The low down on the Albin Vega
Timothy B.
read about these boats seems to be positive,besides of course their mobility
when motoring. What I am most concerned about if specific things to look
out for, be aware of etc., on this model year although any comments are
certainly welcome. Also welcome would be information on improvements to
improve the cruisability (that's a word right?) of the boat.... Thanks in
Advance.
The Wannabe Cruising Sailor,
Timothy B.
Matt Koch
Check out Sailnets' boatcheck at http://www.sailnet.com/boatcheck/index.htm
and do a search for Albin Vega. You'll find a number of owner's reviews and
e-mail addresses.
From what I remember when I asked about the Vega, the maststep seems to be a
potential problem and the variable pitch prop as well. Sorry that's all I
remember
--
Matt Koch
PY26, "Mischief"
Timothy B. <*tbs4e*@virginia.edu> wrote in message
news:7s6m2i$fo6$1...@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU...
David Cogen
Low headroom, a little narrow, but trailerable with no permit.
David Cogen
We've personally had not problem with deck compression under the mast. We
don't excessively tension our shrouds.
We have the original gas engine with variable pitch propeller. The engine
hasn't been reliable, but no problems with the propeller or shifting.
Ours is #377, made in 1969.
Bryon Kass
find parts for being built by a Scandinavian company.
Bryon Kass
Webmaster and Custom Design
The Engine Room http://getit.at/engineroom
150 Mechanic St.
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-543-9068 508-543-5127 fax or 508-384-2415 at the Foot Yard
Chuck Rose
You should look at the Vega Assn. of Great Britain's web site
http://www.firstnet.u-net.com/. You will probably find the answers to most of
your questions there. From there you can link to the American Vega Assn. site
for a little more. You can also subscribe to Sid Rosen's Vega Newsletter by
Joining the American Vega Assn. (Or maybe it's join the Assn. by subscribing to
the newsletter) In any case , if you decide on a Vega it is certainly
worthwhile. You'll get a manual compiled by Vega owners with tips on dealing
with things like the combi drive variable pitch propeller and other issues plus
an informative monthly newsletter.
I've had my Vega, hull no. 1860, for nearly ten years now, living aboard almost
the whole time. Aside from the necessary replacement of the original Volvo MD6A
diesel engine and combi drive with a Yanmar 2GM20 and conventional transmission
setup, the only real modification I've found necesary was to remove the port
side settee berth and replace it with a fore and aft facing dinette with a fixed
table. This eliminated the removeable table in the center of the cabin, made
the main cabin much more roomy and provided a more solid and stable table and
made more locker space to boot. Several other Vega owners have performed
similar mods to the interiors of thier boats. Over 3000 Vegas were built so
there are some variations but the basic layout is pretty much the same on all.
BTW it seems that handling under power can be improved by replacing the inboard
engine with an outboard. At least it looks that way to me judging by the way my
neighbor manuvers his Vega around the marina here.
Aloha,
Chuck Rose
SV Lealea
Honolulu
WB
www.ybw.com,,
I also think that this boat was sailed by John Neal,, his book is the Log
of the Mahina,,, he has a web site , just do a search on the book title. The
Designer was Per Brohall.
Matt Koch <mk...@stssystems.com> wrote in message
news:0FMF3.10$vU2...@198.235.216.4...
> Tim
>
> Check out Sailnets' boatcheck at
http://www.sailnet.com/boatcheck/index.htm
> and do a search for Albin Vega. You'll find a number of owner's reviews
and
> e-mail addresses.
>
> From what I remember when I asked about the Vega, the maststep seems to be
a
> potential problem and the variable pitch prop as well. Sorry that's all I
> remember
>
>
> --
> Matt Koch
> PY26, "Mischief"
>
> Timothy B. <*tbs4e*@virginia.edu> wrote in message
> news:7s6m2i$fo6$1...@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU...
ex...@my-deja.com
since the Combi drive failed on the way back from the broker and I was
never able to find parts or someone willing to work on it. After nearly
sinking the boat in the slip a couple times I decided, rather than
re-powering or installing an outboard, to just sell it.
The new owner is supposed to be re-powering with a 2GM20, although
I haven't seen the results.
Aside form that it was an OK boat. My rudder was starting to delaminate,
but not too severely. (Neal had the same problem in "Log of the
Mahina".) My mast step was in fine shape, as was the hull. The hull-deck
joint did not leak even one little tiny bit.
There is an active association with a great newsletter and a fair number
of dedicated and loyal owners. This is the best point in the boat's
favor.
Check for:
- If the engine is an original Albin or Volvo the boat will almost have
to be repowered soon. Even replacing the stuffing box, which is an
unusual grease-packed design, or the cutlass bearing basically requires
pulling and disassembling the engine.
- The rudder is prone to delamination, and water incursion rusts the
steel parts inside. (Read "Log of the Mahina") Mine was starting to do
this.
- The rudder shaft is only about 1 inch diameter, and is not splined,
but has a single pin transferring shear from the tiller to the shaft.
This pin is prone to shearing off.
- There were a few reports of mast step renovation in the newsletter
every year. (Mine was fine)
At the right price, it's a cool boat.
-Wiley KF6IIU w w w . w s a n d e r s . n e t
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Alisdair Gurney
Apart from a hiccup with the Yanmar during the summer
it's an excellent package with which I've had few problems.
I threw away the original petrol (gas) engine and
combi gear about nine years ago and haven't looked back.
The only problem with motoring is that Vegas don't like going
astern - the long keel sees to that, as does the location of
the propeller wrt the rudderand the offset shaft. Being aware
of the ilmitations is 99% of the battle.
We've just had a survey done, which only threw up
minor problems. Certainly nothing structural and no
problems with the mast step or deck beams.
We still use an Origo meths (alcohol) stove and
have no plans to move to move to Butane.
If you've any specific questions just mail me.
Regards,
Alisdair
------------------------------
Alisdair Gurney
http://www.agurney.demon.co.uk/weekend.htm for a few Vega photos.