Alizan Information, Review, Specs

Designed by J.M. L'Hermenier, a naval architect who also penned the foundational Aloa 23, the Alizan reflects Aloa Marine's ethos of building seaworthy and durable boats for a wide audience.

The Aloa Alizan began its production run in 1969, emerging from the SEB Marine boatyard located in Mandelieu, near Cannes, France. This period marked Aloa Marine's early foray into fiberglass construction, a material that would become central to their manufacturing philosophy. The builder, known for its collaboration with esteemed naval architects like J.M. L'Hermenier, focused on creating practical and robust sailing yachts. The Alizan, alongside models like the Aloa 17 and the pivotal Aloa 23, established Aloa's reputation for producing well-designed and enduring small boats that capitalized on the benefits of fiberglass for efficiency and durability. While specific design goals for the Alizan itself are not extensively documented, it likely followed the builder's broader aim of offering simple, reliable sailing experiences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small monohull with a fractional sloop rig, the Alizan is designed for straightforward and responsive handling. Its modest length overall of 14.76 feet and a beam of 6.23 feet suggest a boat that is easy to manage, hoist, and launch. Equipped with a centerboard keel, the Alizan offers versatility in shallow waters, making it suitable for exploring coastal areas and small lakes where fixed-keel boats might be restricted. This design choice typically allows for a reduced draft for beaching or navigating shallow anchorages, while still providing lateral resistance when the board is down for sailing performance. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are not widely available, boats of this size and configuration are generally known for being spirited in light to moderate winds and providing a direct connection to the water, making them popular choices for learning to sail or for quick recreational outings.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of just under 15 feet, the Aloa Alizan is primarily configured as a day sailor. The design prioritizes open deck space and a simple, functional layout over extensive interior accommodations. It is expected that the Alizan offers very minimal or no dedicated cabin space, and the confirms no maximum headroom information is available, which aligns with the expectation of a day boat. The focus would be on a comfortable cockpit for sailing, perhaps with basic storage for gear, rather than elaborate sleeping berths, a galley, or a marine head. Owners would likely appreciate its ease of use and minimal maintenance requirements, typical of smaller, simpler fiberglass constructions from its era.