Albin 31 tournament express
So got it home. Was a bit more than a 100mile run. 2300rpm (i did not touch throttle for 6.5 hrs.) Seas went from 1-2 after about 3 hrs to 4-5++ for last 3.5. Boat handled it great. Fuel burn was around 10 gph. It was much better, early in trip but seas got tougher.
Background:
I have always liked Novi/Downeast style. First boat was a Midland 19 foot. The admiral and I had a lot of adventures. We outgrew the CC and moved into a Parker 2520DV. In my quest for more fish and bigger catches we steadily moved the boat further south and east until we were on the sound/ocean and out of protected Narragansett Bay. This led to some consternation from the admiral as the increase and seas lead to some discomfort on her part. (More profanity than nausea.) We also began to appreciate/desire some comforts as we have gotten older. Thus began thesearch for a downeast or Downeast style boat with a combination of cruising and fishing capabilities. I began my investigation through local brokers and the Internet. I joined several forums and lurked for information. I reviewed every downeast boats on yachtbroker. This provided me 50 or 60 individual makers to focus. Putting aside individual biases I was able to glean a list of wants/needs and coupled that with functionality I wanted.
I needed a boat that could easily be captained by one person (65% usage) yet comfortable for 2 ( 30% usage and we like our space) and expandablity for 4-6 for fishing (5%.)
Eventually, I came across the Albin 31te. Factory downeast 都tyle boat, (132+/- produced over 14 year+/- period.)
Albin had the right look and function. The marketing slogan of a 吐ishing machine for the cruising family was dead on. The 31te was a Big 31. My list seemed a perfect match diesel, single preferred (twin considered), sea capabilities, comfort, 2 berth, no flybridge, cruise comfort in cabin(couch etc) galley/head/shower, Fishing set up including Downriggers, live bait well and fish storage/tackle storage.
Bonus Things (that could be added later) AC, genset/solar, updated electronics.
As I was not looking for a project = a well-documented and well cared for Boat was key.
The people that I interacted with on the albin forum were consummate professionals, willing to provide information and pictures/sea trials if I desired.
I made several inquiries regarding the 31te and quickly saw that the boats do not last long.
An Albin forum member reached out to me. He was considering selling but was still well invested in his boat and wanted to see if I was serious. (He was more than happy to keep it.) I was serious and willing to factor in his care and upgrades.
In relatively short order, we met/took a sea trial/spent several hours together and settled on a deal. Both of us could not be happier. The ride sold the admiral. She negotiated and closed the deal.
Seaquel:
1996 31te
3126 cat 420hp
Thuster
Ac
3k inverter
2016-2018 electronics
(To many creature comforts to list)
Repainted, rebuilt, reconditioned and maintained.
My independent Survey was A+(dry hull/stringers and mechanically perfect)
Boat is well documented including yearly commissioning, haul out and general maintenance since owned. Oil survey every year since owned and it duplicated mine as perfect.
There will be some small changes made and some small things to do.
Pics to follow
