Im considering one of these. Ive heard that they are on the fragile side. Some pros and cons would be appreciated
Alerion Express 28
- Thread starter bffatcat
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Fragile? How? They are fast, beautiful and quite well built. The hulls are I believe laid up by TPI and are resin infused.
We have about 5 in our local fleet. Putting aside the cost and value issues since those are subjective, it is a good boat. Fragile? It's not a "Blue Water" boat by any means but as MS pointed out it is TPI built and not in any way weak.
We have very good competition among the "One design" Alerions, especially for those sailors who are of the vintage where smart sailing wins over edge of control sailing. In other words, for the fifty and above set, the physical demands are light.
I've seen a couple sailing the boat in 25 kts., while I'd doused the sails in my 356. They were having a great time - in foulies. It can be a wet boat.
As for accomodations, there isn't a bunk I could sleep on.
If you want a daysailor that is physically undemanding, and can sail easily in a wide variety of conditions, is easy to single or double hand, and is easy on the eyes, has a diesel engine, it should be considered.
A good value? That's up to the buyer. I think they hold up pretty well on the used market but you would need to consult a broker for that info.
We have very good competition among the "One design" Alerions, especially for those sailors who are of the vintage where smart sailing wins over edge of control sailing. In other words, for the fifty and above set, the physical demands are light.
I've seen a couple sailing the boat in 25 kts., while I'd doused the sails in my 356. They were having a great time - in foulies. It can be a wet boat.
As for accomodations, there isn't a bunk I could sleep on.
If you want a daysailor that is physically undemanding, and can sail easily in a wide variety of conditions, is easy to single or double hand, and is easy on the eyes, has a diesel engine, it should be considered.
A good value? That's up to the buyer. I think they hold up pretty well on the used market but you would need to consult a broker for that info.
Yes the Alerion is a nice boat, I was aboard one at the Seattle boat show and it appeared to be substantially built even if it was a bit pricey. You cannot stand up in it though as there is not much room below, mostly crouched or sitting. At 28' I would expect more room below but it is intended as a daysailer.
I've sailed on an Alerion 28 and they seem to be well-built and very stable and capabable sailboats. I love the way they look and perform, although I'm not keen on the boomed jib, yet it does make tacking a breeze (smile). However, these are big cockpit/small interior boats that are really pricey daysailors. If they fit your budget and appeal to your eye, go for it.
They are one of the first boats targeted for that day sailing market. They hit a home run in style, construction and ease of handling. They are tougher than needed and return the investment required to purchase if you treat them with care and respect.
As Maine Sail would say "What's not to like?"
Ray
As Maine Sail would say "What's not to like?"
Ray
I believe Alerions are "executive" sailboats - designed to be sharp, well-performing, easy to single-hand boats for the busy senior exec wanting to maximise their on-water time. (long lunch, after work... anytime your peers are playing 9 holes)
If the price of an Alerion concerns you at all, you're probably not in the target demographic.
I will certainly not be buying one, but I sure wouldn't turn down a chance to helm one.
And yes they're very pretty.
If the price of an Alerion concerns you at all, you're probably not in the target demographic.
I will certainly not be buying one, but I sure wouldn't turn down a chance to helm one.
And yes they're very pretty.
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