Allied XL-2 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the XL-2 42 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes sea-kindliness over raw speed, yet it remains surprisingly nimble in light air due to its Sparkman & Stephens pedigree. The boat was primarily rigged as a yawl, a configuration that allows for excellent balance and sail-shortening options when the wind intensifies. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only 4'2", making it an ideal choice for the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay; with the board down, the draft increases to 8'4", significantly improving upwind tracking and reducing leeway.

The hull's motion is predictable and soft in a seaway, a result of its traditional wineglass sections and substantial ballast. While it does not plane like modern light-displacement designs, it carries its momentum through chop with minimal pounding. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach, often requiring little effort from a windvane or autopilot. The relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures the XL-2 remains stiff and upright even when pressed, providing a sense of security that is a hallmark of Sparkman & Stephens offshore designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the XL-2 42 reflects the high standards of the "Golden Age" of fiberglass boat building. The layout is typically traditional, featuring a forward V-berth, a spacious main salon with a folding table, and a dedicated navigation station. Allied utilized high-quality hardwoods—predominantly mahogany or teak—throughout the cabin, creating a warm, nautical atmosphere. The boat’s 11'6" beam is modest by modern standards but was generous for its time, allowing for a functional galley and ample storage for long-term provisioning.

Two primary versions of the XL-2 42 were produced: the more common yawl and the occasional sloop. While the hull remained identical, the yawl rig offered a split sail plan that appealed to short-handed cruisers who valued the ability to drop the mainsail and sail comfortably under "jib and jigger" (mizzen) in heavy weather. Internally, most hulls followed a standard layout, though Allied was known to accommodate semi-custom requests from original buyers, leading to slight variations in locker configurations and galley details across the production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Allied XL-2 42 should focus on the specific aging characteristics of mid-century fiberglass builds.

• Centerboard Assembly: The centerboard trunk and the pennant system are critical inspection points. The board itself can suffer from swelling or delamination, and the pivot pin may require replacement if the board "clanks" while at anchor or underway.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, Allied used a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, cleats, and the mast step can lead to soft spots. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are buried behind cabinetry and can be difficult to inspect. Given the age of these vessels, crevice corrosion is a concern, and many surveyors recommend pulling them for a full inspection if they haven't been replaced in the last 20 years.
• Plumbing and Wiring: Original Allied wiring often lacks the labeling and organization found in modern yachts. Upgrading to ABYC-compliant panels and tinned copper wiring is a common and necessary project for boats that have not been recently refitted.

Community & Resources

The XL-2 42 benefits from a dedicated following among "Good Old Boat" enthusiasts. Technical support and historical documentation can often be sourced through the Allied Boat Owners group on various maritime networking platforms. While there is no longer an active manufacturer, the enduring popularity of Sparkman & Stephens designs ensures that naval architectural plans and technical advice are often accessible through the S&S Association, which maintains archives for many of their classic hulls.

The Verdict

The Allied XL-2 42 is a premier choice for the traditionalist who values build quality and timeless aesthetics over modern volume. It is a true "sailor's boat," offering a level of offshore competence that few modern production yachts can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional seaworthiness and a comfortable motion in heavy weather.
• The centerboard design offers a rare combination of shallow draft and deep-water performance.
• High-quality interior joinery that remains durable and attractive decades later.
• Classic Sparkman & Stephens lines that command respect in any harbor.

Cons:

• Maintenance-intensive centerboard system requires periodic attention.
• Limited interior volume compared to modern 42-footers with wider beams.
• Aging electrical and plumbing systems may require significant updates.