new Albemarle 290 XF

[Drifter]

As many have probably noticed in recent magazine ads, the new Albemarle 290 XF is replacing the popular 280 XF. I recently received a new catalog, and also noticed that they have updated their website with details of this new model. It certainly has a different look:



source: http://www.albemarleboats.com/offshore/290XF.html

Differences versus the previous 280 model include a tuna door option, prop pockets, longer length (28'6" vs 27'1"), wider beam (10'9" vs 9'6"), less deadrise (21º vs 24º), shallower draft (32" vs 36"), and more weight (12,500# vs 9,500#). The 290 has 4 berths, a pod-style helm, forward-facing seating for 4, and hull color options. I'm sure that there are numerous other differences, but these are what I noticed first.

Power options include twin I/B Mercruiser 8.1 Horizon 370hp gas engines, twin I/B Yanmar 6LPA-STP 315hp diesels, and twin I/B Cummins QSD 4.2 350hp diesels. (Mercruiser and Volvo were the power options on the 280.)

It will be interesting to eventually hear comparisons of the ride of the new 290 versus the old 280 (which reportedly has a great headsea ride).

[Capt. Fred]

That is one rugged looking boat.

[Aftergolf]

I like the old 28 better (like mine). The 29 looks like a shorter version of the new 33, like the back end was cut off. From the people I know that sea trialed the 33, it did not ride nearly as good as the 32 in a head sea, so I would expect that the new 29 would not be as good as the 28 in a head sea either, but would be much better in the drift with the reduced dead rise at the stern. Clearly they have listened to owners about the lack of creature comforts, as the 29 is much more appealing to the family than the 28. Just my opinion.

[Angler Systems]

I love the 36 Albemarle, not all that crazy about the new 29 and new 33.