Just bought Albin Vega but worried.

[streamfisherman100]

I am buying my first sailboat a 27' Albin Vega. My main concern was
the deck stepped mast as I have heard of problems with this model
boat and the mast step. This boat in specific has a small 2" long
hairline crack from the bottom of the mast to the flat part of the
deck (the fiberglass is raised about 2" where the mast enters). It
also has a 4" long crack wide enough to wedge the edge of a quarter
into at the aft side of the V-berth top ventilation hatch. I believe
this is where a wooden support beam runs to from the mast. Last
night I slept on the boat(still on the hard at the marina) and it
rained. Upon waking I found a slight puddle coming from underneath
the area where the mast is stepped(at the wooden frame between the v-
berth and saloon). When I expressed my concerns to the surveyor a
week ago he inspected the hull around the pressure areas from the
mast, the small cracks in specific and very firmly told me that that
was not something to worry about, didn't compromise the stucture of
the boat and that I should simply grind out a little V in the crack
with a tool and fill it if the appearance bothered me. He did not
know the water was leaking but the rubber seals look aged at the mast
step and that could possibly be the leaking problem as it was simply
a drop every 20 seconds or so. Sorry for the long paragraph but I am
fresh out of college and this is my first sailboat and the surveyor's
total lack of concern scares me.

 

[stevebirch2002]

The water seeps down the mast, dont worry. Well known with the Vega

Cheers

Steve B

 

[frankdeba27]

Dear Stream,
You are fortunate to have bought an Albin Vega for your first boat. Make sure if you ever buy another boat that you sail it first. Many other boats could be a dissappointment under sail compared to a Vega
The mast step crack and the leakage are small problems and are easily fixed. As you get to know your boat you will realize what a wise decision it was to purchase it.
Good luck,
Frank & Tena DeBaggis, Vega 2141, Carpe Diem

 

[groundhogyh]

Did he use a moisture meter on the deck? around the cracks? To see if the deck has water in it.

Not sure if this will address the problem, but there is a metal plate that can be installed in the support structure in the roof of the cabin under the mast that strengthens the original design. I think there are several sources for this plate(s). I may have a website if you become interested in this.

roy

 

[wxt8981]

Hi.)
my 10 cents worth to the subject of heavy weather sailing.
I was once caught in my Vega in a gail, according to the
Coast Guard waves 18 feet and wind around 45 kts.It was a
matter of survival! I sailed with the storm jib and had the
engine running and came through that ordeal. The breaking
sea filled the cock-pit quite a few times, but I was never
worried, though very concerned. The Vega is a sturdy boat,
wouldn't change her for another make.
Wilhelm, V-257

 

[btfag0s]

When I bought Vega 752 20 years ago the mast had a vertical crack nearly an
inch long from the base. The surveyor's recommendation was to fit a collar
at an exorbitant fee which I used to reduce the price of the boat, however I
ended up cutting an inch off the bottom of the mast with a hacksaw and
stepping it on a piece of hardwood to make up for the deficiency. I've
replaced the wood a couple of times over the years, but the mast still shows
no sign of a problem. If your crack is very long, then drilling a small hole
at the end should stop it from spreading further.

I've only encountered water coming through the mast a couple of times, and
thus far have always been able to stop it. There is a flange in the mast
step that sits inside the mast, so the only way the water can arrive inside
the boat is if it runs down the inside (usually on the wiring) - just ensure
that water takes a path that leads it outside the flange (for example make a
loop in any wires, or stuff a bag or polystyrene cup up the hole to force
the wiring against the mast [OK, it makes a slapping noise, but that's
another thread]). I don't have rubber seals at the mast step, so your
configuration may be a little different.

I would be reassured by your surveyor's lack of concern!Alisdair