Albin Ballad 30 Used Boat Review

This 30-ft. racer/cruiser from the 1970s is rare in North American waters, but more than 1,500 were built and the boat retains an active and adoring fan base centered in northern Europe.

By
Doug Henschen
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3
The Ballad salon offers plenty of light. Some models, like the one pictured, have upgraded teak and holly soles. Ventilation is limited to two passive overhead vents. Marius Draeger has upgraded his boat with opening rear windows, available from an aftermarket supplier in Denmark, the capital of Ballad ownership. (Photo/ Doug Henschen)
The Ballad salon offers plenty of light. Some models, like the one pictured, have upgraded teak and holly soles. Ventilation is limited to two passive overhead vents. Marius Draeger has upgraded his boat with opening rear windows, available from an aftermarket supplier in Denmark, the capital of Ballad ownership. (Photo/ Doug Henschen)

As my son and I eased my 30-ft. sloop up to the dock at our winter yard in Mamaroneck, NY, a gentleman came racing down the gangplank from the neighboring yacht club and offered us a hand with our lines. “Is this an Albin Ballad?” he asked eagerly, before the boat was even tied off. “Why, yes it is,” I replied with surprise. After several years of ownership I was used to hearing comments like “nice boat” or “beautiful lines,” but never had an admirer come up with the make and model of my aging Swedish beauty.

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Doug Henschen
Doug Henschen has been sailing in and around the waters of the lower Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Long Island Sound since the 1980s. A career editor and journalist, Doug served as associate editor and managing editor of The Waterway Guide from 1984 until 1987 and as executive editor of Boating Industry magazine from 1990 to 1996. Doug is American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certified on Marine Electrical, Corrosion Mitigation, Disaster Avoidance and Outboard Repowering Considerations.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. One detail I forgot to mention in this review: The Ballad does not have an anchor locker up at the bow, but the forepeak locker afforded room for a hawse pipe to be added while stainless hooks on the bow pulpit stow a Danforth. Read the article “Handling Anchors on Boats Without Anchor Lockers,” here in Practical Sailor, for more details on these modifications and other options.

  2. I’ve logged many hours on Albin Ballad trips from Holland, Mi to Lake Superior. On one trip off of Door County, our anemometer pegged at 60 mph and we were quite comfortable.
    The author mentioned not over tightening the shrouds. Please realize that loose or tight, the shrouds take the entire loading when you “wash the spreaders” due to a roundup.
    I don’t recall where that boat ended up, but it is not on Lake Superior.
    Good memories.

  3. While never a Ballad owner, an Albin Vega was our first boat and the sweetest sailing boat I’ve ever helmed. The Vega & Ballad share many similar traits and finishings, and the simple functionality of the layouts, cockpit and cabin, are two of their best features…along with that wonderful tiller steering.