Thank you all!

[hatchetjoe]

I should introduce myself since I have been mostly lurking on this site for a little over three years. My name is Dennis and my wife and I live in Saint Marys, GA. I’m an avid fisherman but I’ve dreamed of being able to travel on my own boat for years. First, I would like to thank all of you who have provided so much valuable information about Albin boats on this site. The information has been very helpful. My current 20’ Scout bay boat is fine for inshore fishing but not cruising. I’ve now closed on a 2002 engine box, Albin 28 with a Yanmar 315. I hope to take possession the boat next week after some minor repairs from the marine survey. I’ve engaged a professional captain to help me bring the boat home from Punta Gorda, FL. The planned route is down to Ft. Myers, east across the Okeechobee Waterway to Stuart and up either the ocean or ICW depending on weather. I hope to learn a lot about handling the boat along the way since it’s a step up in size and complexity. I’m looking forward to both off-shore fishing and cruising the ICW plus becoming an active member of this community posting big fish pictures.

[Mark Deeser]

Welcome to the form, you have taken a big step and gotten a great boat. It's hard to explain the magic of finding that perfect anchorage and spending the night on your boat. Sounds like you have taken the time to think things thru, all that's left now is for you and your wife to enjoy. Where will you keep your boat?

[catalina_mike]

Welcome to the fray and enjoy the boat. I call mine my little pickup truck. Great in the water and efficient.

[hatchetjoe]

Thank you for the welcome. I hate to admit how long a process this has been. In many ways the Albin 28 seems like a nautical equivalent of an SUV. Not super in any one way but able to do a lot of things well. We are lucky to be able to keep our boat at a private dock on a deep water creek a few hundred yards off of the ICW. The major ICW hazard in our area are the nuclear submarines transiting from Kings Bay Naval Base to the ocean but that means we are one of the few areas with 40-45 feet controlling depth in the ICW!

[Jack]

Welcome! It's a great boat. The first thing you will notice is that it's different from an outboard. Much more heft, slower and harder to back up. See all the help on the site about how to back into a slip. It's a wonder. Follow the guidance and you'll look like a pro.
Best wishes for a happy and successful ownership of your Albin.

[Cocoa Jack]

A very sincere congratulations on getting the 28. I had been watching her for a while now and she looks like a beauty. I hope to find one just like her this coming June. Congrats again!