Boat Review - Albemarle 27 Dual Console

At first glance the Albemarle 27 Dual Console may fool you. My initial impression had me believing I was looking at an express style sportfish boat. A closer inspection revealed a unique Dual Console model that brought many of the design elements associated with the classic Albemarle Express Fisherman so many anglers have enjoyed for years into a practical multi-purpose family cruiser.

Two notable differences between the combined styles are an open air layout from stem to stern versus an enclosed cabin and the choice of quiet, efficient and easily accessible outboard power as opposed to the enclosed below deck workhorse diesel option. Splitting the deck layout into thirds the similarities remain. Forward, rather than a decked over cabin with V-berths you enjoy an open air lounge setting for relaxing cruises or sandbar picnics. Amidships the 27DC offers a helm with a full height windshield that closes in the entire seating area from the elements if necessary that can also be ventilated by opening the center section to the breeze, also allowing easy passage between the helm area and the forward lounge.

The space within the Dual Console interiors offer comfort on par with those found on the express cabin version including an enclosed Porcelain Head with Sink/Fresh Water to Port as well as a surprisingly roomy Layout Berth with a generous amount of storage space to Starboard. Lockable Rod Storage is also available within the Starboard Console and access to your helm electronics as well as the 12 Volt Panel are easily reachable here as well.

The cockpit design is virtually identical to the classic express style fisherman offering 58 square feet of deck space to move freely around while working rods or fighting multiple fish. An offshore capacity 240-quart insulated fish hold below deck handles your catch with ease and the 40-gallon transom live well is more than enough bait tank for an honest effort live baiting. An aft facing Port bench seat keeps you visually oriented to the spread while fishing and doubles as a drink cooler. Opposite this seat to Starboard, a tackle center and rigging station with cockpit systems switching keeps necessary tools and accessory control within arm's reach for your mate. Easily reachable access through an aft deck compartment offers you a look at the kind of serious bilge hardware typically reserved for much larger vessels such as heavy duty Flanged Bronze through-hull Seacocks with stainless double clamped connections below the waterline and all stainless fittings above.

The inclusion of outboard power offers much greater versatility for this family-oriented vessel providing a faster, quieter boat without the smoke associated with a diesel boat. Mounting your power on a transom bracket adds lift- simultaneously enhancing hull performance while providing an easy access point to and from the water for those days where swimming, diving, or Tow Sports are in the cards. For the former hardcore fishing enthusiast with a growing family who finds it's time to trade in the sports car for a mini-van but can't come to terms with the switch, the Albemarle 27 DC may be the perfect compromise.

Albemarle 27 DC Specifications

Length: 30-feet, 0-inches

Beam: 8-feet, 8-inches

Draft: 31-inches

Dry Weight: 8000 pounds

Deadrise: 24-degrees

Fuel: 170-gallons

Fresh Water: 23-gallons

Power: Twin 250 Yamaha

MSRP: $194,800