There was something immediately familiar about the Albemarle 31 DC when I first saw it at the United States Powerboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland. The dramatic wraparound windshield called to mind Albemarle’s earlier 32 Express, while the nearly broken sheerline echoed signature elements of the builder’s design language. Those cues are unmistakable, but the 31 DC proves to be a fresh interpretation of Albemarle’s DNA — a larger, more versatile dual-console boat that expands the brand’s reputation for rugged offshore capability and refined comfort.
Video | Have a closer look at the Albemarle 31 Dual Console below:
The 31 DC is Albemarle’s largest dual-console model to date and the second dual-console introduced by the company in as many years, joining the smaller Albemarle 27 DC. It’s designed to serve dual roles equally well: a serious offshore fishing platform when the bite is on, and a comfortable family cruiser for days spent around the inlet or at the sandbar. That balance of form and function is evident throughout the layout and systems.
On deck, the cockpit is highly adaptable. Seating arrangements flip and stow in multiple configurations to create a spacious, unobstructed fishing working area or a sociable lounge. Flip-down seats along the transom and port side can be deployed for conversation and visibility, or flipped out of the way to clear the cockpit for casting and moving around the boat. A fixed, aft-facing bench provides a comfortable spot for two and keeps anglers positioned to monitor lines or a trolling spread during a passage.
Entertaining features are integrated into the cockpit without compromising utility. A power-operated sunshade extends from the fiberglass hardtop, offering protection from sun and spray. A built-in electric grill and a pullout refrigerated compartment are located forward on the starboard side of the cockpit, lending convenience for extended outings or quick after-school runs to the sandbar. The forward bow area also invites relaxation: dual forward-facing chaise lounges flank a drop-in table, creating an attractive social zone for passengers to relax and enjoy the view.
Under the hardtop, the helm arrangement blends comfort and practical ergonomics. A Llebroc swiveling captain’s chair sits to starboard, with a two-person Llebroc bench to port. The port console houses an enclosed head compartment appointed with a sink, fresh-water mixer and electric head, plus a solid-surface counter that makes the space feel finished and functional. Beneath the starboard console is a compact cabin area with a V-berth, additional storage, a microwave and rod holders, along with the electrical panel — smart use of below-deck volume that adds overnight capability and stowage without increasing topside clutter.
Propulsion choices support both spirited performance and efficient cruising. The 31 DC comes equipped with twin bracket-mounted Yamaha four-stroke outboards, available in 300-hp or 350-hp configurations. Albemarle quotes a top end of about 42 knots with the standard F300 engines, and a comfortable cruise in the mid-20-knot range — figures that make the boat confident for offshore runs while still efficient for day trips and family outings.
Underway handling is aided by a hand-laid fiberglass hull with a 24-degree transom deadrise, a hull form that is built to cut through choppy seas and deliver a secure ride in challenging conditions. The construction and finish reflect Albemarle’s focus on durability and offshore readiness, while the styling cues and attention to ergonomics bring a refined, more luxurious sensibility to the dual-console format.
Overall, the Albemarle 31 DC represents a thoughtful expansion of the builder’s lineup: a boat that addresses the needs of anglers who value functional fishing features while also appealing to boaters who want comfortable accommodations and entertaining amenities. It’s a boat that seeks to do both jobs well, offering the offshore capability and structural integrity Albemarle is known for, together with the convertible comfort expected from a contemporary dual-console design.
This article originally appeared in the January 2020 issue.