Can anyone tell me.............

[Halfboat]

I am trying to figure out the history of the command bridge. When did the +2 come out? 96/97? What about the 35? 02?How does the late 32 compare to the +2 performance or space wise? Did Albin lengthen the hull or just shorten the cockpit? Thanks for any info. Hope this is not too confusing. I am looking to purchase and want to find the best boat for extended cruising.

[Steve Mulkey]

I am "lusting" after an Albin 35 as well. I have read as many articles and posts on different forums including this one that I can.

The '35 seems to fit what I am looking for in a larger boat.

One thing that I cannot seen to find out is whether the '35 has a cored or solid hull?

Any one know for sure?

[jcollins]

Hi Halfboat and Steve...Welcome to the board!
A few years ago I wanted a bridge boat. I went through Silverton, Pacemaker, Sea Ray, and even Penn Yan. When I saw the Albin 35, that was it! But, reality set in for me and I knew I could never get that boat into my creek. Since I didn't want to climb a 7' foot ladder I opted for the 28. One ride and I was convinced. And my wife! Everytime I strayed to another brand she kept pulling me back to Albin. I ended up with a TE 28 and couldn't be happier. (well, maybe with a 35)
I have the history somewhere about the evolution of the 32, 32+2, 35. I'll look around and post here. But, others here are probably more experienced than I and will jump into this thread.

Mariner? Chief? Veebyes? You guys out there?

John

[Veebyes2]

Andrew or somebody can correct me if I stray too far from fact but the history of the 35 Command Bridge goes something like this.

The boat was originally designed by Terry Compton, an Englishman, who looks at things a bit differently than your average US boat designer who seldom strays far from the herd in design.

The boat started life in the middle 80s as the 34 Trawler. What it lacked in good looks it more than made up for in functionality. It did not sell well. People like 'the look'.

You can't just chuck out a mold of a good hull so, in 1989 Albin offered the 32 Family fisherman. I saw it one cold day at the Annapolis show that year. We fell in love with it & vowed to some day have one.

From 89 through 95 various 'tinkerings' were done to the interior until the galley was moved aft & a center queen berth was put fwd. A fantastic layout.

In 1996 the last of the 32 Command bridges was produced, I have one of them, & the 32+2 was born. Voila! Perfection! All it took was extending the hull under the platform & an a$$ heavy boat can now getup & move without alot of trim tab. The interior 'tweeking', some for the better, some not continued but the boat was as near perfect a 32 as anyone could want.

It is very much a cruising boat first but likes to go fishing every so often.

The cockpit may be a little small but there was a way to fix that. You just cut out the transom & shove it back to end of the platform.

BINGO! We now have the 35. Standby. A 35+2 will be appearing at a marina near you before too long.