Alajuela 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Alajuela 48 commenced in 1981 in the United States, primarily in Costa Mesa, California, continuing through 1984. After the initial US production, the molds were transferred to Taiwan, where a few more examples are believed to have been constructed. The builder, Alajuela Yacht Corp., founded by Mike Riding, established a reputation for prioritizing seaworthiness and comfort in their designs, a philosophy that underpinned the construction of the Alajuela 48. Their meticulous approach to yacht building, as evidenced by the significant time invested in mold creation for their earlier models, translated into the sturdy, hand-laid fiberglass hulls that were a hallmark of Alajuela yachts. US-built Alajuela 48s featured lead ballast, while those constructed abroad utilized iron ballast, leading to slight variations in tank sizing. The Alajuela 48 was offered with several rig configurations, including cutter, ketch, and schooner, providing flexibility for different sailing preferences and conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alajuela 48 boasts a design aimed at both performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 23.31 (for the ketch rig), she exhibits a generous sail plan that suggests excellent performance, particularly in lighter air. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.339 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, providing a stable platform capable of handling various sea states. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 198.34 places her in a class of vessels that are substantial enough for offshore work yet exhibit a more performance-oriented profile than heavier, more traditional cruisers. The Alajuela 48 is described as having a "significantly more speedy hull design," and the ketch rig, often chosen for this model, contributes to better comfort and stability, especially when sailing downwind or on a broad reach. Overall, her design attributes point to a yacht built for comfortable passage-making with a surprising turn of speed for a vessel of her size and robust construction.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts of the Alajuela 48 are not extensively documented in publicly available information, she is consistently described as offering "spacious accommodations." Given the era of her construction and the builder's ethos of creating comfortable cruising yachts, it can be inferred that the interior typically features a functional layout prioritizing liveability for extended periods aboard. Materials such as teak planking were likely employed for the interior finish, contributing to a warm, traditional nautical ambiance. The generous beam of 13.83 feet would have allowed for ample living space below deck, likely including a comfortable salon, a well-appointed galley, and private sleeping cabins, designed to provide comfort during long voyages.

Owner's Perspectives (Optional)

Owners of the Alajuela 48 often highlight the boat's solid construction and its capability as an offshore cruiser. Many have undertaken extensive refits, underscoring their commitment to these enduring vessels. The Alajuela 48 has served as a home for families on extended cruising adventures, a testament to its suitability for liveaboard life and long-distance sailing. While specific common problems are not widely reported in a collective manner, the general robustness of Alajuela yachts, as established by the builder, suggests a reputation for durability that owners continue to appreciate.