Slow, Steady And Stable, The Albin 36 Trawler Offers Economy

The steadily growing popularity of trawler-styled yachts seems to attract new builders and models each year, but Albin Marine, with more than 30 years experience building trawler yachts, is certainly no new kid on the block. The 36 Aft Cabin model, produced from 1978 until 1993, offers used boat buyers sound construction, separate accommodations for two couples, excellent cruising range and some bargain prices for buyers willing to invest their own labor refurbishing an older model.

The Albin 36 was introduced in 1978 and quickly found a market of eager buyers who found the Grand Banks 36 out of their price range. Like her competitors, the 36's hull form is what is termed semi-displacement, meaning that given enough power, speeds can exceed those of typical round-bilged, full displacement hulls. With these designs, the intersection of the hull side and bottom meet at a sharp angle, forming a chine, and deep V-shaped sections forward gradually decrease in angle until the bottom of the hull is quite flat at the transom. A keel runs nearly the full length of the bottom.

Although the Albin 36 hull is fiberglass, plank seams have been molded into the hull sides to simulate traditional wood plank construction. Adding to the traditional appearance are teak companionway doors and hatches; cabin windows framed or trimmed in teak; and teak cap rails, handrails and overlaid decks. There is no denying that that this is a handsome boat, albeit at the cost of keeping up with the maintenance of all the exterior woodwork.

The hull of the Albin 36 is a solid fiberglass laminate built in a method typical of similar Far Eastern-built boats of similar style. The fiberglass lay-up of the hull is substantial and is generally well supported by fiberglass-encased stringers, frames and plywood bulkheads securely tabbed to the hull. Construction of the decks, cabin house and flybridge utilize cored fiberglass composites in a number of areas and, on most Albin 36 models, the main decks as well as the flybridge deck are overlaid with teak planking.

Although the exterior teak joinery on the Albin 36 looks great, it creates the potential for leaks at every joint which, if not continually maintained, are likely to go undetected. Purchasers should look closely for water stains below windows, at the tops and edges of bulkheads, around deck hatches and in corners, any of which can be telltale signs of hidden damage.

The foredeck, side decks and aft deck of the Albin 36 are passageways and work areas not necessarily intended for lounging or entertaining. The small foredeck features an anchor windlass and anchor storage as well as excellent access for handling ground tackle and bow lines. Side decks are 15-inches wide or more along the cabin house, unobstructed, and there are entrances to the main salon conveniently placed on each side.

Few 36-foot boats offer the amount of interior volume, storage and livability as the Albin 36. For families or more than one couple, the Albin 36 provides two separate, private staterooms separated by the main salon.

The main salon has a galley to port with an electric range, oven, stainless steel sink and an under-counter, front-loading refrigerator/freezer. To starboard, the dinette is aft and seats four comfortably, with plenty of storage below. Forward of the dinette is the lower helm and starboard companionway. Large windows completely surround the salon, and the center forward window and side windows open for excellent ventilation.

The forward stateroom is two steps down, with a head to port, large hanging locker to starboard and V-berth forward. There is additional storage below the V-berth, and the head, although a bit cramped, has a vanity and integral shower. The master stateroom is aft and can be reached either from the main salon or via a companionway off the aft deck. It features a double berth to port, large head to starboard, with a soaking tub and dressing table and chair forward of the head.

The majority of 36s have been powered by a single in-line, six-cylinder, fresh-water-cooled Ford Lehman diesel engine. Prior to 1985 the engine was rated at 120 horsepower. In 1985 minor modifications boosted output to 135 horsepower. Beginning in 1987 Albin began offering a 210-horsepower Cummins diesel engine as an option and, in 1990 buyers could choose optional twin engine installations of either the 135-horsepower Lehman or 210-horsepower Cummins engine.

With the standard 135-horsepower Lehman engine, a clean bottom and undamaged propeller, the 36 will cruise at about seven to seven and a half knots and burn about three gallons of fuel per hour. The optional 210-horsepower Cummins adds only about one knot to cruising speed and about a gallon per hour to fuel consumption. The Albin 36 caries 350 gallons of fuel in two tanks and has an effective cruising range of more than 700 miles.

The optional twin 210-horsepower Cummins engine installation provides enough power to attain cruising speeds in the range of 14 to 15 knots but at a substantial increase in fuel consumption and reduction in cruising range.

The hard chines of the Albin 36 make her less inclined to roll, both underway and at anchor, than round-bilged trawlers, although in extreme conditions, the roll can be quicker and more violent. The full-length keel aids in directional stability as well as dampening roll, and the deep forefoot helps to prevent pounding in choppy seas.

About 500 Albin 36 trawlers were built over the years ensuring a reasonably good selection of previously owned models.

The trawler lifestyle is for boaters who enjoy getting there as much as, or perhaps even more than, being there. The traditional style of most trawlers also tends to result in more brightwork to maintain, attracting owners who either enjoy maintaining their own boats or don't mind paying the added cost of professional maintenance. For boaters so inclined, the Albin 36 should bring cruising pleasures for years to come.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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