19′ 7″ Albury Runabout

19'7" Albury Runabout

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In the northern Bahamas, the Albury name is synonymous with boat building. For generations, this family has turned out hundreds of boats – from dinghies to schooners – from their building sheds on Man O’ War Cay in the Abacos. Since the mid-1950s Willard and Benny Albury have been producing fine outboard runabouts that have earned a reputation as smooth-riding, sea- worthy, rugged boats, capable of excellent speed with modest horsepower.

Albury Runabout Particulars

For many years, these boats were built in wood, by eye, with no two boats being exactly alike. After building so many unique variations on a single boat type, the Albury brothers have a pretty good idea of the important factors in runabout design. The plans shown here represent what Willard Albury considers to be his optimal boat, the best of over 250 individual boats.

Doug Hylan has drawn a set of plans that not only document the construction of these fine boats, but make it possible for other builders to enjoy their good qualities. The lines show a moderate deadrise of 15 degrees with a fine entry, producing an easy ride even in the short, steep chop common in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. Construction is robust but simple and clean, making these boats long-lived and easy to maintain.

Albury Runabout Profile View

The Albury runabout will make a fine project for intermediate and advanced builders. Glued strip planking over frames sawn from natural Madeira root knees was the original construction, but most builders today will probably find it easier to laminate their frames. For those who would prefer cold-molding, a construction sheet is included for this method. Lofting is required, but this is not a difficult set of lines to lay down.

Six sheets of plans for the Albury Runabout show lines, original construction, cold-molded construction, and details. Calculations for U.S. Coast Guard safe powering, load capacity, and flotation requirements are included. WB Plan No. 136, $90.00.

Albury Runabout Top View

Completed 19′ 7″ Albury Runabout Images

Matthew P. Murphy

Here’s a behind-the-scene’s look at how many a WoodenBoat cover and calendar have come to be. Maynard Bray (left) mans the helm of ABACO while photographer Benjamin Mendlowitz does his magic behind the camera. The Albury runabout’s steadiness and agility make her Mendlowitz’s boat of choice for this work.

Benjamin Mendlowitz

The Albury runabout is a sturdy, stable, yet surprisingly nimble runabout for her size (almost 20’ LOA). She can be strip-planked or cold-molded.

Chip King (both), Shearline Boatworks

Though some may prefer the looks and the utility of a simple arrangement and paint throughout, a varnished windshield, handsome and comfortable bucket seats, a rod holder, and a teak platform (walking deck) show how nice this design can look when she’s all dressed up.

Benjamin Mendlowitz

To comply with present regulations, the motor should be separated from the cockpit by a watertight bulkhead as shown here. Bill Boyd and his son built this Albury runabout for summertime fun around Brooklin, Maine.