1987 Albin 43 Double Cabin

Accommodations

The interior layout of the Albin 43 Double Cabin trawler emphasizes long-range liveaboard utility, acoustic isolation between private cabins, and an open, interconnected central living space. The joinery throughout the vessel showcases solid Burmese teak cabinetry, louvered locker doors, satin-varnished bulkheads, and traditional teak and holley flooring across all compartments.

Access into the main salon is provided by dual sliding wheelhouse side doors located at the forward starboard helm and aft port side, facilitating cross-ventilation and short-handed docking maneuvers. The lower helm is positioned forward to starboard, housing full engine instrumentation, communication hardware, and navigation displays within both console-level and overhead teak dash pods.

A cushioned helm bench seat incorporates built-in chart and tool storage below. Aft of the helm station, the salon seating area includes a custom settee and an independent, high-gloss varnished teak dining table. Along the forward port bulkhead, overlooking the sunken galley, is a fold-down teak breakfast bar accompanied by two matching bar stools. Wraparound safety glass cabin windows provide unobstructed natural sightlines in all directions and are fitted with custom cellular blinds. The structural integrity of the cabin sole is rated at an 8 out of 10, showing consistent maintenance.

The owner's master stateroom occupies the full beam of the aft trunk cabin, accessed via a teak staircase descending from the port aft corner of the salon. Positioned against the aft bulkhead is a walk-around centerline island queen berth framed by twin reading lamps, side counters, and custom drawer banks. Surrounding trunk cabin windows across three bulkheads ensure continuous natural illumination and cross-ventilation. Both the port and starboard sides are fitted with deep hanging lockers, louvered utility cabinets, and broad drawer tiers.

Forward to starboard within the master suite is a private ensuite head compartment. This head includes a molded fiberglass mini-bathtub with a shower wand, a Jabsco electric marine sanitation toilet, a vanity counter with a molded sink, mirrored medicine cabinets, and an opening frosted privacy portlight. Direct, sound-insulated access to the central engine room is located behind the aft companionway stairs.

The forward guest stateroom provides private accommodations for visitors or crew, situated down three steps forward from the galley. It features a traditional V-berth arrangement with a center upholstered filler cushion, under-berth pull-out storage drawers, port and starboard hull shelves, reading lights, a hanging locker, dual 110V AC electrical outlets, and direct overhead escape/ventilation through an aluminum deck hatch.

Immediately aft of the forward stateroom is the guest/day head, fitted with a new manual marine toilet (September 2026,) an integrated vanity counter, an enameled sink, and dedicated cabinet storage. Climate control is managed by three independent reverse-cycle Cruiseair marine heating and air conditioning units: a 16,000 BTU system serving the main salon, a 9,000 BTU unit dedicated to the aft master suite, and a 6,000 BTU compressor supplying the forward stateroom.

Galley

The U-shaped galley is arranged down to port forward of the main salon, providing a dedicated culinary workstation that remains open overhead to the salon's dining and social areas. This sunken configuration keeps food preparation secure while underway without isolating the cook from onboard activities. Countertops are surfaced in durable high-pressure laminate with solid teak fiddles, integrating deep dry-storage wells and under-counter provisioning lockers.

• LPG Range / Cooktop: Princess 3-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Stove & Oven
• Vent Hood
• Range Cover: Fitted Teak Cutting Board Cover Providing Additional Prep Surface
• Refrigeration / Freezer: Danby 115V AC Frost-Free Full-Size Upright Refrigerator/Freezer
• Microwave Oven: Rival Convection Microwave Oven Mounted in Overhead Joinery
• Sink Assembly: Deep Basin Double Stainless Steel Sinks w/ Hot & Cold Pressure Faucet
• Water Filtration: Nature Pure QC Microbiological Drinking Water Purification System
• LPG Fume Detection: Xintex S-2A Propane/CNG Vapor Monitor w/ Auto Shutoff Solenoid
• Potable Water: 300 gallons in tank under aft berth
• Domestic Water Heating: Isotemp 30-Gallon Water Heater (120V AC & Engine Heat Exchanger)
• Freshwater Delivery: Shurflo 12V Pressure Pump w/ Watts Expansion Accumulator Tank
• Ventilation: Opening Portlight Directly Over Cooktop with Bug Screen

Electronics and Navigation

The electronics suite features dual helm stations connected via an integrated marine network. The primary navigation hub at the upper flybridge helm was updated with the addition of a Simrad NSS evo3S multi-function display in January 2026, delivering high-speed chart rendering, digital sonar profiling, and radar integration. Dual Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3 displays provide secondary navigation, bathymetric mapping, and target overlay across both helms.

Over-the-horizon collision mitigation is managed by a Lowrance 4G broadband closed-dome radar scanner paired with a Class B AIS transceiver that broadcasts positional and vector telemetry over an internal Wi-Fi bridge directly to personal navigation tablets.

• Primary Multi-Function Display: Simrad NSS evo3S Chartplotter/Radar (New Jan 2026) — Upper Flybridge Helm
• Secondary Dual MFD Suite: Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3 12" Color Touchscreen Displays — Upper Helm & Lower Wheelhouse
• Broadband Marine Radar: Lowrance 4G Broadband Closed-Array Radar Scanner — Mast-Mounted / Dual Station Display
• Hydraulic Autopilot: Simrad NAC-3 Computer w/ Dual AP44 Control Heads — Upper Helm, Lower Helm & Remote
• Autopilot Remote: Simrad Wireless Handheld Long-Range Controller — Portable Shipboard Transceiver
• Primary Marine VHF: Icom IC-M506 Fixed-Mount VHF Transceiver w/ DSC — Lower Wheelhouse Console
• Remote VHF Station: Icom HM-195 Command Mic Full-Function Remote Mic — Upper Flybridge Console
• Automatic Identification (AIS): Integrated Class B AIS Transponder w/ Internal Wi-Fi — Navigation Electronics Backbone
• Wi-Fi Amplification: Marine High-Gain Wi-Fi Booster Antenna & Internal Router — Cabin Network Integration
• Magnetic Compasses: Dual Danforth Flush-Mount Spherical Compasses — Upper Helm & Lower Wheelhouse
• Engine Monitoring Suite: VDO Analog Tachometers, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Volts — Upper & Lower Stations (Rebuilt 2025)
• Barometric Instruments: Weems & Plath Polished Brass Clock & Precision Barometer — Main Salon Bulkhead

Electrical Systems

Shipboard electrical power is engineered around an integrated 12V DC domestic distribution infrastructure and a 120V AC 60 Hz shore and auxiliary generation network. Underway autonomy is reinforced by a 320-Watt solar generation array permanently installed on the hard-top framework, feeding a Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 charge controller featuring real-time Bluetooth telemetry.

In January 2026, the house energy storage was upgraded with the installation of four AGM Group 24 series deep-cycle batteries, backed by heavy-duty primary cabling. AC household current at anchor is provided by a ProMariner 2,000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter, while high-amperage dockside charging is supplied by an intelligent ProMariner ProNautic 12-60P digital three-bank battery charger.

• DC System Voltage: 12-Volt DC Negative Ground System
• AC System Voltage / Service: 120-Volt AC 60 Hz Service via Dual 30-Amp Inlets & Cords
• Auxiliary Generator: Northern Lights / Lugger 8.0 kW (Model M753W2; 1,191 Hours)
• Solar Generation System: 320-Watt Array w/ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 Charge Controller
• Power Inverter: ProMariner 2,000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter (Installed 2020)
• Automatic Battery Charger: ProMariner ProNautic 12-60P 60-Amp Multi-Stage Smart Charger
• House Battery Bank: 4x AGM Group 24 Deep-Cycle Batteries & Heavy Cables (New Jan 2026)
• Engine Starting Batteries: 2x Group 27 Dedicated Marine Cranking Batteries
• Generator Starting Battery: 1x Group 24 Dedicated Starting Battery
• Galvanic Protection: Marine Galvanic Isolator Plumbed on AC Grounding Circuit (2021)
• Digital Data Bus: Shipwide NMEA 2000 Instrument & Sensor Backbone
• Switchboards & Monitoring: Master Illuminated AC/DC Circuit Breaker Panels w/ Digital Meters

Deck and Hull

A structural upgrade on Blue Yonder is the permanent elimination of the original screwed-down teak exterior decks. Traditional Taiwanese trawlers frequently experience water intrusion around thousands of deck screws into the underlying plywood core, eventually causing core rot and cabin headliner leaks. On this vessel, the teak overlay was removed, the sub-deck structurally faired and glassed, and finished with a durable, low-maintenance molded non-skid fiberglass deck.

All salon cabin windows were unseated, inspected for structural moisture, and re-bedded with modern polyurethane adhesive sealants to eliminate water entry. Below the waterline, the solid hand-laid FRP hull bottom underwent a full strip, fairing, and application of a multi-coat protective epoxy barrier coat in October 2023. The underwater surfaces are diver-cleaned every three months, and all running gear zinc anodes remain consistently serviced.

• Hull Design & Layup: Solid FRP Bottom, Semi-Displacement, Hard Chine, Full Skeg Keel
• Hull Bottom Treatment: Full Epoxy Barrier Coat Applied (10/2023); Diver Cleaned Every 90 Days
• Primary Ground Tackle: Rocna 33 (73 lb) Anchor w/ 150' High-Tensile Chain & 250' Nylon Rode
• Secondary Ground Tackle: Fortress FX-35 Anchor w/ 20' Chain & 200' Rode; Spare 35 lb Plow
• Anchor Windlass: Lofrans Tigress 12V Electric Windlass w/ Foot Switches & Helm Remote
• Flybridge Canvas & Enclosure: Full Bimini & 4-Sided Clear Enclosure; Teflon Re-Stitched (Dec 2025)
• Flybridge Seating: Dual Pompanette Swivel Helm Chairs + Fore/Aft Bench Seats w/ Cushions
• Tender Launching Rig: Deck-Stepped Aluminum Mast & Boom Crane w/ 12V Electric Winch
• Auxiliary Tender Vessel: 2018 West Marine 10' 2" Rigid/Open Inflatable
• Tender Outboard Engine: 2018 Tohatsu 4-Stroke
• Boarding Infrastructure: Full-Beam Teak Swim Platform, Folding Stainless Ladder, Side Boarding Gates
• Washdown & Plumbing: Raw Water Foredeck Washdown, Transom Shower, Dockside Regulated Inlet
• Deck Mounted Accessories: Pair of Rail Kayak/SUP Racks; Rail-Mounted Magma LPG Barbecue Grill
• Foredeck work light (1/2026)

Mechanical Systems

Propulsion is delivered by twin Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135 naturally aspirated six-cylinder diesel engines, each producing 135 HP at 2,500 RPM. These engines avoid the heat, stress, and electronic vulnerabilities of high-output turbochargers or computerized engine control modules, making them a preferred choice for long-distance cruisers. Power is delivered to 1-3/4" precision stainless steel propeller shafts via Borg Warner Velvet Drive 2.00:1 hydraulic reduction gears. The shafts turn four-blade 22" x 18" bronze propellers fitted with line-cutting spurs, with two matching bronze spare propellers stored aboard.

Fluid maintenance is supported by a continuous oil sampling history through Blackstone Laboratories from 2015 through 2025, confirming healthy wear metal rates. Both main engines and the transmission fluids were serviced in March 2026, logging 181 operational hours since service. In February 2026, a Reverso GP-3023-12 three-valve reversible electric oil change pump was installed, hard-plumbed to both main engine pans and the auxiliary generator.

Fuel management is supported by a dedicated fuel polishing system installed in January 2026, comprising a 1000-series separator paired with a Seaflo continuous-duty 180 GPH gear pump to scrub fuel independently of engine operation. Primary engine filtration uses dual Racor 900FG water-separating filter units with vacuum gauges, supplemented by an automatic self-bleeding fuel line system and spin-off secondary filters.

Engine cooling is maintained by bronze Jabsco sea water pumps retrofitted with quick-release adaptors to facilitate rapid impeller replacement. Steering control is provided by a dual-station Capilano hydraulic system driving heavy bronze balanced rudders through drip-type bronze packing glands. Bilge monitoring includes three independent 12V Rule electric pumps, a high-water audible alarm, a manual emergency bilge pump, and an automatic engine room Halon 1301 fire suppression system.

• Main Engine Model: Twin Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135 (Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated)
• Total Engine Output: 270 HP Total (135 HP @ 2,500 RPM each)
• Transmission Model: Borg Warner Velvet Drive (Ratio: 2.00 to 1.0)
• Propeller Shafts: 1-3/4" (1.75") Stainless Steel Shafts Fitted with Line Spurs
• Propellers: 4-Blade Bronze 22" x 18" Propellers + 2 Spare Bronze Props
• Steering System: Dual-Station Hydraulic Steering Powered by Capilano Helm Pumps
• Rudder Assemblies: Dual Balanced Bronze Rudders (18" x 26") w/ Traditional Drip Glands
• Fuel Tanks: 500 Gallons total, Original mild steel fuel tanks
• Dedicated Fuel Polishing: 1000-Series Separator w/ Seaflo 180 GPH Continuous Gear Pump (New Jan 2026)
• Primary Fuel Filtration: Twin Racor 900FG Water Separators w/ Vacuum Gauges & Auto-Bleed
• Central Oil Drain/Fill: Reverso GP-3023-12 3-Valve Reversible System for Mains & Genset (Feb 2026)
• Raw Water Sea Pumps: Jabsco Bronze Pumps w/ Quick-Release Adapters for Rapid Impeller Swaps
• Bilge De-Watering: 2x Automatic 12V Bilge Pumps, Galley Bilge Pump, High-Water Alarm
• Emergency De-Watering: Heavy-Duty Manual Diaphragm Bilge Pump Plumbed to Bilge Well
• Fire Protection: Fixed Engine Room Halon 1301 System + 3 B-1 Portable Dry Extinguishers

Broker's Notes

Blue Yonder (formerly Blue) is an upgraded example of the classic Albin 43 Double Cabin trawler. For experienced cruisers evaluating classic Taiwanese trawlers from the 1980s, two primary structural vulnerabilities must be examined: the condition of screwed-down teak decks over plywood core material, and water intrusion around aged cabin window frames. On Blue Yonder, both issues have been addressed. The teak decks were removed, the underlying coring inspected and sealed, and the exterior deck surfaces finished with molded non-skid fiberglass. Concurrently, all salon windows were removed, cleaned, and re-bedded with modern polyurethane marine sealants. Below the waterline, the solid FRP hull bottom received a complete peel and the application of a multi-coat protective epoxy barrier coat in October 2023.

Mechanically, the vessel is configured for long-range cruising efficiency. The naturally aspirated Ford Lehman 135 HP diesels operate without complex electronic ECUs or high-temperature turbochargers, turning at a conservative 2,000 RPM cruise speed while burning a combined 1.9 gallons per hour at 9.0 knots. The powertrain is supported by ten years of Blackstone Laboratories fluid analysis reports (2015–2025) confirming consistent wear metal baselines.

Recent upgrades include an independent 180 GPH fuel polishing loop (January 2026), a central Reverso three-valve oil evacuation pump (February 2026), an AGM house battery bank (January 2026), a flybridge Simrad NSS evo3S navigation plotter (January 2026), and a dedicated shore water connection (June 2026). Combined with an 8.0 kW Northern Lights generator, a 320-Watt solar power array, reverse-cycle climate control, and a 2018 West Marine/Tohatsu tender package, the vessel is well-prepared for Great Loop transits, Bahamas passages, or extended liveaboard service.

Blue Yonder is berthed at the New Orleans Municipal Marina and is available for inspections by appointment.

Why the Albin 43 Double Cabin Is So Popular

The Albin 43 Double Cabin remains a respected long-range cruising yacht, offering a practical combination of hull design, interior volume, and mechanical dependability. Its enduring appeal is supported by several core characteristics:

The semi-displacement hull form balances underway efficiency and stability. Designed with a sharp, deep forefoot that slices cleanly through head seas, a full-length protective keel that tracks straight in following seas, and hard aft chines that resist low-speed rolling, the vessel provides a stable ride across open bays and coastal sounds. At a 9-knot cruising cadence, fuel consumption averages approximately 1.9 gallons per hour across both engines, giving the 500-gallon mild steel fuel capacity a safe cruising range exceeding 900 nautical miles.

The double-cabin trunk trawler configuration maximizes usable interior living volume without imposing the steep vertical stairways common to modern multi-deck cruisers. Placing the master stateroom fully aft across the 14' 6" beam allows for a walk-around island queen bed, generous stowage, and an ensuite head with a bathtub and shower. This layout isolates the owner’s suite from the forward guest cabin, ensuring complete privacy during multi-week cruises with guests or family.

The elimination of exterior teak decking removes a primary maintenance and structural concern associated with vintage trawlers. By replacing high-maintenance teak overlays with sealed, non-skid fiberglass, the deck structure is protected against core water intrusion, reducing ongoing brightwork labor and preserving long-term resale value.

The mechanical systems are straightforward and accessible. The naturally aspirated Ford Lehman 2725E diesels can be serviced in remote cruising grounds using standard hand tools and off-the-shelf consumable filters. Supported by an auxiliary 8.0 kW Northern Lights generator in a sound enclosure, a 320-Watt Victron-monitored solar array, a modern fuel polishing system, and a central Reverso fluid exchange pump, the vessel provides the self-sufficiency needed for extended cruising away from marinas.

This boat has it's original mild steel fuel tanks.

Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

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