Rabaska | 1978 Alberg 37 Sloop

Hull, Deck and Rig

Whitby Boat Works is renowned for the construction of strong, durable boats. With a fiberglass hull and deck completed by wood trim, the long overhangs, graceful sheer line and a raised counter transom, she is a great looking and sea-kindly vessel. The hull was re-finished with a nice Awlgrip paint job in 2018.

The deck includes a substantial molded-in toe rail to keep her people onboard. The companionway is offset to port to create more room in the galley below to starboard. The compact cockpit with a generous aft deck ensures stability in the event of being pooped by a following wave. That volume aft doubles as handy lazarette.

The full length keel with keel-mounted rudder also protects the prop from errant fishing gear or other lines. The generous rocker in the hull makes for smooth, comfortable movement through the waves without slamming.

The spar is a substantial aluminum section, keel-stepped of course. A single set of spreaders supports the shrouds, which have been updated, and a spare set of shrouds is available. The backstay is dual, (not split) from the masthead to each quarter of the transom. Permanently mounted steps allow safe and convenient access to go up the rig when needed.

The deck canvas includes a dodger frame and canvas dodger. A matching mainsail cover is included.

Sail Inventory

The mainsail has two sets of reefing points, and is serviceable.

The #3 jib included looks to have sailcloth in good condition although the UV strip should be re-stitched.. The genoa furler is mounted but in need of service.

There is a Triton Sails DRS – downwind reaching sail. It appears older but usable, although the current owner reports not having used it.

There are two spare headsails, both from Triton Sails that appear to have very good condition sailcloth. Neither is currently fitted with a UV strip, but with that addition they should make good headsails.

Accommodations

Entering the cabin from the companionway we have the galley on starboard with a sink, propane stove/oven and a large cold-plate style refrigerator driven by shore power or the engine.

Opposite on port, a navigation desk is situated at the forward end of the quarterberth. The salon offers an unusual amount of flexibility. The port settee can be converted to a double, while on starboard the settee slides out a little to create one berth while a pilot berth above and outboard is fitted with a lee cloth for snug, secure snoozing under way.

The salon table can be folded away up against the bulkhead or lowered for a table for two. A fold-out leaf converts it to a table for four, while an additional leaf stowed in the hanging locker adds even more seating.

At the forward end of the salon we have a propane cabin heater. On the white overhead there are wooden battens that neatly tie into the upper handholds to provide a very traditional look to the cabin.

Going forward we have the head compartment on port with a generous hanging locker to starboard. The master stateroom forward consists of a vee-berth with stowage all round and under.

Total sleeping capacity is seven persons, of which four places are independent of the settees. Well suited for a family, extended family or offshore passage crew. Interior headroom is generous.

The teak-and-holly flooring has been renewed in places. The overall feeling is one of warmth, security and tradition.

General Equipment

• Real Scottish CQR anchor with chain rode
• Two new batteries ( September ’24) to be installed in the spring
• Simpson Lawrence #55 manual windlass for chain and rope
• Spare Danforth-type anchor with rode
• Barlow #27 2-speed self-tailing primary winches
• Barlow #20 winches at companionway
• Barlow #20 winch on mast
• Fixed steps on mast to the masthead
• Battery charger – Statpower TrueCharge 20+
• AC and DC electrical panels ( updates are recommended)
• Icom IC-M304 VHF radio with DSC/Distress
• Autohelm TriData, Wind and Autopilot
• Propane locker with two gas bottles and solenoid system
• BBQ
• Assorted winch handles, fenders and dock lines

Further Reading

Alberg 37 Review – Canadian Boating

• https://canadianboating.ca/boat-reviews/alberg-37-sail-boat-review/
• The first boat described, including Atlantic Ocean experience, is Rabaska.

It Ain’t Over Yet!: Big Seas in a Small Boat

• by Dick Grannan
• Recounting the story of Rabaska’s 1996 Atlantic crossing
• Available in paperback and on Kindle

About Wiarton, Ontario

Wiarton is located on the west side of Georgian Bay, which is the eastern half of Lake Huron, in the middle of the five Great Lakes.

The marina is well protected from Georgian Bay, and services include fuel and pump-out, long- and short-term dockage and extensive repair capability with a travel lift.

The town of Wiarton offers good groceries, some restaurants, shops and accommodation.

Nearby cruising includes excellent day sailing on the protected Colpoy’s Bay with easy overnight/weekend anchorages. Further afield we have good access to the North Channel beyond Manitoulin Island, which is arguably some of the best cruising grounds in North America, or the vast cruising ground of Georgian Bay, the eastern half of Lake Huron.

By road, the border to the USA is 3.3 hours away to I64 in Port Huron, MI, or 3.6 hours to I190 in Lewiston, NY. The nearest major airports are Toronto, Detroit and Buffalo.

By water, the Great Lakes are navigable to:

• Lake Superior as far as Duluth, MN
• Lake Michigan to Chicago, IL and thence into the Mississippi / Tenn-Tom to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Lake Erie, and then via the NY Canal at Buffalo to the Hudson River and New York City
• Lake Ontario, which provides and entrance to the NY Canal and thus down to New York City
• The St. Lawrence River, which leads into Quebec, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Atlantic Canada and the northerly portions of the Atlantic Ocean

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.