Albin ballad or Albin cumulus for offshore work?

[nightvigator]

I was convinced of purchasing an Albin Ballad to start on sailing offshore, but I have come across an albin cumulus 28 anyone knows if the cumulus is as regarded as the ballad, it feels more like a coastal to me, but I want to hear some more impresions.
the negative points against the ballad:
deck steped mast.
stern hang ruder.
rigging?
I heard too it is more nimble.

[mitiempo]

There is nothing wrong with either a deck stepped mast, found on many good boats up to 35 or even 40'. Outboard rudders are also nothing to be ashamed of. Actually quite similar to my boat in many ways. A bit smaller than the ballad though.

[MARC2012]

Some think deck stepped is better,less damage if dismasted.My boat is deck stepped & considered a first class rtw boat.marc

[mitiempo]

As well, I can't think of any negative to an outboard rudder. No through hull shaft with bearing requiring maintenance and easy to rig self steering - probably the most maintenance free steering system you can have.

[olson34]

Originally Posted by nightvigator

I was convinced of purchasing an Albin Ballad to start on sailing offshore, but I have come across an albin cumulus 28 anyone knows if the cumulus is as regarded as the ballad, it feels more like a coastal to me, but I want to hear some more impresions.
the negative points against the ballad:
deck steped mast.
stern hang ruder.
rigging?
I heard too it is more nimble.

"Negative Points"? Where on earth is that coming from? Strange...

There are advantages either way, whether the mast is deck-stepped or keel stepped. The naval architect calculates the loads, stresses, and strengths to match.

As to rudders, same answer. I would note that for the purpose of easier maint. and repair, the transom-hung rudder has some advantages... and the further you are from home and more dependent on your own resources for repairs, the greater the advantage can be.

As for rigging (and chain plates), after all these decades you would be replacing the rig and perhaps even the shroud attachments before going blue water.

L

[nightvigator]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

As well, I can't think of any negative to an outboard rudder. No through hull shaft with bearing requiring maintenance and easy to rig self steering - probably the most maintenance free steering system you can have.

Ok I understand no frills with those details, now how capable of work offshore is the cumulus if any have actually sailed one?
Well i gree that a well design boat is a well design boat not matter waht but for a reason boat builders ang a rudder in a skeg, for a reason they over build the rigging for offshore work, for a reason the ballad has more balast, well anyone have any experience sailing the cumulus offshore, I found literature on the topic for the ballad, no info waht so ever for the cumulus.
Thanks

[mitiempo]

Tha Albin Cumulus has, based on the numbers at Sail Calc Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2000+ boats
a better capsize ratio than the Ballad as well as more sail area for its displacement. The Cumulus also has a better comfort ratio. The Cumulus is also a bit heavier. While they are both good boats I see the Cumulus as the better in several important areas.
sailboat data: BALLAD 30 (ALBIN) Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com
CUMULUS 28 (ALBIN) Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com
The Cumulus is also an bit newer boat and Peter Norlin is a good designer.

[ants]

Hi Mitiempo,
I am absolutely delighted with my (1980) Albin Cumulus, absolutely brilliant to sail - great performance, but very solid too. I would not swap her for the Jeanneau 29.2 that I owned before - even given the relative difference in selling prices.
Albin build quality was excellent, the Cumulus design has aged very well with good storage (including a big space under the cockpit) and sensible good quality joinery. There is also 6 foot head room - a big plus for me.
I like the transom hung rudder semi balanced rudder - the boat will turn on her length yet is really well balanced and very stable under way. Also you can get at it!

Above all it's about sailing and this is the best sailing boat of her size that I have ever sailed, she digs in a flies along and is an utter delight. You just dont want to lower the sails at the end of the day...

Hope this helps.

[armchairsailor]

My Albin Ballad has a keel stepped mast and a skeg hung rudder

[bobmcgov]

Originally Posted by armchairsailor

My Albin Ballad has a keel stepped mast and a skeg hung rudder

Yes. The Ballad has a keel-stepped mast and a skeg-hung rudder.

30 albin ballad 181

The Cumulus has a deck-stepped mast and transom-hung rudder.

28' ALBIN CUMULUS 28 - Warren Trafton SYRI

Both boats were intended for coastal sailing and racing, but either would be fine for passage-making with a few simple modifications. They are over-built Scandanavian cruisers with outstanding reputations for upwind work and impeccable manners. The Ballad is slightly faster, but for all intents and purposes, these are interchangeable boats. Bob Perry speaks highly of them, having owned a Cumulus and sailed on Ballads: "Stiff as a church" was one description he offered.

The boats suffer somewhat on downwind headings due to weak D/L and SA/D numbers. You will have to pile on the canvas to get them moving. The Ballad's sailplan is optimised for IOR, meaning a small, high-aspect mainsail and large, overlapping, masthead genoa. Most Ballads had no roller furling. Some shorthanded passagemakers don't like large headsails because wrestling them on the foredeck at 3AM is dangerous. OTOH, some tropical passagemakers employ headsails only downwind, so that would work fine.

Neither boat would be my first choice for doubling the Horn, But I'd sail most places in either quite happily. In fact ... I fully intend to!

Crazy Swedes on Ballads:

YouTube - Balladen S/Y Sälta

YouTube - Kryss i kuling

And some Germans on their Atlantic crossing (part of a series called "Journey in a Cocktail Shaker ):

YouTube - Balu auf großer Fahrt - zwischen Kapverden und Karibik - neunter Tag auf See