. I am
the third owner, she having been built in March of 1973. She looks as if she
has been kept in a garage while not in use.

Also, I used to own LORELEI, #321. She has been laid-up in her poppets and
somewhat neglected for the past three-or four years near here. Before I sold
her, I paid over $1600.00 to rebuild the Atomic-4. I think she could be
bought for under $2000, and she has a fairly new FURLEX roller furling that I
installed.

This may give you some idea of what is available and what it may cost to
buy a VEGA. Good Luck..........

Ed Davis

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Thanks for all the response! Yesterday I had a more in-depth look at
the boat. I checked all the nooks and crannies, played with all the
toys. I'm still not sure as to pricing. It seems that Alot of you
have picked up solid Albins (with operational systems) in the $7500 -
$9000 range. I'm thinking of offering $5000 due to the lack of
engine, plumbing, or stove. Now, for my question:

The paint-job on the boat in question is riddled with hairline
cracks, over most of the topsides. Is it enough to sand down and
paint over these surfaces, or are other measures required?

Regards,
Andrew Burcham

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Sometimes crazing is just superficial gel coat damage, other times it
indicates that the structure itself was seriously stressed and damaged. No
way to tell without looking. I'd ask a surveyor experienced with glass or a
fiberglass expert to look.

Journeyman 1171.

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Hi Andrew,

Ask $5000. Not having an engine is a big deal. The seller might counter with
"Well, you can always get an outboard," but if you really want an inboard,
no matter how much it costs, it's gonna cost. Second, those hairline cracks
sound like spider cracks in the Gelcoat. When I hauled out my Vega last
month for a new bottom coat, I noticed a few spiders near the bow. The
worker at Svendsen's Boat Works in Alameda told me that he could fix that
area for about $1000.00. But, he also said that this was most likely a
cosmetic concern, and not "necessarily" a structural concern. He also added,
that if I were to re-gelcoat or paint the topsides later on, that if I
didn't properly take care of the spider cracks, no matter what I did, the
crack would return to haunt me.

Not having a stove or plumbing is not necessarily a big concern financially.
A two-burner Origo alchol stove is around $400.00, and easy to install. I'm
getting ready to install new plumbing from the water fill through the tank,
and out to the galley sink. I haven't priced that out yet.

With the work ahead of you, whether you're paying for it with cash or your
own time, should be factored into your offer. I don't think $5000 is
unreasonable for this boat. But be prepared to pour some cash and sweat into
it. Once you start sailing her, you won't be sorry.

I boat "Erendira" Vega #2947 in September '97, and didn't start sailing her
until September '99. Ask Walt and Judy, they'll tell you; they were there.
When I boat my Vega, she hadn't been sailed in nearly seven years. One of
the happiest days in my life was when I had the new engine installed, added
new running rigging, re-varnished the hand rails, bent on the old mainsail,
and took her out of the slip, out the channel in Redwood City, and sailied
her out past the San Mateo Bridge and back. To me, I'm 45, the whole
experience of refitting Erendira, and finally taking her out was a rite of
passage. Since then, I've moved her up to Alameda, spent a couple of
weekends in Angel Island, have anchored out at Clipper Cove in Treasure
Island, sailied to the City, and generally explored the Bay singlehanded.

Here's a piece of advice about buying a boat if you're a first-timer. Be
prepared. Have a plan. Realize that there's a big difference between the
romance of having a sailboat and the reality of owning a sailboat. It's good
that you're doing your research. I did. It took me three months of
researching the Vega before I made an offer. I don't regret having spent, or
still spending, the money or time getting her in the condition I want her.
It's all been worth it. My Vega might not be the prettiest, but I know it's
solid, safe, and very functional.

If you buy this Vega or any boat, make sure to get it surveyed. When you get
the surveyor's report, go down the list, and fix it all.

Steve

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Andrew, $5000 is a lot for the boat considering what she's missing. My guess
is that as well as engine and plumbing, she probably needs an electrical
overhaul and new batteries too. Don't forget to check the rig and sails.
They could be origional and if so, also need to be replaced. Sanding and
painting isn't enough. Dremel tool to open them up, epoxy paste to fair
them, then sand and paint. After that is done you'll develop new ones. The
factory put way to much gelcoat in the molds. Doesn't seem to cause much
more than cosmetic damage though. Do look at the joining of the deck to
cabin. I've seen blistering develop there and if so it will need to be
lightly ground out and faired with a paste. Check the rivets on the mast
track and if the boat has one, the gooseneck track. Lyric's needed replacing
as many of them had corroded.
Does the head work and is there a holding tank? Is the boat in the water or
out? Hull blisters aren't much of a problem but when they developed on Lyric
the few that she had were right below the water line and on the side of the
boat that recieved the most sun. On the poasitive side the older Vegas had a
heavier mast support beam than the newer ones, sagging hasn't been a problem
on Lyric. I don't think that I'd pay more than $2000 and that might be too
much. A rule of thumb for boatwork is it will cost twice as much as you
think and take three times as long. Walt

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

I paid $1,500 for a Vega in similar condition of approximately the
same vintage last year. No motor, no sails, no electrical system,
woodwork damaged and some rudder delamination. It was on a mooring
which added some costs on my end to get it to a marina. I installed
an outboard and drove it away. I haven't really found any
insurmountable problems so far and it is very solid.

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Andrew, P.S. You need to check for delamination in the deck also. They are
foam cored which was pretty advanced for their time. Tap lightly on the deck
with a small block of wood. You are listening for changes in tone. Not much
of a change as the foam tends to deaden the sound. Soft spots can be felt by
pushing in on suspected areas. Another suspect area is around the base of
the mast. By the way the only other engine less Vega that I know of sold for
$750.00 but it was also missing the rudder. I think the fellow you're
dealing with isn't going to be very happy that you've contacted other owners
but it was a smart thing to do. Walt

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

I puchased Sid's Vega the Harbinger(#2225) last year
for $14,500. Which seems to be on the high end for a
vega. It was however in excellent condition with a
diesel inboard and very nice rigging. Before I bought
it I priced a number of other boats that needed work
and found it was cheaper to buy a boat in good shape
than to do alot of work to one in poor shape. Beware
of what you're getting into.

reefmagnet · Jun 27, 2001

Andrew:

That offer is more than fair. Gelcoat can be matched by Spectrum of Auburn WA if you want to go that route. We are very very fortunate to have few areas of topsides carzing and equally fortunate to have a skilled carftsman in this area helping us this week in eliminating what little carzing we have. Any blisters or delamination, I would not leave under any circumstances. As Walt said heavy gelcoat develops crazing, blisters are a whole other phenomenon and if untreated can lead to even moreexpensive problems. Ditto the head. A head and holding tank are not so difficult to work with and not that expensive. How about a Thetford that can be a portable with a flush and later plumbed to a holding tank for about $150 including tax and shipping from West - built-in tank holds over 6 gallons almos equal to a small holding tank. This head flushes and has integral hold down hardware. Think about kiss for know. Keep it simple etc...

Good luck.........
Jim

reefmagnet · Jun 28, 2001

Hello James:

Can you provide a little more information on the Thetford?

Thanks

reefmagnet · Jun 28, 2001

Brian,

Try this URL: http://www.thetford.com/thetford_home.cfm. I was visiting
their website yesterday. Looks like they have a good product.

Steve

reefmagnet · Jun 28, 2001

Hi All:

Re Portable Head: Have been looking for awhile for my daughter's boyfriend who has a smallish 24' sloop. In addition to the Thetford, there is a reasonable "self-contained" portable head made by Sealand "Sanipottie" is the Registered mark. Per West Marine Catalog p.527 OR 800-BOATING ITEM # 541094 SEALA#196502 is a head which "can be used as a portable or installed permanently" holds up to 5.2 gallons"can be easily plumbed to a seacock or holding tank"........price is 119.99 with stainless hold-down brackets included. This is the best deal I have seen to date am considering this one myself as well. This is a real nice price and allows for a number of options...........

Good luck...........
Jim

reefmagnet · Jun 28, 2001

Brian:

Assume you have seen Thetford link posted on group tonight and my other message earlier this evening on Sealand Sanipottie in West Catalog at p.527. This one Sanipottie is only $119 and can be plumbed to "seacock or holding tank." It holds 5.2 self-contained gallons and comes with stainless hold down brackets. This weekend West has a 10% off sale for the 4th on purchases over a certain amount. Believe this is only in stores and not online and purchases must total over $100 to get the discount. I am going shopping for a few items to round out the season. There is also a courtesy card which sends you a coupon for each $200 spent on line or off.

THis may be a sound ecological way to go portable when required and plumbed in where permitted.

Cheers.......Jim