2001 305 Albemarle Express vs. 1998 Luhrs 360 Express

[clt_capt]

Jay,
I can't compare to the Albemarle 305, cuz I haven't been on one - Spent plenty of time on a 28 Carolina classic so I can make a decent comparison... The Luhrs is definitely a heavier boat - not as fast, the trade-off is the cockpit size and space in the salon, and better handling in heavy seas...

In my case I've been well served by it for 10 years - I've only had one big service issue with the hull - which Luhrs took care of (while it was under warranty).

There are a bunch of little things that may not be at the upper end of the scale - but all of the through hull fittings are bronze, all hose connections double clamped. Luhrs did have some issues with blistering - I have not had any issues. I do have a few areas with some spider cracks in the gel coat - just need to take the time to repair them.

Are there things that Luhrs should have done - sure - Bilge pump indicators on the bridge (did that within a week of buying the boat), crash pumps, dripless seals.

I'm not a little guy and I can reach all of the normal maintenance points - I could not do that in the Carolina Classic.

I've got Cat 3126Bs (420 HP) I did have sooting issues and had Cat working on that for a long time - It is fixed now - Cat special oil and some adjustments on the injectors...

Now one of the things I really love about my boat - the stairs to the flybridge are great - 2 people can effectively fish the boat AND still have the great view of a flybridge boat vs an Express...

[duckman]

Just got RID of my Luhrs for an Albemarle!

[Big Jay]

Jay,
I can't compare to the Albemarle 305, cuz I haven't been on one - Spent plenty of time on a 28 Carolina classic so I can make a decent comparison... The Luhrs is definitely a heavier boat - not as fast, the trade-off is the cockpit size and space in the salon, and better handling in heavy seas...

In my case I've been well served by it for 10 years - I've only had one big service issue with the hull - which Luhrs took care of (while it was under warranty).

There are a bunch of little things that may not be at the upper end of the scale - but all of the through hull fittings are bronze, all hose connections double clamped. Luhrs did have some issues with blistering - I have not had any issues. I do have a few areas with some spider cracks in the gel coat - just need to take the time to repair them.

Are there things that Luhrs should have done - sure - Bilge pump indicators on the bridge (did that within a week of buying the boat), crash pumps, dripless seals.

I'm not a little guy and I can reach all of the normal maintenance points - I could not do that in the Carolina Classic.

I've got Cat 3126Bs (420 HP) I did have sooting issues and had Cat working on that for a long time - It is fixed now - Cat special oil and some adjustments on the injectors...

Now one of the things I really love about my boat - the stairs to the flybridge are great - 2 people can effectively fish the boat AND still have the great view of a flybridge boat vs an Express...

Ahh the man I was looking for. I really appreciate it man. From what people are telling me the trade really isn't worth it on our end.

I really appreciate your input on the comforts and little quirks/perks of the boat. It's a lot of space.

Ideally for me to jump at a trade few things would need to be in place:

1) Better motors than Yanmars (those 3126's are what we have but 300 hp)
2) Better engine room access (our Albemarle SUCKS but sounds like the Luhrs is not much better)
3) On par fuel economy (which people say the luhrs is not as efficient for his size)

[perfectscore]

Ok, I need some real input on this. Frank, please, would love input on the motors.

We have a 2001 305 Albemarle Express with twin 3126 CAT (300hp) with 800 hours.

My father is exploring the option of possibly doing an even trade for 1998 Luhrs 360 Express. The boat has 04' Yanmars (replaced under the lawsuit???) 400hp with 500 hours on them. Other plus is it has Furuno Navnet Electronics installed in 2007.

I am not sure how I feel about this. My father wants to upgrade due to size. My brother and pops are big guys.

My concerns are:

1) Albemarles are brick shithouses. Can the same be said for the Luhrs?

2) I don't know how I feel about those Yanmars. I am not hot on CATs either but I know Yanmars have had some problems.

3) How's the ride on the 360?

Any thoughts. I would like to hear from anyone who has one.

Thanks!

no way, too many good deals out there to be stuck with a luhrs at the end. sorry

[perfectscore]

look into a glass tech 36 completly walk around boat bulit in miami right now.. she is for sale for a great price. great engines, pipewelders tower and everything has been thought of.. nice cabin even though it was a walk around.. fast and stable built like a tank.

i love that boat, clean, sharp perfect walkaround, but not good for NE but great florida, bahamas boat