Whoops.  The Editor of this column didn’t catch my typing error about the SeaRay.  It isn’t an outboard that was on the boat, it was an IO (inboard/outboard).  An inboard is actually preferable over an IO down here.  I think I will have to fire my Editor and find someone new :).

We are working with a Broker by the name of Mike to help us find a boat.  Here is a little trivia about Mike’s vehicle.  He drives a 2003 avalanche.

2003 avalanche

You’ll never guess how many miles he has on it.  Over 500,000!  Holy Crap!

So, back to the important thing, finding us a new boat :).   Gary decided to finally take me to see one of the boats on his list, an Albin.  So we went and looked at this 2002 28 foot Albin.  This was on a lift in someone’s back yard.

Boat on lift

As you can see by the water, it was really windy that day.  Even the lift was rocking a little while we were on it.  But back to the boat.  It had a black hull, with an enclosed driving station

Canvas on the back

Which would come in handy if it is cold or hot.  The boat has air conditioning so we could close off the area and crank on the air :).

It also had a raised engine compartment with a cushion on it for additional seating

Engine box with cover

Inside it had a nice dinette that converts into a bed

Nice dinette

Plus a 2nd area that could be another birth or used just for storage, like maybe a cute kitty’s litter box?

2nd Birth

This boat had lots of pluses.  Lots of storage, nice walk around deck, good canvas, a diesel engine but it had some flaws too.

Needs a little paint

Dirt

That black square….that is dirt and mud.  So, how well did they clean the rest of the boat?

I think we’ll pass on this one but definitely like what the Albin’s have to offer.  I think we’ll have to see what else is out there.