Alberg 30

[Harry Black]

Recently purchased an Alberg 30 and have been told that they are next to impossible to reverse. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[robert sailor]

All full keels back down like a drunken elephant but so what, you'll eventually get used to it and maybe even get good using spring lines when needed. They are a sweet little boat that can take you anywhere if in decent condition.

[oldragbaggers]

Experienced the same with our Cape Dory. It definitely had a mind of its own in reverse and went whichever way it wanted. Ditto the use of spring lines. Plan so you're going forward as much as possible.

[Mike OReilly]

What Robert and Becky said. Plus, if you have an Atomic-4 in there, this only adds to the challenges. I don't understand engines or transmissions very well, but reverse with the A4 translates into a fraction of the power compared to forward.

I've sailed Alberg 30s (great boats ) and my previous boat was a 34-foot fullish keel (3/4 length) with an A4. Reverse was always slow to engage, and until you get some speed going, direction is an exercise in randomness.

You'll get used to it. My approach was, and still is (my current boat is also a full-keel) to approach all docking with caution. Use winds and currents strategically. Have plenty of lines (particularly mid-ship lines) and fenders ready well in advance. Go as slowly as possible (retaining steerage), and don't be shy making multiple attempts.

[georgelieber]

You are lucky it does not cooperate in reverse! Thant means it is docile going forward! I have owned Alberg's and now have a Tahitiana 32 with a full keel. These large keel boats are a dream sailing forward. The Alberg is also more comfortable in rough seas than almost all modern boats of comparable size. Spend some time finding the sail balance that will allow you to sail for hours with just a bungee on the helm.

As for reverse... you usually do not do it for more than a few minutes anyhow. Try not turning the rudder all the way (only maybe 2/3) because the rudder will stall easily in reverse and will then have less effect. On our Tahitiana... the rudder is pretty much useless. We have 2 LONG (10 foot) pike poles with big ribber tips. We use these to fend off boats, docks, etc when trying to leave the marina.

As Robert Sailor said spring lines can work wonderfully. You can gracefully pirouette the piling or cleat at the end of the dock in reverse by looping a fairly long line over it and keeping both ends. Secure it slightly aft of mid ship, and drop one end to retrieve it after you done your reversing and throw her into forward to leave.

It also help to laugh when you are blown up against all the boats opposite your slip and are struggling to get her going in the right direction. This is where the 10 foot poles come in. Other sailors have been curious about our ridiculously long pike poles... until they watch us try to leave in a blow. Others in the marina will get used to you struggling in reverse and after a while more and more will help out. Don't be embarrassed... the "Old Salts" know why you are struggling with her, and who care what the others think anyhow.

She is an absolutely wonderful boat and will serve you well.

[Khagan1227]

What oldragbaggers said. It gets really exciting when you are backing out of a slip and the wind is unfavorable. Per-planning your "moves" before you attempt to back can make a world of difference.

Best thing you can do and if your position allows is get some way on her, keep your anchor ready and cross your fingers. The previous thread below may be of some help.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ity-15130.html

[pistarckle]

The boat will want to go to the right or left when in reverse , depends on what direction the prop turns , right or left . Once you figure that out you will use that information in your planning . That knowledge plus a few ' short blasts ' in forward to bring the stern back will make it easier . I know of no mono-hulls sailboats that will back up perfectly without a lot of luck and a skilled hand plus a few snickers from onlookers !

[Glenn.Brooks]

My alberg 30 will reverse to port or starboard with a lot of throttle and the tiller hard over. Get up some boat speed to put water flow past the rudder and you can steer backwards in either direction, if the wind or currents aren't working against you. If you have wind, particularity on the quarter, forgettaboutit! Bit, hey dock crashing is all part of seamanship. You will get used to it!


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