Transition from an Alberg 30

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Hi,
Looking for some recommendations on a step up from an Alberg 30.
I currently sail/full time on an Alberg 30. I’ve had her for two years and plan to have her at least a season more. With that being said I am constantly on Craigslist looking at vessels. (If something great came along I would definitely consider a swap earlier.

So I’m looking for recommendations on a vessel with similar characteristics that come with that era. Thick layup, rudimentary systems, had relatively cheap if neglected, full keel (also looking into fin keel/ skeg hung). Though I really enjoy the sloop I have been looking at ketch rigged as well.

I love the Alberg but I hope I will not be a solo sailor forever and would like to move up closer to a 35 or at least a 30 with a larger beam.

My only real complaints about the Alberg all revolve around working deck room, as well as deck stowage. Interior space is perfectly fine though cramped with two.

What are some boats that you guys would recommend that won’t break the bank (obviously with the addition of sweat equity), share the same or superior seaworthy qualities as the Alberg, and seem more appealing for long term cruising with a crew of two?

The vessel will be used for long term cruising including ocean passages.

I have and continue to do a lot of research so I’m pretty familiar with what’s out there, I suppose I’m just looking for personal recommendations.

Examples
Cape Dory 330
Cape Dory 33
Bristol 33
Gib Sea 33

[LittleWing77]

Tartan 34
Malo 34
Westerly Fulmar 32
Grampian 30 + 34
Nicholson 32 + 35

Did you see the Hallberg-Rassy 33 Mistral that just sold on the Forum? But you would have had to go to Hiva Oa, Marquesas to pick her up!

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ii-244248.html

This is one that Boatie has pointed a couple of people to, apparently still for sale:

Nicholson 32 MKVII
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...-mkvii/346581#

Good luck, Solitaire!
Did the new investigator on your case pan out, or is everything still in irons...?

Warmly,
LittleWing77

[gonesail]

the 330 (if you can find one) over the 33. the crealock 31 might be worth considering .. if you like open floor plans.

[LittleWing77]

Whoops! Forgot:

Sabre 30 + 34
(Built in Maine)

Ericson 33 and
The Cherubini Hunters 30 + 33

LW77

[psjanker]

Cape Dory 36

[Greatest Lakes]

Alberg 37 is a delight.

[Celestialsailor]

For ocean passages I would use something with a little displacement.
Hallberg Rassy Rasmus 35. I sailed mine extensively in Mexico. Very trustworthy.
Allied 35 or 36, Usually Ketches. You also want a boat that is fair downwind as that will make up a good percentage of your ocean work. I hate to say it but the older Alberg designs are not great downwind.
Wauquiez 35 if you can afford one.
Also anything designed by Ted Hood.

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Tartan 34

Malo 34

Westerly Fulmar 32

Grampian 30 + 34

Nicholson 32 + 35



Did you see the Hallberg-Rassy 33 Mistral that just sold on the Forum? But you would have had to go to Hiva Oa, Marquesas to pick her up!



https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ii-244248.html



This is one that Boatie has pointed a couple of people to, apparently still for sale:



Nicholson 32 MKVII

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...-mkvii/346581#



Good luck, Solitaire!

Did the new investigator on your case pan out, or is everything still in irons...?



Warmly,

LittleWing77

Great suggestions!

As far as the case I was gonna post on that in the next few days. Lieutenant says the investigation is complete he just has to look it over and he will get back to me. I’m holding out to the bitter end on it [emoji23].

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Originally Posted by gonesail

the 330 (if you can find one) over the 33. the crealock 31 might be worth considering .. if you like open floor plans.

Yeah definitely don’t imagine being able to find a 330, was more of a this is what I’m looking for example. There are some 33’s floating around but in the 40-55k range.

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

For ocean passages I would use something with a little displacement.
Hallberg Rassy Rasmus 35. I sailed mine extensively in Mexico. Very trustworthy.
Allied 35 or 36, Usually Ketches. You also want a boat that is fair downwind as that will make up a good percentage of your ocean work. I hate to say it but the older Alberg designs are not great downwind.
Wauquiez 35 if you can afford one.
Also anything designed by Ted Hood.

I’ve looked at allied but definitely have had mixed word of mouth reviews. I’ll definitely look into the Rasmus. (One with sale pending in rio dulce).

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Originally Posted by Greatest Lakes

Alberg 37 is a delight.

I was looking at an A35 (granted, not the 37) but I found that it was just an oversized A30 without the benefits. Me as Ning looked great and was roomier but lost some of the ballast and stoutness as it ranged up in size. Definitely didn’t seem like something I’d eagerly cross an ocean in. I’ll check out the 37 though for sure.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by SVSOLITAIRE

I’ve looked at Allied, but definitely have had mixed word of mouth reviews.

Yeah, definitely mixed reviews.

I think the only Allied ketch that was worth anything was the one owned by that Good Old Boat editor/writer, Don Casey I think, who had upgraded and refurbished it to the hilt (and written about all the various upgrade projects over the years). When he put it up for sale (for $25,000 if I recollect), it was snapped up in about a week.

Other than that Allied? Not so much.

LW77

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Yeah, definitely mixed reviews.

I think the only Allied ketch that was worth anything was the one owned by that Good Old Boat editor/writer, Don Casey I think, who had upgraded and refurbished it to the hilt (and written about all the various upgrade projects over the years). When he put it up for sale (for $25,000 if I recollect), it was snapped up in about a week.

Other than that Allied? Not so much.

LW77

Hey…..it’s no rocket ship but our allied seawind II just plods along!

[Celestialsailor]

Regarding the Allied Princess 36 from Sailing Magazine..."The Allied Princess 36 is an affordable, well-built, seaworthy cruising boat capable of bluewater sailing or gunk holing."
Practical sailor...https://www.practical-sailor.com/sai...ed-princess-36
Wavetrain.net...https://wavetrain.net/2012/03/23/all...-robust-ketch/


Not sure what you guys are reading. I spent a month this year working on one of these and they are built like a tank. I think the interiors are the thing that makes them look mediocre but all the factories focus was on construction.

[Hoodsail]

Since you have the Bristol 33 on your list would add the Bristol 35.5 (I'm biased)...get a bit more beam and a tad more length with quality build and not much more $$...not full keel, but close....also Tartan 33, considerable more beam, a bit more LOA, but again not a full keel, but well built. enjoy the hunt.