Albin Ballad

[DeeGee]

There is a nice looking example of this boat for sale locally. I have no idea of the particular things to look out for on this marque. The plans suggest that the mast step might be a little eccentric, but I may be wrong. I would be v interested in useful comments from those who have or have had one of these pretty boats.

 

[Tranona]

There are a number of Ballad owners on here. Member MagicalArmchair (Mark) is perhaps the most active and writes in PBO about his experiences with his boat - particularly the massive job of rebuilding the mast step!

Most owners seem to be in love with their boats despite the fact they are getting old and need work.

Suggest you PM Mark.

 

[Slycat]

I've a comfort 30 which is similar (apart from the mast setup)

Really love the encapsulated keel and rudder, provides lots of peace of mind. They are quite old so certainly on mine, the use of space inside is terrible but the shape feels very seaworthy and I'd buy one again in a second.

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Beware of mast step problems which can be very expensive and difficult to fix. Apparently there is a mild steel grid , which when it rusts and expands, causes structural problems. So I was told by a disgruntled owner who was trying to sue his surveyor who missed it!

 

[Yellow Ballad]

I have Ballad 979, as mentioned the mast step is the big issue. I've heard it's the first 100 that suffered but it might be worth even if it looks good it may need doing at some point. Have a look at www.albinballad.co.uk/ for information on it.

As mentioned the interior layout isn't fantastic compared to some boats but it's not awful. Mine has the two pilot berths and I'm tempted in converting those to lockers as I'll never have 6 people on the boat. They do a 5 berth version with one quarter berth, which I might have prefered but I do have two massive cockpit lockers for fenders etc instead. They are getting on abit so the wood might be getting old and need replacing, and generally need a bit of tlc, but what boat doesn't.

They're solid boats, which is why I went for it. Built well, skeg hung rudder, encapsulated keel and the keel stepped mast, all give me a bit of reassurance at sea. Best of all they're a very pretty boat and well priced compared to Contessa 32s etc. I really do like mine, it's a lot of boat for the money. I can't really think of another boat for the money that's any better for me.

 

[ibbo]

The interior, although outdated works well at sea. I have the original cushions with a vinyl cover. If you can't stay still on the bed then removing the sheet allows you to stick to the vinyl.

Joking apart they are a pleasure to sail.

Slightly off track, but are any of the forum members going to the Ballad championships at the end of May in Fowey?

Mike