1977 Alberg 30'

[Faoilean]

Hello,
I'm looking at various Alberg 30 footers, and there is quite a variance in age.
When I go to look at these boats, are there any particular parts of the boat I should look closely at?
Thanks

[Scot McPherson]

They are solid boats. It's always best if you can take a look at the hull while a boat is out of the water, but the solid hull is probably the best feature of the alberg 30.


Many alberg 30s have wooden spars, so you want to check those and make sure they've been maintained and don't have rot growing in them.


It's really what's important to you. Since the boat is aged, you are going to have to or want to upgrade many of the systems in it, so are you looking for turn-key or something you don't mind updating a little as you go along?


Because of their age, if it's in the water, check stuffing boxes and feel the steering. How to the bearings feel? Can you turn the wheel or tiller over all the way without it getting bound up on the way?


a friend of mine in Waterford is selling her alberg 35 for I think $30,000...she's maintained it very well.

[Faoilean]

Thank you Scot!
Yes, I'm prepared to upgrade a bit at a time.
We are still under the influence of Winter even though officially they say it's Spring, so most boats are still on the hard. This will afford the surveyor a better opportunity to have a real good look.
If a fiberglass boat is taken care of, is there much deterioration in the structure? Does fiberglass wear out?

[Orion Jim]

Bill McCoy has a blog which may interest you. Nice guy and a former Cape Dory owner.
The Life and Times of an Alberg 30: 2017

[Faoilean]

Thank you Jim, I'll have a look.
Much appreciated!

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by Faoilean

Hello,
I'm looking at various Alberg 30 footers, and there is quite a variance in age.
When I go to look at these boats, are there any particular parts of the boat I should look closely at?
Thanks

Alberg 30's are nice boats. Had a neighbor in the boat yard show me around his.


Saw you have a folkboat, which version? Selling when you upsize? Those are nice boats too.

Where are your sailing waters?

[Faoilean]

Hi,
Yes I owned a 1950 Norwegian lapstake Folkboat named Puffin. Beautiful boat. She is now owned by a good friend. Turned heads everywhere she went.
Since starting this thread earlier today, a 1974 Viking 28' has been brought to my attention. I think I should have a look as well. Kinda like two extremes between the Alberg and the Viking.

[Faoilean]

That is a great blog Jim, thank you!!

[nematon785]

I had considered these in the past, did quite a lot of research, and most inspection suggestions included the following to help qualify an alberg 30 before paying survey: sea cocks may be substandard if not upgraded, rudder may have issues after many years. hull to deck joint and deck hardware warrant close inspection for water intrusion, chain plates can trigger leaks and may have hidden corrosion, bulkheads, and overall mast support structure/deck. mast support beam needs close inspection, and if there is an atomic it is likely original, and ancient, electrical will be substandard if not refit. spreaders are wood, check for splits and rot.

alberg 35 ballast is lead, an improvement some would say.

I really like the alberg boats, and these problems are shared by many other brands and models. and are not unique issues for older boats.

[Pendragon35]

Is have a 1965 Alberg 35 and love her. Solid boats with solid hulls. Things I would look at...
1. Rudder. This seems to be a problem with some of them. Definitely pull the boat and have a surveyor look at this.
2. Water intrusion at deck fittings. Always an issue for old fiberglass boats. As a note, mine has minimal intrusion at some stanchions, that's it.
3. A Big issue for some boats is the support under the mast. Some have problems, some don't, many had a steel beam installed.
Good luck!

[Faoilean]

Thank you everyone for your valuable information!
I feel I can scrutinize this boat with some authority now!
Happy sailing to you all!
Ken