“When we started to look at new Regulators at Oyster Harbors Marine, we discovered the Albemarle and made the pivot from center console to express.”
“The combination of the weight (15,000+ lbs), Carolina flare, 24 degree deadrise, and large beam makes the Albemarle perform very well in heavy seas. The cabin is perfect for our family of four with two bunks and V-berth and a separate head compartment.”
Invigorator, Albemarle 29 Express (LOA 33′)
Interview with the Captain — Price Williams
Why did you choose to buy an Albemarle?
My family has owned center consoles in Marblehead for the past 20 years. We have 6 year old boy/girl twins and we wanted to make a change to something that would provide some shade and a retreat for the kids during the hot summer days. We were excited about the chance to augment our boating lifestyle by gaining the ability to take overnight trips and sleep on the boat comfortably as a family of four. It was also important not to sacrifice any of the the fishing or offshore performance that our previous boat had (a 260cc Everglades). With the Albemarle, we have improved both our fishing and offshore performance while enjoying a significant boating lifestyle enhancement with the cabin.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model?
Originally we were going to replace our Everglades with another new center console – either another Everglades or a Regulator. When we started to look at new Regulators at Oyster Harbors Marine, we discovered the Albemarle and made the pivot from center console to express.
What boats have you previously owned?
My family started with an Aquasport 200 “Price Is Right”. From there we bought the first Everglades in Marblehead – a 211cc. Then we moved up to the Everglades 240cc and finally the Everglades 260cc as the factory introduced new models.
I also bought an 11’ aluminum hull Zodiac this year (my new “Price Is Right”), which I have been using all fall/winter with my kids for inshore boating to break up the pandemic-related monotony.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Performance – the combination of the weight (15,000+ lbs), Carolina flare, 24 degree deadrise, and large beam makes the Albemarle perform very well in heavy seas. With 310 gallon fuel capacity, cruising speed of 30+ MPH/top speed of 50 MPH, this boat can safely get us from A to B in a wide range of weather conditions. Cabin layout – perfect for our family of four with two bunks and V-berth and a separate head compartment
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
Custom adds currently on boat:
– Optimus 360 joystick w/ GPS anchoring and autopilot
– 24” Garmin touch screen
– Windlass
– Freshwater engine remote flush-out
– Carbon fiber outriggers and custom powdercoated rocket launchers
– Custom powdercoated handrails on roof for ease of accessing bow
– ACR LED searchlight
– Underwater lights
Do you use the boat for anything other than fishing?
Harbor cruising, anchoring at Brown’s island, lunch trips in Gloucester, weekend cruises to Nantucket, Maine, etc
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Service has not been a challenge (as of yet!)
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy an Albemarle?
The 2021 Express was tweaked to fit three 300 Yahamas on the bracket… get that one!
Do you fish recreationally or commercially?
Recreational only
Who first introduced you to boating/fishing?
Freshwater fishing with my grandfather on lakes and rivers in Wisconsin in his small aluminum boats.
Do you have a most memorable catch?
My son caught his first keeper striped bass this summer – that was a memorable one for sure!
Any recent fishing/boating-related purchase you’ve been enjoying?
Phender Pros for quick release/attachment of your fenders. Saves time and makes your cleats less crowded, a cool invention.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
This is the 4th boat we have named “Invigorator”. My grandfather (a decorated WWII veteran and my childhood hero) used to refer to a cocktail as an “invigorator” and at happy hour he would always declare “I think I am in the mood for a little invigorator”. So after he passed away, we wanted to honor him somehow in our boat name, and “Invigorator” seemed to be the perfect fit.
CHECK IT OUT
To learn more about Invigorator, click the gallery below.
