Albemarle Boats Review

Albemarle Boats, founded in 1978, specialize in high quality sport fishing boats. With a factory in Edenton, North Carolina, the company tests its boats off of Cape Hatteras. The company operates off of one simple maxim: “Sometimes, if you want something done right, you just have to do it yourself.” With this motto in mind, Albemarle have developed a reputation for producing high quality boats that appeal to serious fishers. In the past few years, Albemarle has continued to innovate within the midsize fishing boat marketplace. They offer features such as tougher gel coats and new equipment, and Albemarle boats are known for their extremely solid hulls. Albermarle fishing boats are also known for their gas mileage and workhorse durability, and all of Albermarle’s models are sold as ishore and offshore capable. Many enthusiastic owners compare them to a four-wheel drive pickup. This manufacturer also rates highly for customer service, with many owners speaking highly of their enthusiastic support department.

According to Albemarle, two of the most important reasons their customers love their boats are “rideablity“ and “fishablity.“. The high quality ride that fishing enthusiasts have grown to expect from these boats is due to Albermale’s use of the Carolina hull design, as well as decades of improvement on this hull. On their official website, Albemarle also claims to lead the field in “fishability.” According to their promotional material, their boats will go out to sea on even the most dangerous days when everyone else is stuck at dock. Also, their boats contain numerous conveniences--open cockpit, non-skid deck coating, spacious cabin, storage, rod holders, etc--that experienced fishers value. Albemarle Boats attempts to build boats that both the experienced sea farer can take into dangerous storms and the pleasure boater can use to take the family out for a weekend cruise.

Pricing

New Albemarle Boats are priced on a per order basis. Used boats from 2008 can be priced around $350,000. Older models are priced significantly lower based on model and size, but few are priced less than $70,000.

Pros

• Albermale boats are based on the Carolina hull.
• Decades of expert technology have gone into improving the already excellent Carolina hull.
• Albemarle Boats claim one of the reasons their customers keep coming back is affordability.
• Boats have a comfortable ride.

Cons

• When drifting, Albemarle boats may roll.
• Due to their diesel engines, some of these boats may run a bit noisily.
• Some owners report that these boats can have a bit of a wet ride.
• Some tall boaters complain about too little headroom.

Featured Manufacturers

Center Console: 242 Center Console 288. Express Fisherman: Outboard Express Fisherman 330 XF, 360 XF, 410 XF. Express: 248 Express Fisherman, 268 Express Fisherman, 310 Express Fisherman, 290 Express Fisherman. Convertible: 410 Convertible.

Conclusion

Albemarle Boats have gained a reputation for versatile, quality fishing boats. > Albemarle 248 Boats are suggested for individuals and families who want a boat that can run offshore and inshore. Cruising speeds of 20.5 mph are optimal and burn only 7.5 gallons of fuel per hour. For the fisherman who wants a bit more flexibility for offshore fishing, the 268 Albemarle may be a better choice with larger boat feel and smaller boat maneuverability. The company’s excellent track record encompasses not only the quality of their boats but the dependability, friendliness, and affordability of the company itself. Although some purchasers have complained about such things as rocking at a drift, a wet ride, and loud diesel engines, most sources within the boating industry have a deep respect for this established brand. Their boats are equipped with numerous amenities targeted towards experienced fishers, and their hulls are designed with excellent care and attention. Definitely recommended first and foremost as a fishing boat, although this brand’s durability means that these boats also have family-friendly potential.