[gusto45]

I have been looking at these 2 models for a while now and can't figure out why the Topaz is about 100K more. Is the ride and finish that much better? Is it the name? I am looking at 2005's I figured they would be around the same price for similar years and packages. Anyone have any first hand experience with the Topaz? I believe they also own Egg Harbor and maybe a few others.

 

[makoexpress]

The Topaz is a bigger boat. That Albe is really a 30 foot boat. It was the 305 model and the hull is the same. I have a 28 Albe and love it. To compare a similar Albe look at the 320 expess.

 

[PURSUIT2]

I am pretty sure there were Major problems with the Cat engines in many of the Albies that size. I think it was the 3126's, but I am not sure. No first hand experience, but I heard enough that I would be very careful of anything with these engines.

That may account for some of the price difference. Most of the 32' Topaz had 3208TA Cats and that's a good engine. I know cause I got'em in my boat.

 

[hardcore]

had a 27 albie. probably rides better than the topaz. can t speak for the 30 thogh, different hull design. 32 topaz' are pigs on fuel. if you like that rig you are better off with the 36 or 37 seven. for what ever reason they use less fuel and you get alot more room. the 32 is like a squashed 36 and they just dig a whole in the water. 32 albemarle is great boat small cabin for that size but if yo want a boat that can take a beating this is the one , they are better with the 300hp as apossed to the 350 there is no speed gain just xtra fuel burn. on typical overnite cnyon trip here are avg fuel burn. 27 albie 145-160gal, 32 topaz 230-260, 36 topaz 210-230 gal, 32albie 180-200 gal hope this helps

 

[PtJudeRI]

I am not sure about the newer versions of the Topaz. Did they tweak the hull at all once the molds were bought up?? The old ones were indeed slow and liked to drink, but the 36 and 37 were a bit of a pounder, as they were a bit lighter than other boats in their class... Not too much info on the Albe's

Best of luck in the hunt. In the end, sea trial em both and get a feel for what you like.

 

[fishwon]

hardcore wrote:
on typical overnite cnyon trip here are avg fuel burn. 27 albie 145-160gal, 32 topaz 230-260, 36 topaz 210-230 gal, 32albie 180-200 gal hope this helps

Those numbers for the Topaz are dead on. A friend of mine at the dock has a 04' 32 Topaz, and thats exactly what he is burning. How about a 32 Luhrs??? Thats what catchs my eye. Fuel burn? Comments on the boat? Tight Lines Lou

 

[06405]

fishwon

the fuel burn on the 32 luhrs with 315 Yanmars are great, very low on burning fuel.

 

[tunaorlater]

fishwon wrote:
hardcore wrote:
on typical overnite cnyon trip here are avg fuel burn. 27 albie 145-160gal, 32 topaz 230-260, 36 topaz 210-230 gal, 32albie 180-200 gal hope this helps

Those numbers for the Topaz are dead on. A friend of mine at the dock has a 04' 32 Topaz, and thats exactly what he is burning. How about a 32 Luhrs??? Thats what catchs my eye. Fuel burn? Comments on the boat? Tight Lines Lou



A buddy of mine has a 32 albie and those #'s are perfect also. I personally would go with the Albemarle, built like a tank and rides like one too. The Topaz probably has more room and will definatly roll less on the drift but you can not beat the ride of and Albie in that size class. I never rode on the newer Topaz's though so I can't give you first hand on them.

 

[CAPT RICHI]

gusto45 wrote:
I have been looking at these 2 models for a while now and can't figure out why the Topaz is about 100K more. Is the ride and finish that much better? Is it the name? I am looking at 2005's I figured they would be around the same price for similar years and packages. Anyone have any first hand experience with the Topaz? I believe they also own Egg Harbor and maybe a few others.


I have a nice 32 Albemarle for sale ..

 

[CAPT RICHI]

hardcore wrote:
had a 27 albie. probably rides better than the topaz. can t speak for the 30 thogh, different hull design. 32 topaz' are pigs on fuel. if you like that rig you are better off with the 36 or 37 seven. for what ever reason they use less fuel and you get alot more room. the 32 is like a squashed 36 and they just dig a whole in the water. 32 albemarle is great boat small cabin for that size but if yo want a boat that can take a beating this is the one , they are better with the 300hp as apossed to the 350 there is no speed gain just xtra fuel burn. on typical overnite cnyon trip here are avg fuel burn. 27 albie 145-160gal, 32 topaz 230-260, 36 topaz 210-230 gal, 32albie 180-200 gal hope this helps
From Jones to hudson & back in 3 to 4'seas 220 gal ..To the tx tower 180 I went in 4 to 6'all white one day 20-22kts there & back..The 32 will give you the best ride..Its not made anymore but look for a good used one & test ride it.. Its a great boat with no cabin its built to fish..There are some great deals on some late models 32..I like the older one better Good luck & take a look at the 35 henriques

 

[fishwon]

06405 wrote:
the fuel burn on the 32 luhrs with 315 Yanmars are great, very low on burning fuel.

Whats very low?? 180, 200, 240?? Thanks
Lou

 

[hardcore]

sorry but a luhrs isn t even worth being in this conversation. those # s on fuel burn are all on about an 80nm run to the canyon, and real word.

 

[marleepearl]

gusto the 305 albie and 32 are a very different ride..i have a 2000 32 and love the boat..its one **** of a ride...pm with any questions

 

[DORADOsteve]

There is NO comparison between the Topaz of the mid 80's to the new generation of Topaz.

The new ones are incredible.

 

[Deepline]

To answer the actual question....

I would say you gotta go with the Albemarle. The freeboard is the first turnoff on the Topaz. Next , look carefully at the rigging below deck, not up to par, loose and messy. Also, I saw someone mention the problem CAT had on older motors, they were the 3116's , they had a "soft" block problem, and they replaced everyone of those blocks. If you find a boat that didn't have them replaced, stay away , a sure sign of very poor maintenance. The only thing on the new topaz as compared to the old is the SHAPE of the hull, and the logo, that's all!! Albemarle has a MUCH stronger customer service and dealer network,, that alone is worth it's weight in OIL !!

This post edited by Deepline 09:46 AM 05/20/2008

 

[MakoMike]

Deepline wrote:
Albemarle has a MUCH stronger customer service and dealer network,, that alone is worth it's weight in OIL !!

Obviously any company can have a one off problem, but I heard a horor story last night of a brand new Albermarle that was delivered two summers ago and is still not right. Looks like its going to come down to a lawsuit. I'm not going to name names, but the dissatisfied owner is another Nor'east member.