Scoop on Albin 26?

[Arnie Suigussaar]

I'm looking at an Albin 26, and have not had much luck finding info on the boat or the company on the Web. Is it the same company as makes the Albin Vega? Seems like an obvious answer, but most of my searches have only come up with a few boats for sale, mostly trawlers, nothing on the company.I'd like to know if these are well-regarded boats. Are they well made, do they sail well, etc. This one's a 76, and I've not had a look inside yet. Cockpit and saloon look roomy from a diagram of the boat, I just haven't found anything else.We're looking for a first family boat, daysailer with occasional overnighters. Mostly Lake Michigan sailing, accessed by Lake Macatawa in Holland. Boats which have looked attractive so far have been Catalina 27, Pearson 27 or 28, Hunter, or possibly C

 

[Roger]

Albin Vega data

Arnie,I did a search for myself for similar boats, and ended up getting a Catalina 27, and I had a great year sailing. I looked into Ericsons, Odays and Albin boats. I am not sure about the 26, but I saw several 27 foot Vegas. Here is some info I kept on the VegaDesigned in 1964 by Per Brohall, the Albin Vega was in production for a decade with over 3,000 boats built. The Vega has a well-proven track record as a small offshore-capable boat and for a number of years held the record for fastest Atlantic Crossing. Thousands of Vegas can still be found around the world, serving their owners well after all these years. With their solid-glass hulls, long keel with cut-away forefoot and keel-hung rudder, the Vegas are solidly constructed.Solace is a freshwater boat, well-kept by her three owners and ready to cruise. She is tiller steered with white deck and hull and blue stripe. Current Survey Available.SpecificationsLOA27’1"LWL23’2"Beam8’1"Draft3’10"Disp5,070Ballast2,020TankageFuel: 5 Imp. Gallons Water: 10 Imp. GallonEngine10 HP Volvo Penta MD6B Diesel (#7968) with Two-Blade, Variable Pitch PropHappy hunting!Roger

 

[Don Evans]

Which Model Are You Referring To?

I believe the 26 is a motor-sailor. Well actually mostly a motor cruiser which came with a stabilizing sprit sail that could be mounted when needed. My father-in-law has a 26 and cruises out of Victoria. It is a very stable, stiff, and roomy cruiser, but everyone I know who has one never used the sail. He has been up and back to Alaska, around Vancouver Island and did the geat circle route. His is a 76 also and comes with a 3 cylinder, 35 hp diesel.I recently met a couple who are living on their 27 Albin Vega sailboat, and have read many positive testimonies from owners about their boats. Albin built them very well. The company is alive and well and making large trawlers in the United States.Don

 

[Arnie]

Not a motorsailor

Thanks Don, but this one's definitely not a motorsailor, it's a sloop-rigged fin keel, inboard diesel. I don't have much more on it yet, I'm planning on going to see the boat in a few weeks (it's out of town).