Albemarle Boats is known for its canyon-ready express sportfish models, but recently launched a familyfriendly dual console built on the same DNA.
Keith Privott, vice president of sales at Albemarle Boats, says the company has changed along with lifestyles during the past 40 years.“Back then, we built fishing boats for hard-core guys who went out every weekend with friends,” he says. “But they’re a dying breed. Today, owners are more involved with their families. It’s why we built this boat.”
The 27 is the first dual console from the North Carolina builder known for express boats. Like all dual consoles, the 27 is versatile by design. One part sportfish and one part family cruiser, it can tow the kids on tubes one moment and troll in salt water the next. It has a head for mixed company and a cabin for junior at nap time.
There’s a soft side to the 27, but don’t let the upholstered bow lounges and optional cockpit grilling station fool you. This boat also has plenty of bluewater DNA. It’s one of the smallest boats in Albemarle’s fleet, but it’s built like its larger siblings. “It’s heavy, with a solid-glass, deep-V hull and 24 degrees of transom deadrise,” Privott says. “That’s the type of aggressive running bottom we’re known for, and it’s not common on dual consoles in this size range. Other boats have less deadrise because they’re being made for average use. Our 27 is made for rough water.” To keep the ride stable and comfortable in coastal conditions, Albemarle designed the hull with wide, flat chines. They’ll steady the boat when owners are drift fishing in a beam sea, or when they’re on the hook in a rolling anchorage with the kids. If the weather heads south, getting back to the dock quickly is no problem. With standard power—two 200-hp Yamahas—the 27 tops out at 40 knots and cruises near 26 knots A pair of 250-hp Yamahas are optional, and they could be a good choice for those who will load the boat with gear, ice, people and fuel. The bigger engines add $10,000 to the price. Another noteworthy option is the hard top with enclosure ($17,900). It turns the 27 into an all-weather platform and enhances the boat’s lines. “We build near the Outer Banks, where it’s common to see custom charter boats with clean lines, soft radiuses and no clutter,” Privott says. “That’s what we were all raised on. That’s what we do.”