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Old 24-05-2012, 06:33   #1
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Anyone Here Own or Sail on an Alerion Express 28?

I am in the process of trying to buy one for sailing here in Charleston harbor. I have never sailed on one, and wanted to get some first-hand impressions. I will be looking at one tomorrow, and I'm excited about the prospect of owning and sailing such a beautiful boat.
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Old 26-05-2012, 16:05   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lowcountry
I am in the process of trying to buy one for sailing here in Charleston harbor. I have never sailed on one, and wanted to get some first-hand impressions. I will be looking at one tomorrow, and I'm excited about the prospect of owning and sailing such a beautiful boat.
I don't, but I'm thinking of getting one myself for Lake Lanier. Are you looking at one of the boats in Maryland?
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after you see it.
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Old 26-05-2012, 16:25   #3
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Low,

I presume you are keeping the packet??

The Alerion would make a nice 2nd boat

mm
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Old 26-05-2012, 16:53   #4
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Had one sail by me in Newport Harbor. Dark blue hull and teak decks. One of the best looking boats I have ever seen - spotless.
New, the 28 footer is priced out of the world for what is just a daysailer. But money better spent than on a Ferrari or other such toy.

Don't put flippin life lines on it!! Will wreck the looks.
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Old 26-05-2012, 17:20   #5
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Garry Hoyt doesn't fool around.
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Old 26-05-2012, 17:21   #6
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Very similar to the Haida 26, but leaner.
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Old 26-05-2012, 17:27   #7
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

tag,

get it!!!!

I always thought these boats to be absolutely gorgeous...now I want one

mm
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Old 27-05-2012, 09:29   #8
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coquina17 View Post
I don't, but I'm thinking of getting one myself for Lake Lanier. Are you looking at one of the boats in Maryland?
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after you see it.
No, I was looking at the one in Portsmouth, RI, and have agreed to buy it pending an acceptable survey. I'm very excited about it!!

Mango, my current plans are to keep the IP35.

Dennis, I have no intentions of putting lifelines on it. I agree with you completely.
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Old 12-06-2012, 15:42   #9
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Low country did you purchase the Alerion?
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Old 14-06-2012, 08:00   #10
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

The Alerion that I had under contract failed its survey. It had significant hull/deck moisture/delamination issues, several of which "pegged" the surveyor's moisture meter. As such, I was released from that contract. As of two days ago, I have another AE28 under contract. This one is five years newer (1999), and has already passed survey with no hull/deck moisture issues. Of course there are a few minor things that need addressing, like some small areas of crazing in the deck gelcoat, but nothing major at all. In the words of my surveyor, this boat "is an 8.5 out of 10." Closing is next Wednesday. I'm stoked!!
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Old 14-06-2012, 14:07   #11
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Low country, did the surveyor feel the older boat was a victim of neglect?
After reading about the construction methods used on the Alerions I would have thought that sort of degradation unlikely.
Did they even use that resin infusion technique back in 1994?
Anyway sorry for all the questions. I'm not new to sailing, but purchasing a used 28' boat will be a new experience for me. I'm in the process of selling a business' and once that is done I'll be seriously shopping.
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Old 14-06-2012, 16:14   #12
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

I'm not sure why some Alerions suffer from wet hulls and decks, but they are known to do so, and thus all need to be checked. As for buying your first boat, be sure to take your time and do it right. Don't buy someone else's problem! Apply thought to the type of sailing you want to do, and then get a boat that is well-suited for it. I am excited about the new Alerion, but it serves a very specific purpose. I wouldn't be buying it as my only boat, as I need one that can be used for cruising the Bahamas. Good luck in your search!
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Old 14-06-2012, 17:45   #13
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

I think the Alerion will work nicely for the lake. Much of the time I'll be single handling the boat, but it's got a nice big cockpit for 4-6 adults. We won't be overnighting on the boat (at least my wife won't). It's got a real head, a basic galley and a big cooler. Of course it looks great which after building a Herreshoff design is very important to me.
Did the same surveyor inspect both boats you looked at, and how does one locate a good surveyor?
Again thank you for taking the time to answer my newbie questions.
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Old 17-06-2012, 06:16   #14
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Re: Anyone here own or sail on an Alerion Express 28?

Coquina,
I'm glad to help. I was actually born and raised in Madison, GA, which is only about an hour from May-retta. The first Alerion was in Rhode Island, so I had to use two different surveyors. As far as locating a good one, I suppose it can be hit or miss. I feel like I got two good ones, but there may have been better ones out there. I simply used google to locate local surveyors, and then browsed their websites and spoke with them on the phone. I felt comfortable with the experience of both of them (each had surveyed Alerions before), so I went ahead. If you are looking at Alerions near MD or RI, I will be happy to give you the contact info of the surveyors that I used.
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Old 17-06-2012, 06:42   #15
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Low country thanks! Ive been out to Madison many times. Some beautiful homes there. I fly for Delta and I'm trying to get a layover in Baltimore so I can check out a couple of Alerions. Failing that we may take a drive up that way in July to see them. Haven't seen one on the flesh yet as the manufacturer doesn't know of any on Lake Lanier.
It would be far from the biggest boat at the marina as we've got a lot of 45 footers there.
I'll definitely get with you on the surveyors if we are considering a boat in either of those locations.
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