Aloa 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Aloa 25 commenced in 1972, reflecting Aloa Marine's commitment to fiberglass construction and collaboration with esteemed naval architects like Jacques Fauroux. The builder, based in Mandelieu near Cannes, France, focused on creating practical and seaworthy designs. Jacques Fauroux, known for his ability to craft performance-oriented cruisers, designed the Aloa 25 as a cabin cruiser, emphasizing its suitability for recreational cruising. While specific details on Fauroux's precise design philosophy for the Aloa 25 are not widely documented, the outcome suggests a desire to maximize sailing enjoyment and functionality within a relatively small footprint. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.8, the Aloa 25 exhibits characteristics that suggest respectable performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. This relatively high ratio indicates that the boat is well-powered for its displacement, allowing it to move efficiently even when the breeze is light. The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at around 35.2%, providing a moderate degree of stability, enabling the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling.

Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 116.8 positions the Aloa 25 as a relatively light and performance-oriented boat for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. This combination of ratios points to a lively and responsive boat that can be engaging to sail. Owners and reviewers often describe the Aloa 25 as a light sailboat with high performance, noted for its stability and stiffness. Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder further contribute to its maneuverability and control on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 25 feet, the Aloa 25 is designed to offer practical accommodations for a cruising sailboat of its era. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the interior typically features a layout suitable for weekend trips or short coastal cruises. Grounded searches reveal that the boat is generally equipped with four berths, a galley area, and a head. The interior is often described as simple yet functional, with a focus on maximizing available space. Reviewers commonly note that the general finish quality is in line with other fiberglass production boats of the time, often featuring basic but durable materials. Storage is typically found beneath berths and within small lockers, while ventilation would rely on opening ports and hatches, common for boats of this size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aloa 25 frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its suitability as a comfortable and reliable coastal cruiser. Many appreciate its lively sailing performance and ease of handling, especially for single-handed or short-handed sailing. The simplicity of its systems is often cited as a strength, contributing to lower maintenance requirements compared to more complex vessels. Common feedback suggests that the Aloa 25 offers a good balance between performance and cruising comfort for its size. While specific recurring weaknesses are not extensively documented, general maintenance considerations for boats of this vintage often include checking for original deck fitting leaks and the condition of the rudder and keel attachments, as is typical for older fiberglass boats.