Alberg 22 capabilities: How far out would you sail?

[bryan062087]

Hi,

Considering purchasing an Alberg 22 (Similar to Cape Dory 22). For anyone who is familiar with these boats- How far out would one sail into the Gulf of Mexico and feel safe? Could they be used for coastal cruising or traveling from mainland Florida to the keys?

Thanks.

-Bryan

[Don C L]

The Alberg is a seaworthy and strong little boat. I used to have a similar boat, Columbia 24, that I did a lot of coastal cruising on. I loved it. It won't get you there very fast though (4 kts is a good average) and room below is a little cramped. But I'd say your question should be more about you than the boat. The boat is entirely capable of it I'd say with a little careful planning and prep, but a better question is, are you ready for the cruising you are imagining? The fact that you are asking about the boat suggests to me you may need a little more sea time. No offense intended.

[bryan062087]

Thanks for the reply. And no problem asking about my qualifications. I just wanted to know that if/when I'm ready for such a voyage that the boat would be up to it as well. Just wanted to hear other's thoughts on the matter and anyone's firsthand experiences with the Alberg 22.

I would like to purchase a boat that would be capable of this

[Don C L]

Can you afford a little larger? The Alberg is a lovely little boat, pretty much the father of the Cape Dory 22... but you can find similar boats,well-built, same vintage, as sea-worthy, that would be a little more comfortable for longer trips. But I bet you found a beautiful little Alberg (and they are beautiful boats) that you fell in love with, right? I wouldn't blame you. I will say I have a friend who sailed a Signet 20 from San Francisco down to the Channel Islands and then sailed it back (and that was the hard part.) So small boats can make long voyages. But when you get home you may start looking at bigger boats. The Albergs are all nice designs, Cape Dories, Pearson Ariels, Tritons and Vanguards. I have a Columbia 29 that I happen to favor of course, and it is very similar to the Alberg. You might check the atomvoyages.com site, a lot of good advice and info there.

[bryan062087]

Well, one of the reasons I was thinking of going with an Alberg 22 for now was due to the trailerability factor. I will be trailering this boat a fair amount. And I have found an Alberg in pretty good shape I believe.

Perhaps in a few years I could upgrade to a Cape Dory 25 or 25D, if I wanted.

[Don C L]

Here is a good page to peruse...
Atom Voyages - Good Old Boats List

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by bryan062087

Well, one of the reasons I was thinking of going with an Alberg 22 for now was due to the trailerability factor. I will be trailering this boat a fair amount. And I have found an Alberg in pretty good shape I believe.

Perhaps in a few years I could upgrade to a Cape Dory 25 or 25D, if I wanted.

Ahh, trailerable! Well, then, yes, that is one of the most sea-worthy and trailerable boats around, definitely. Get a really long extension for the tongue to help out.

[onestepcsy37]

Our club owns a Kittiwake which is a Carl Alberg design and basically the same boat. After sailing some of the more modern boats it is a pleasure to sail the Kittiwake. I would not hesitate to take her coastal cruising around Florida and no more than a day offshore. I havent sailed her in rough seas yet but I can see where she could be a wet ride because of her low freeboard. Keeping the hatchboards in place in rough weather would keep most water from going below.

Storage is limited but it would certainly hold a weeks worth of food and water. With one bucket for a sink and one bucket for a head (with a fitted toilet seat for comfort) you are ready to go.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bryan.

[farshore]

I sailed a kittiwake single handed from NC to Bermuda and back in 1978. I bought the hull and finished her myself. Great time!

[Stu Jackson]

It all depends on the weather.

Many have much larger boats and don't go out when it's nasty.

I've taken our Catalina 22 and 25 out in the Pacific Ocean, as well as our C34. Turned back many times becausde of conditions, kept at it many more times because I chose the conditions (more) wisely.

Just answering your question literally.

[hamburking]

The Alberg 22 would survive...but you would not. Its very small, limited storage, low freeboard...in any kind of wind or waves you would be very wet, with no way to dry off. Not enough space below for a stove which could be used underway, so you're living off sandwiches and cold coffee. Yes, it could be done, but would not be pleasant.

For a good laugh, check out the C&C MEGA (30). It was designed as a race boat that could be trailered. Worst design ever from C&C yachts. 2nd worst goes to the C&C26.

However, for coastal cruising and lake sailing, the albert 22 is awesome. They are common up here on Lake Ontario, and very low prices on used ones...about $1000. Before you buy, check the rudder for splitting due to freezing, a common problem on these old boats in the north (Canada).

If you are going offshore, you need a dry place to sleep, be able to make a cup of coffee underway, and space to stow all the things you need for a voyage...like your yacht club blue blazer.

[Scout 30]

This is a beautiful seaworthy design. Certainly a capable coastal cruiser & easily trailerable although an extension for the tongue would be good to have. Get a good reliable kicker & make sure the rigging is up to snuff before you head off shore. Replacing the rigging & sails can get a little pricey so if they're near the end of their economic lives factor that in when you make an offer.

[RichSch]

My sailboat is very similar to the Alberg-22.

Here is my experience in 10+ years of sailing a 2nd generation boat by Alberg.

1.) 5.5 knots easily with only main sail and a small jib.

2.) Low freeboard, expect to get wet.

3.) Some will say it is a little tender, but than can also be a good thing.

4.) Sailboat will round-up at 27 knots, every time. Above 27 knots, head for
home.

5.) Maintenance issue, the windows tend to leak.

Richard

[Scout 30]

A dodger & a bimini might be good additions. Let us know if you get it. Cool boat!