TOPIC:

Hello!
I'm looking forward investing if possible less than 1k GBP during march next year in order to get a dinghy which will allow me to sail in shallow waters (Neusiedler See close to Vienna) and in the sea (Adriatic sea) with my girlfriend. Albacore seems like a perfect match! I would plan to drive to the sea once a year, maximum two.
Does anyone has experience on moving Albacore's in the road? The obvious choice is a trailer (i'm not sure how much that could cost, maybe as much as a basic Albacore) or maybe i could also put it on the roof of my car (standard car)?
What do you think? I'm living close to Vienna and my plan (since there's no market here) is to drive UK, France or Spain and bring a boat here. My options are Snipe and Albacore for the time being.
Thanks! Esteban

Hi again Esteban,

Tim has replied to say that he does not know of any likely websites in Germany, and he has never seen an Albacore for sale in Denmark.

He does regularly watch all the DK websites for dinghies, so he would have noted any Albs, but he says that Snipes are sailed there - link to a website:


snipe.dk/



You may therefore need to come to UK to find an Albacore, so if you do, make sure that any boat that you consider does have a working Combi trailer.

I note that Peter Anderson has a GRP Albacore for sale in the Wanted section of this Forum, and that it is near Newcastle. DFDS run a regular car ferry between Amsterdam and Newcastle which may be a reasonable route, should you consider that one.

Hope this is helpful.

Derek

Hi Esteban,

I have just emailed our son Tim who lives in Copenhagen, and buys and sells secondhand dinghies as a hobby, whether he knows of any suitable websites in Denmark or Germany etc., where you may be able to find an Albacore.

If he can suggest anything I will post the details here.

Your choice of an Albacore is wellmade, and if you can find one you will certainly not be disappointed. A Wayfarer is a good second choice, and may well prove to be easier to find, but will not be as much fun to sail as an Albacore. Both boats do need a good combi trailer for transport and launching. Our combi trailer was supplied by Speed Sails of UK, but I note that it was made in Germany.

Good luck with your search.

Derek

Try these sites:

www.apolloduck.com/listings.phtml?cid=7&scid=102

www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/php/browser.php3?kword2=albacore



Or occasionally boats come up on eBay.

Thanks, I appreciate your experience and knowledge. In the meantime I’ve also done some research and to be honest I’ve tailored my options to Albacore and Wayfarer, being them listed on my degree of preference.


I agree (now) that a trailer is a must. No doubt left on that one. I’ve also seen that most of the boats on sale include one (in different levels of quality).


My problem today is finding a boat, close to the Eurotunnel in the UK or better in Europe mainland: France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, etc since the cost of crossing the channel is considerable.


Can anyone point me with some websites? I’ve tried a few things but nothing tangible...my French is limited to “Peugeot” and my Dutch, German is un-existent.


I don’t want or need a racing machine; I like the Albacore for its cruising qualities and affordable price.


Thanks again!


Esteban

Hi

Towing is the preferred option as getting an Albacore on top of a car or van is a fair lift and ofcourse the mast would be a fair bit longer than the car. Once you have been towing an Albacore for about 5 mins you will have almost forgotten you are towing, The weight on a trailer is very easy to manage both on and off the car.



We would welcome you as a member in the NAA, however your country of residence would add to our European tally, with Albacores also in France.



Please let us know how you get on and also feel free to contact me direct if you need further assistance



regards



Derek Gibbon

NAA Chairman 7176Derek Gibbon2009-11-02 09:52:58

You need to look into the local traffic laws for countries that you will need to pass through. For example, in France the amount of overhang is limited much more than in the UK, so it would not be possible to transport an Albacore mast on the roof of a van - therefore I think a trailer is the only viable option.

Thanks for your reply!

Esteban, The Albacore is an ideal choice for you.
A trailer is best although the boat can be carried upside down on the roof of a large van (not a car). You may have a height problem in the ferry/tunnel! You can often get a trailer included in the price of a second hand boat and ideally you should chose a combi trailer where the road trailer can be seperated from the launching trolley easily.

To get the boat to Austria you could combine with a larger transport, one way I would guess approximatly Ł300.

We use Tony Ainsworth, here; www.ainsworthdeliveries.com/



Once in Europe, you will need a Euro spec trailer, you will need to look into the particular local laws and possibly a certificate of conformity much like our MOT's.



Lights need to be perminantly attached to the trailer (no trailer boards), you need side lights as a bare minimum.




Mersea Trailers should be able to assist, I wouldn't get a scondhand UK trailer, they do not confrom to EU law.