Flicka 20 or albin Vega 27?

[isailme]

I'm going to be teaching my 5-year-old how to sail. And we will do be doing coastal Florida, Florida keys, trips to the Bahamas. Quite a few one week adventures. I intend to stick it on the trailer at the end of the week or for tabs put it out on a mooring ball. We are not going out intending to see the world in this boat, but I wish to be safe if a sudden Squall pops up when sailing offshore. I know that you can cross the entire Pacific in both of these boats and it has been done before, the problem is I have run into an opportunity to buy either one of them and I cannot decide which one.

Thanks

[OldManMirage]

The Albin Vega would be my choice. The room inside will be appreciated with a 5 year old, especially if you get a rainy afternoon where you are stuck down below, Lol. He can have the V-berth for a fort while you relax in the "salon," such as it is.

Putting the mast up and down will be the hardest part, and with the Flicka being so stout even though the mast may be shorter the amount of effort will be about the same because they have very similar rigging.

[Don C L]

So, I have a boat just a little bit up from those two. I haven't sailed either but I have known folks with them. Given what I know, and what you describe, this is actually a tough choice, though both boats are pretty different. The Vega will perform better, and be faster. But the Flicka will probably feel roomier, more liveable even though they have the same beam. Since I have two kids, my first thought was the Flicka, because it will feel roomy enough and stable. If it were me I'd probably end up deciding on the Albin though, for the performance. Have you seen either yet?

[BillKny]

I think this is a case where you are asking somebody else to make a hard choice for you. These boats are different, but not THAT different. You really need to look at both and decide.

MY choice would have been for the Flicka, but that is very personal, and I have always just loved those boats. I say "would have been" because I am too old to enjoy the kind of sailing I do now in such a small boat.

Long and short: You and your child will have a great time in either boat.

[Fore and Aft]

isailme I surveyed an Albin Vega 27 and was not impressed with the main bulkhead construction or the way she handles in reverse.
I would choose the one that's in the best condition.
Cheers

[isailme]

Just an update. I ended up buying the flicka. I ended up buying it for several reasons unrelated to sailing ability. The inboard on the album had been removed and it was operating on an outboard only, and it had no trailer. I am actually on my way right now to pick up the flicka, and regrettably tow it home 10 hours.

[OldManMirage]

Originally Posted by isailme

Just an update. I ended up buying the flicka. I ended up buying it for several reasons unrelated to sailing ability. The inboard on the album had been removed and it was operating on an outboard only, and it had no trailer. I am actually on my way right now to pick up the flicka, and regrettably tow it home 10 hours.

The Flicka will be a great boat, no doubt. I owned one that was built from a kit many years ago, and it was a lot of fun.

There is a great video on YouTube about raising the mast single handed. The guy had a beautiful system worked out on his Flicka. Just do a search for Flicka 20 mast raising and you'll find it. I watched it several times because it's such a great method. It takes a little bit of set-up but it was so safe and easy. Just what you will want !!

[Don C L]

You and your son are going to love it, I am sure! My little boat has been a fantastic introduction to the ocean as home once in a while for my kids; they have learned so much. The only down-side is they wish they had more friends to share it with!

[boatman61]

A pretty little boat that will look after you well.. enjoy..

[isailme]

Originally Posted by OldManMirage

The Flicka will be a great boat, no doubt. I owned one that was built from a kit many years ago, and it was a lot of fun.

There is a great video on YouTube about raising the mast single handed. The guy had a beautiful system worked out on his Flicka. Just do a search for Flicka 20 mast raising and you'll find it. I watched it several times because it's such a great method. It takes a little bit of set-up but it was so safe and easy. Just what you will want !!

I had to put the mast on the trailer tonight, that is super heavy... Still stuck in the guys yard who I bought it from LOL

[boatman61]

What you need is a mast tabernacle.. makes the job super easy and once its down just unpin and slide forwards and lash for trailing.