[Jeff_H]

Both of these boats are very long in the tooth and potentially will need a lot of work to bring them up to a level of reliability to make a trans-oceanic passage. Of the two the Ballad is a more enjoyable boat to sail with lighter more precise steering.

Albin generally built to a very high build quality, but there seems to be some big variations in the glasswork on the Vega seemed to vary over the Vega's production run. While I have seen Vegas which have looked very solid, and another in which the gelcoat has failed and there seemed to be delamination extending into at least the veil coat.

And while I know both of these boats have done very impressive voyages, I would suggest that these are not exactly ideal designs for your purpose. You might want to open your search to more distance cruising oriented designs.

Jeff

 

[Jeff_H]

Many thanks Mark! What do you think about using a Ballad with an outboard to save a little place/ease close quarters maneuvers? I know, it's not ideal in open ocean but in case I am planning to cross one, I don't plan to motor all the way to the Caribbean...

Might be departing the Albins though, added the Bene FC10 to my research. Much more space, also referred as blue-water craft. I think I'll have lot's of sleepless nights until I finally decide

A couple quick thoughts here. .. I really love FC 10's and would suggest that they are super race boats and great Weekender and daysailers, but under no circumstances are they an offshore cruiser, especially shorthanded. It would be one thing if you didn't plan to cross an ocean, but given your game plan, I would cross the Beneteau FC 10 off your list.

The Albin Ballad would be a way better choice, but not if you plan to pull out the inboard and hang an outboard on the transom. That is undermining the viability of the Ballad.

Jeff

 

[Jeff_H]

The Monsun 31's are a nice boat for your purpose. Probably not as good as a coastal cruiser as the Ballad, but better suited for the transatlantic passage portion of your plan.

I would be concerned that the early Hallberg Rassy's often had cored topsides (from deck to waterline) that were notorious for rotting. I don't know whether the Monsun 31's were built that way but that would be something to research before adding them to your list.

Jeff