SeaCraft vs Albemarle

[Dilligaf]

im kinda debateing between the two. i know this is a seacraft site but be honest with me to your knowledge. give me the pros and cons of both.

[CarlaDee]

which models? I have a 23' SeaCraft and just bought a 32' Albemarle and have fished the 30' and 24' Albemarle...

[Briguy]

The albe's really rock and roll on the drift.

[Dilligaf]

23 sceptre/tsunami vs 24 alb cuddy cabin

[CarlaDee]

drift comment is accurate. i would rather have outboards than a jackshaft. both are great boats, ride is similar.

[Dilligaf]

thats the only difference?????????????

[peterb]

Dosen't the Albie have a deeper deadrise (24 degrees)?

Also, the consoles on the Albie seem to sit back quite far.

Before I bought my latest 23' SeaCraft I looked at Potter built SeaCrafts, Silver Hawks and Albemarles.

I liked the SeaCraft the best (out of the boats that I saw).

[McGillicuddy]

What years are are you considering and what are your needs? What price range? The older Albe hulls were basically a Formula 233 and the layout was much better than new style for my fishing needs. Better looking than new also, IMO. Seemingly more cockpit less cabin, but I agree that the newer Albe 24 controls seem to be way back. The Albes have the 24 deg deadrise which is sweet when your cruising but sucks if your drifting or trolling -- especially, slow trolling. I've been fishing on a Carolina Classic 25 Sportfish the last few years and the roll is very noticeable on its 24.5 deg deadrise. I think the Tsceptre - due to the VDR will be a better riding boat overall with much softer landings when running head on in mixed up seas. I tangled with a similar decision a while back. I picked an sweet Sceptre over an older Formula 233 for the reasons I mentioned, but finally I chose a Seafari because of storage, towing and overall cost considerations. Good luck with your decision. Oh yeah, if you go with the Tsceptre you'll have a bunch of helpful brains to pick on CSC

[eggsuckindog]

If this a fishing boat the Sceptre is really hard to beat, great on troll and drift, plenty of dry storage without taking up cockpit space. The cockpit is huge, I had 2 portable Pomponette chairs and a 155 Igloo back there with tons of space left over. Out riggers set up very nice with easy access with them being forward to stay out of the way, best bluewater boat I can imagine- plus you can hold a square dance it if you want

[Ed]

I don't know about the 24 Albemarle....but the 28 Albemarle is...well, to say without sugarcoating... stability & performance sucks.. My buddy had a 2005 28 Albemarle loaded to the nines, during rough weather you could not stand on deck for fear of getting tossed over. Its unstability is due to a straight 24 degree deadrise (not variable) and a higher than usual center of gravity. It also consumed a ton of fuel. They are well made and perform well in a head sea (well made too) but I think its negatives far outweigh its positive

In the end he sold it and bought a lightly used 2801 parker center console. 10x more stable, better on the fuel and easier to maintain. You give up some ride in a head sea....but not that much if you slow down a bit.