Designed by Rolf Magnusson and built by Sweden's Albin Marine from 1977 to 1981, this compact cruiser represents solid Scandinavian craftsmanship in a trailerable package. With 400 units produced during its four-year production run, the Albin 57 gained a reputation as a well-built entry-level sailboat that punches above its weight class. The boat's most distinctive feature is its swing keel configuration, which reduces draft to allow exploration of shallow waters and easy trailer launching. This makes it particularly appealing for coastal cruising, weekend sailing, and sailors who want the flexibility to explore protected bays and shallow anchorages. The fiberglass construction ensures durability while keeping maintenance requirements reasonable. At just under 19 feet overall, the fractional sloop rig provides manageable sail handling for couples or small families. The generous ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to stability, while the moderate comfort ratio suggests adequate motion characteristics for coastal passages. With a hull speed of 5.43 knots, performance expectations should be realistic, but the boat offers reliable transportation under sail. The Albin 57 suits sailors seeking their first keelboat or those wanting a simple, honest cruiser for protected waters and occasional coastal ventures.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
No known issues documented for this model yet.
Own or have surveyed a Albin 57? Submit a known issue
vs. Drifter 17, Islands 19, Oday 19