What were two highly esteemed brands (just ask our survey respondents!) are now one. Albemarle and Carolina Classic, both high-quality, express platforms for serious offshore anglers, both born in Edenton, North Carolina, are now Albemarle, proudly bearing the tag line, “The Carolina Classic.” Each brand began as a small family business that quickly drew hard-fishing fans worldwide to proven hulls and premium amenities. They claim 60 years of boatbuilding history combined, launching more than 3,600 hulls.
The new company, whose logo pays homage to each of the brands from which it is formed, will continue to take aim at the 25- to 41-foot express sport-fisher market. “Everything we do is underscored by our love of fishing,” it pledges.
An Albemarle hull is designed and built to take on the roughest of seas comfortably. Windshields and enclosures keep rain and sea at bay, and well-appointed cabins provide snug getaways. Larger models offer heat and air-conditioning options. Fishing battles are waged within cockpits large, open and uncluttered, attended by oversize and handy fish boxes, livewells and storage.
Survey results of the founding brands of the new company yield strikingly similar results: those who know them love both brands’ reputation, construction, safety and customer service. Those are strong shared basics upon which to build a merged brand.
ALBEMARLE 27 EXPRESS
Albemarle’s big, diesel-powered inboard sport-fishers are viewed as classics at ports worldwide, but its smaller, outboard express boats are loved just as dearly.
The new Albemarle 27 Express, toward the smaller end of the Albemarle line, was created to meet customer demand for a strong, proven express fisherman powered by a pair of modern four-stroke Yamaha outboards, 250s or 300s. The payoff? Higher cruising speed, better fuel economy and greater range to stretch the options of weekend adventurers.
For now, forget the size, and consider the big-boat features: roomy helm deck with Garelick helm chairs and versatile storage beneath it; a luxuriously appointed and roomy cabin with cherry interior and cabinetry and a pair of berths; and rear-facing seating overseeing a cockpit offering a generous 60 square feet of fishing space.
It’s fishing first, but comfort is never far away, thanks to a well-appointed galley with microwave, refrigerator and ample storage. There’s also a stand-up head with shower, solid-surface countertop and sink. The serious offshore angler will smile at its sea-taming ability and its fuel economy, while family and guests will bask amid its stylishly redesigned decks, sleek lines and roomy cabin.
The 27 Express is a hardcore Albemarle sport-fisher in an agile, family-friendly form.
More Info: albemarleboats.com