Loco Mocean - ALBEMARLE FOR SALE

1999 Albemarle 280 Express Sport Fisherman w/ Tower – “Loco Mocean”

Extensively Refitted • Bluewater-Ready • Twin Volvo Diesels • Turnkey Southern California Sportfish

For anglers who demand a true offshore sportfishing platform, this 1999 Albemarle 280 Express—“Loco Mocean”—delivers in decisive fashion. Far more than a standard 280, she has been thoughtfully modernized, fastidiously cared for, and purpose-tuned for 100+ mile bluewater missions, not marina showpieces. Confident, dry, and capable, this express sportfisherman blends the poise of a premium sportfishing yacht with the agility of an express cruiser, offering the range, efficiency, and seakeeping to chase tuna and billfish well beyond the horizon.

Acquired through this brokerage in 2017, the boat has since undergone a comprehensive refit highlighted by contemporary electronics, a custom tower, a refreshed cabin, and upscale fishing upgrades throughout. The result is a polished, tournament-capable gamefisher with diesel reliability, clean rigging, and smart deck ergonomics tailored to SoCal waters. From her solid build and Volvo power to her dialed-in helm and premium outfitting, “Loco Mocean” stands as a rare opportunity in the express sportfish category—an offshore-ready, diesel-powered fishing boat that is truly set up to go now.

Overview

“Loco Mocean” is the definition of a battle-ready offshore sportfisher. Built on Albemarle’s renowned 24° Deep‑V hull, she delivers a soft, confident ride in challenging conditions—perfect for Southern California offshore fishing, tuna runs, and long‑range trips. With a 400+ mile range and ~1.75 NMPG efficiency, she’s engineered to chase fish, not limits.

Major upgrades & custom features

Heavily customized and comprehensively modernized, this vessel showcases a new custom tower with full controls, all‑new interior upholstery, and a tailored Isinglass and canvas package. Fresh coaming pads and a full electronics upgrade built around a Simrad suite elevate capability and comfort, while a custom bow safety rail at waist height and a custom bow cooler rack with a 150g Engel cooler add purposeful utility. Fishing hardware is everywhere, with forty custom rod holders thoughtfully positioned throughout. Practical refinements include custom engine‑room and lazarette lighting, new AC/DC Marine control panels, and red/white helm lighting, all anchored by a Labroc custom captain’s chair with booster for all‑day, dialed‑in helm ergonomics.

Fishing features – built for serious anglers

Purpose‑built for hardcore offshore action, the cockpit deploys a 150‑gallon live bait tank with overhead rocket‑launcher rod storage and a lighted 40‑gallon secondary bait tank to keep multiple bait types frisky. Two transom fish boxes swallow the day’s catch, while a freshwater washdown sink and a swim platform with ladder streamline deck work and water access. Three electric reel outlets support deep‑drop tactics, and a set of Taco outriggers with a center stinger—new in 2025—broadens your spread. After dark, underwater multicolor lights turn the bite on and the scene electric. It’s a SoCal foamer fishing dream setup—efficient, stable, and built for action.

Helm & electronics

Commanding from the upper helm in the tower, the captain enjoys full controls—throttle, shift, start, and stop—backed by a Simrad fishfinder, GPS, radar, and chartplotter, a VHF radio, and bright LED spreader lights with a focused spotlight. There’s comfortable seating for two adults with custom ladder access for quick, secure transitions. At the lower helm in the cockpit, the electronics spine continues with two Simrad displays, Simrad 4G radar, a Simrad AP44 autopilot, and a standalone Simrad fishfinder, all sharpened by an Airmar B275 LHW transducer delivering premium offshore sonar detail. A VHF radio with AIS, an EPIRB, and an AM/FM Bluetooth stereo with four speakers and USB round out a capable, safety‑forward helm.

Cockpit & deck

The deck plan balances comfort and fishability, with seating for four to five to relax between stops and custom helm seating that keeps the driver perfectly braced. A clean, open fishing layout leaves room to work lines without compromise, while the bow is purpose‑designed for casting and offshore stability so you can stay on the bite when the ocean turns on.

Cabin & interior

Comfortable and functional for overnights, the cabin features a V‑berth that sleeps two, all‑new upholstery throughout, a hanging locker, and ample storage. The galley is neatly equipped with an AC/DC refrigerator and a microwave powered by the inverter underway, while the wet head adds true cruising convenience. Smart custom additions include a removable wooden galley stair, an engine‑room access hatch, and a service hatch in the head—details that make maintenance easy and time aboard effortless.

Engine & mechanical

Power comes from twin Volvo TAMD 41PA diesel engines delivering 200 HP each—400 HP total—with approximately 1200 hours, coupled to robust ZF transmissions. The running gear inspires confidence with new bronze propellers (2023) and fresh transmission coolers (2023), supported by new water and circulation pumps (2023). Recent reliability upgrades include fuel injectors serviced/replaced in 2025 and heat exchangers and aftercoolers serviced in 2025, with oil changes performed every 90 hours to keep everything on the button.

Electrical

A simple, reliable DC system supports time off the grid with two starting batteries, one dedicated house bank, and a battery charger to keep reserves topped up between runs.

Specifications

Make/Model: Albemarle 280 Express. Year: 1999. Type: Sport Fishing / Express Cruiser. Length: 28 ft. Beam: 9’5”. Draft: 3 ft. Deadrise: 24°. Displacement: ~9,500 lbs. Hull: Deep V. Fuel Capacity: 260 gallons (130 port / 130 starboard). Range: 400+ miles. Efficiency: ~1.75 NMPG. Water Tank: 15 gallons.

Why this Albemarle 280 stands out

Most Albemarle 280s are solid performers—but “Loco Mocean” is something else entirely: fully modernized, offshore‑proven, and outfitted with premium electronics and sonar, a custom fishing layout, and the kind of turnkey readiness that lets you point the bow and go. It’s a rare chance to own a true offshore‑ready diesel sportfish that’s been upgraded far beyond factory standards—built to run hard, fish smart, and come home smiling.