Albatros 580 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Albatros 580 commenced in 1973. Its designer, Dieter Hänsel, was also the constructor behind other notable Albatros models, reflecting the company's internal design expertise. Albatros Boats, founded in 1960 in Zimmern-Stetten, Germany, was known for its commitment to GFK (fiberglass) construction, a material chosen for its durability and low maintenance, ensuring their boats were built to last. The company's ethos centered on delivering practical, robust, and easily manageable cabin cruisers for the general public, a philosophy clearly evident in the Albatros 580. While the specific goals for the 580 model are not extensively documented, it aligns with Albatros Boats' broader aim of providing secure and comfortable experiences for families and individuals. A notable variation for the Albatros 580 was the availability of a swing keel option, offering a draft of 1.97 feet when up and 4.9 feet when down, alongside the standard fixed fin keel configuration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Albatros 580 is configured as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, a design combination that typically suggests responsive handling and good maneuverability for a boat of its size. With a length overall of 19.03 feet and a waterline length of 16.73 feet, it is a small, nimble craft. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.48 knots, indicating it can move efficiently through the water in favorable conditions. While detailed anecdotal reviews of the Albatros 580's specific handling characteristics in various sea states are not widely available, its design points to a boat that would be a capable day sailor and weekender, offering a straightforward and enjoyable sailing experience consistent with Albatros Boats' reputation for practical vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length of just over 19 feet, the interior accommodations of the Albatros 580 are designed for basic comfort and utility, typical of small cabin cruisers from its production era. While specific layout diagrams are not readily found, such a vessel would generally feature a simple open-plan cabin. This would likely include V-berths forward for sleeping, possibly converting to a small dinette, and perhaps two additional bunks or settees in the main cabin area. Headroom would be limited, and amenities would be basic, focusing on providing shelter and essential overnight capabilities rather than extensive living space. Storage would be modest, typically beneath bunks, and ventilation would rely on a forward hatch and possibly small portlights. The finish quality, in line with Albatros Boats' general approach, would emphasize durability and functionality using solid fiberglass construction, potentially with some wood trim.