Phoenix Floats!

[RicM]

Got the word yesterday that our new (to me) '03 28TE went in the water down in Stamford on Saturday. We will take the train down on Tuesday for the sea trial Tuesday afternoon and then an early start on Wednesday for the return trip to Wickford, RI(assuming trial is uneventful). Weather looks a little sketchy on Wed, but I don't think it's anything the boat can't take. I can't wait! Yahoo!

[Double Lucky]

Bon Voyage! Good luck and post some pictures.

Russ

[jcollins]

I would wish you calm seas but I guess you don't want that for a sea trial. <smile> Good luck and have fun!

[RicM]

Thanks guys. Any good places to tie up and have lunch around Mystic?

[DougSea]

Congratulations Ric!

When you head home tomorrow watch for the four smokestacks of the Northport power plant. When they're lined up in a straight line on your right look to your left and you'll be passing my boat's "home". If it was more in season I'd have to arrange for you to visit!

Best of luck on the maiden voyage and I'll look forward to seeing you at Block.

[Denis]

I know Im late getting this message to you but have a safe/fun trip home. A good place to stop would be Skippers Dock in Stonington. A good place to eat with a dock to tie up to. Good luck! Denis

[RicM]

Thanks for the good wishes and the lunch tip guys. We decided not to stop as the weather was a bit grim looking, and we wanted to get in as early in the day as possible. We actually did real well, the water was very calm so we were able to make excellent time, 116 Nautical Miles, in 7 Hours 19 Minutes. We averaged just under 16 KTs, with a high of 21kts at one point. We kept the tach at 3200RPM, giving us 18.5-19kts most of the time. We hit some fog that slowed us down for about 3/4 of an hour, and that was a little nerve racking as I am not yet familiar with the Furuno radar system on this boat and how to use it properly, but it cleared and we came into Wickford just as the sun started to break through. Don't have a fuel useage figure but we burned about a 1/3 tank by the gauge. This boat is a tank! Compared to my 25' Proline this is like driving a Mercedes after owning a Yugo. Comfortable, solid, my navigator said it felt like it was carved out of granite. I absolutely love it!
Low points? Reverse cycle air/heat fan is real noisy, hard to sleep last night with it on. Granted it's a little early in the season for overnights. The Vacu- flush head would not hold vacuum, although it did function OK for emergency use. I'm getting it fixed here at sellors' expense (anyone have a good mobile mechanic in RI?) And of course my second attempt a docking I spun the prop on the bow thruster. Not a biggy and I actually didn't find it that tough to get it in the slip without the thruster, though it was pretty calm.

[jcollins]

Congratulations Ric! Sea trials are great but there is no better feeling than taking the helm for the first time. The good news is, it's always a good feeling with an Albin.

[Legacy]

Hi Ric. Glad your experience was a good one but remember it's never too early for boat overnights!

Bring her up to Boston one of these day.

All the best,

Rick

[Russell]

Great looking boat. Congratulations.

[Pitou]

Nice !!!! Look'in good Captain !!!

[DougSea]

She looks great Ric! Congratulations!! (You look like a proud dad in the picture! )

[mhanna]

Good to hear everything went well and your happy with it !!

[Elizabeth Ann]

That hull looks great!