Im interested in an Alerion Express 28 comments, plus and minuses from any owners or sailors familiar with this boat would be appreciated.
Looking for comments on Alerion Express 28
- Thread starter bffatcat
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bffatcat...
Google the Alerion Owners group on the web. Several members were extremely helpful in solving a rigging problem for me for my dock neighbor's A-28. It's one sweet boat!
Google the Alerion Owners group on the web. Several members were extremely helpful in solving a rigging problem for me for my dock neighbor's A-28. It's one sweet boat!
Highs:
Very nice, and fast sailing, classic looking boats but built light and for a better turn of speed than the older ones she is supposed to look like. They have a hoyt jib boom so tacking is very, very simple. They are also rather well built and executed.
Lows:
No standing head room, VERY expensive for what you get, this is daysailor but one that will usually need yard storage due to the fin keel. Came in both standard shaft and sail drive. I personally would want the traditional shaft model. No life lines for safety..
I really like them but for the price you can buy a LOT more boat. Even used ones from the mid 90's are still asking 55-60k+ on the low end of pricing..
Very nice, and fast sailing, classic looking boats but built light and for a better turn of speed than the older ones she is supposed to look like. They have a hoyt jib boom so tacking is very, very simple. They are also rather well built and executed.
Lows:
No standing head room, VERY expensive for what you get, this is daysailor but one that will usually need yard storage due to the fin keel. Came in both standard shaft and sail drive. I personally would want the traditional shaft model. No life lines for safety..
I really like them but for the price you can buy a LOT more boat. Even used ones from the mid 90's are still asking 55-60k+ on the low end of pricing..
b cat
Maine Sail's comments are on target.
We have a 2001, hull #158, standard shaft drive, regular draft.
Most of my criticism of the boat has to do with extremely poor planning regarding drainage:
The water in the bilge cannot completely run to the sump area where the pump is as the limber holes are too high.
One of the storage areas under the port side cabin settee has no limber holes at all!
The side-deck drain runs are uphill.
Water behind the cockpit seats, under the side decks, runs forward and has no place to go.
ALL OF THIS IS FORGIVEN ONCE SHE'S UNDER SAIL!!!
99% of my sailing is done single-handed and sailing Pretty Lady is a pure pleasure!!!
As the wind speed approaches 20kts and the "Oneida Lake Chop" builds, it does get very wet. Our boat has no dodger and I would not consider putting one on.
Our boat also does not have the Hoyt Jib Boom Extender/Preventer. In my opinion, it should have been standard equipment, as the boom will not stay wung out in winds under 10kts. I may have one installed next year.
I've seen the boat with lifelines and I think they detract from the boat's great looks. With all lines running to the cockpit and the lazy jacks, there's really no need to go out on deck.
You may PM me if you have questions.
Paul
Maine Sail's comments are on target.
We have a 2001, hull #158, standard shaft drive, regular draft.
Most of my criticism of the boat has to do with extremely poor planning regarding drainage:
The water in the bilge cannot completely run to the sump area where the pump is as the limber holes are too high.
One of the storage areas under the port side cabin settee has no limber holes at all!
The side-deck drain runs are uphill.
Water behind the cockpit seats, under the side decks, runs forward and has no place to go.
ALL OF THIS IS FORGIVEN ONCE SHE'S UNDER SAIL!!!
99% of my sailing is done single-handed and sailing Pretty Lady is a pure pleasure!!!
As the wind speed approaches 20kts and the "Oneida Lake Chop" builds, it does get very wet. Our boat has no dodger and I would not consider putting one on.
Our boat also does not have the Hoyt Jib Boom Extender/Preventer. In my opinion, it should have been standard equipment, as the boom will not stay wung out in winds under 10kts. I may have one installed next year.
I've seen the boat with lifelines and I think they detract from the boat's great looks. With all lines running to the cockpit and the lazy jacks, there's really no need to go out on deck.
You may PM me if you have questions.
Paul
Random thought: I saw a Tartan-10 out singlehanding yesterday, just tooting around outside the harbor. He was under main only, but if he'd had a roller furler, I assume that would have been easy enough too. Oddly enough, for no real reason, my first thought when I saw it was, There's a 31-foot "day sailor," with room in the cockpit, plus good room below, and you can probably find one of these or any number of comparable boats used for 25% or 30% of the cost of a new 28 Alerion, even if you had to add some single-handing equipment. Funny to think that yesterday and see this post today. Which saills better? It's in the eye of the beholder, I'm sure, but I really have to question whether the Alerions, as wonderful as they are, really provide value for the money if daysailing is the goal.
Alerion owners aren't typically concerned about the 'value for money' part
I believe they are targeted at the successful executive who wants as much good sailing time as he can get, single-handed if necessary.I've heard that they are sweet, sweet sailing, and Paul R. seems to confirm that.
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