Our legendary 23 foot model was introduced by Willard Albury in 1997. Hundreds and hundreds have been built, both in Abaco and Florida. Southern Boating Magazine named her one of the Top 10 Center Consoles of all time. As time went on, our clients requested more features and options, so the 23 gained a little weight. You know how it goes, a few pounds here, and a few there. It started with an aluminum fuel tank vs. fiberglass, then a beautiful glossy inner liner and anchor locker, instead of the rolled gelcoat workboat finish. Then came the demand for forward seating, a fish box, live wells, and a hard top, trolling motors, Power Poles, upper stations...you get the picture. Still a great ride, and well balanced, she carries her weight beautifully.
A few years ago, we introduced a “combination interior” in Florida, with dual rear live wells and forward seating. It became the most popular Florida built interior. We set about taking a few pounds out of this heaviest 23 version by substituting 1708 Biaxial glass wherever we used Woven Rove, because Rove sucks up a lot more resin. That got us thinking...
In 2020 we set up a dedicated composite’s facility to resin infuse parts. The infusion process uses vacuum to pull resin through the fiberglass, instead of applying resin by hand. Less resin is used, therefore less weight. We started off infusing hard tops, because reducing weight aloft lowers the center of gravity and makes a more stable boat. Then, over the course of 2021 and into 2022, we worked our way down to consoles, then decks, then liners. Finally, our hand-picked crew infused a hull Spring of 2022, and combined it with the other resin infused parts. Would it ride the same? Would it spider crack...or worse? We launched her in June 2022 and immediately ran her to Man O’ War. All the Principals agreed, she rides the same. It should have come as no surprise; we just got her back to her original 23 design weight. She feels a little faster, a little nimbler, a little drier, than her hand laid sistership having the same options. Jaime Albury gave his blessing to build the Limited Edition 23 on the spot.
We will only build only 10 Limited Edition 23’s per year, and all have forward seating and dual rear live wells. We continue to hand lay most 23’s and will do so into the future.
Testimonials
Albury 23 is a truly impressive boat. Handles both a head & following sea with equal adeptness...like where did the waves go? Handled 3-6’ seas amazingly, way better than our old 24 Grady. Thanks for a great job.
Just wanted to say, after three seasons, I am still tremendously enjoying my Albury 23. She has a wonderful kindness in a sea and is truly reliable - and she always turns heads. I've had people come down the dock just to see her and find out where she came from. I'm running charters on her now. The customers are always impressed, as I continue to be.
Court V.
Virginia Beach, VA
Those who have ridden on the boat or fished with us are universally impressed by the ride….she just goes and goes…solid as a rock.
John H.
Treasure Cay
The boat (27) eats big chop, we call her chopasaurus…caught and released an Atlantic long bill spearfish on the boat yesterday in very rough seas. The boat handled very well. Having the engines close to the transom made the difference on 6 or 7 occasions when the fish streaked under the boat and I had to bring the rod around the back to switch sides.
Sunday we took my mother-87, father-87 and uncle-92 (2 on wheel chairs) out for a spin. Total 12 people on the boat. Everyone had a seat and loved the ride. Try that on a Contender.
Luis L.
Key Biscayne, FL
Boating since 1962…the Albury is without a doubt the softest, nicest riding boat I have ever been on, period…you have a wonderful crew working at your shop. It is obvious that they all take great pride in building the boats. (1 year later) you take care of the customer after the sale…rare thing that anyone would go to the lengths you have to correct a minor situation…you went way over the top.
Paul S.
St. Petersburg, FL
The more I use her, the more I like her.