Alberg 37 Known Issues

Name: Alberg 37
Brand: Whitby Boat Works Ltd. (Can)
Availability: InStock

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Alberg 37.

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Alberg 37, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

Known Issues

6 High 4 Medium

Accommodations

Medium

Interior teak and holly plywood sole panels and structural wood components such as berth frames and bulkhead bases are prone to rot where bilge water or deck leaks have been chronic. Check all plywood bulkhead bases and sole supports carefully, as these also provide structural support to the hull liner.

Electrical

Medium

Original wiring in boats from the late 1960s and 1970s used non-tinned copper wire that corrodes in the marine environment. Many boats have had partial rewiring over the decades, resulting in mixed-generation wiring with unreliable connections and potential fire hazards. A full electrical audit is strongly recommended on unrestored examples.

1967–1980 models

Engine

Medium

Early boats were fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. Many have been converted to diesel (typically Westerbeke or Yanmar), but conversions vary widely in quality. Verify the engine type, age, and whether any conversion was done professionally with proper fuel tank, exhaust, and ventilation changes.

1967–1978 models

Hull/Deck

High

The deck-to-hull joint on early Whitby-built Alberg 37s used an inward-turning flange bonded and through-bolted, but the toerail often traps moisture against this joint. Delamination and water intrusion at this seam is a well-documented problem, often hidden beneath the toerail. Careful probing and moisture metering along the entire rail is essential.

1967–1978 models

High

The balsa-cored deck used throughout much of production is prone to moisture saturation, particularly around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware where bedding compounds have failed. Soft spots and delamination are common findings during survey.

High

Chainplate knees are glassed directly to the hull liner and inner hull. The fiberglass tabbing on older boats has been known to crack or separate, allowing chainplates to work slightly and introducing deck leaks and structural looseness. Inspect all chainplate attachment points from below.

High

The rudder on the Alberg 37 is a full-length hung rudder with a wooden core. Moisture intrusion into the rudder core causes rot and delamination, evidenced by soft areas, weeping at the lower pintle, or rudder flex under load. Rudder replacement or recore is a known maintenance item on aging examples.

Medium

The original portlights and opening hatches on early production boats used aluminum frames that are prone to galvanic corrosion and seal failure where they pass through the cored deck, allowing chronic water intrusion into the deck core. Check surrounding deck areas with a moisture meter.

1967–1979 models

Keel

High

The long keel is an integral fiberglass structure with an internal ballast casting; however, the keel-to-hull joint along the garboard area is prone to stress cracking and weeping, particularly on boats that have been dried out or grounded. Inspect closely for persistent weeping or staining at the keel root.

Rigging

High

The mast is keel-stepped, and the mast compression post bears on a wooden pad that is prone to compression rot and softening over time. The step area in the bilge should be inspected for soft or deteriorated wood beneath the aluminum mast step casting.

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