Aloa 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Aloa 34 commenced production in 1970, emerging from the Aloa Marine shipyard, which had established itself as a proponent of fiberglass construction from its early days. Aloa Marine's manufacturing ethos, as inherited from its origins as SEB Marine, focused on utilizing fiberglass for durability, efficient production, and reduced maintenance, qualities that made their boats appealing to a wide range of sailors. The design of the Aloa 34 is attributed to Jean-Michel L'Hermenier (also noted as J.M. L'Hermenier or Michel L'Ermeniere), a naval architect who contributed to several of Aloa's early and successful models, including the pivotal Aloa 23. 2, 3, 6, Builder article L'Hermenier's designs for Aloa Marine typically emphasized practical and seaworthy forms. The Aloa 34 features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a common and well-regarded configuration for cruising vessels of its era, offering a balance of performance and directional stability. While Aloa Marine was known for producing a diverse range of models, specific variations like MkI or MkII for the Aloa 34 are not widely documented, suggesting a relatively consistent production run for this particular model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Aloa 34, rigged as a masthead sloop, exhibits characteristics typical of a medium-heavy displacement cruiser from its time. With a reported sail area of 376 square feet and a displacement of 8,999 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is approximately 13.91. This relatively lower ratio suggests that the Aloa 34 is unlikely to be a light-air flyer, performing best with a decent breeze, consistent with a boat designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing speed.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.40, indicating a good level of stiffness and stability. A higher ballast ratio allows a boat to stand up to more wind and provides a more comfortable motion in a seaway, attributes highly valued in a cruising yacht. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 278.9, places the Aloa 34 firmly in the category of a medium-heavy cruiser. This robust build contributes to a stable and predictable motion, especially in less favorable sea conditions, making it a reliable vessel for extended passages. The hull speed is calculated at 6.61 knots, offering a reasonable pace for a boat of its dimensions and design. The solid fiberglass hull construction further reinforces its reputation for being a robust and capable offshore vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Aloa 34 is built within a solid fiberglass hull, providing a sturdy foundation. While detailed interior layouts and specific finishes for the French-built Aloa 34 are not extensively documented in widely available resources, one can infer certain characteristics based on contemporary French cruising designs and the builder's general approach. Aloa Marine typically focused on practical and functional interiors suitable for cruising. The boat has a water capacity of 68 gallons, suggesting a reasonable capability for extended stays aboard. Owners would likely find a traditional layout featuring a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a head compartment, common arrangements for a vessel of just under 34 feet designed for cruising comfort.