Aloa 23 Information, Review, Specs

The boat shares its design DNA with several siblings that followed, most notably the Jacques Fauroux-designed Aloa 25, which refined the hull lines for greater speed, and the Aloa 21 (also known as the Alizan), which served as a smaller entry point. While later models like the Aloa 27 and 29 moved toward more modern, performance-oriented profiles, the 23 remained the quintessential "pocket cruiser," prized for its thick hull laminates and predictable behavior.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Aloa 23 is characterized by its stability and "big boat" feel despite its modest waterline. As a masthead sloop with a significant ballast-to-displacement ratio, it stands up well to a breeze, making it a favorite for coastal passages where weather conditions can be unpredictable. The boat typically features a fin keel and a transom-hung or spade rudder, providing responsive, if not overly sensitive, steering.

Because the rig is a traditional masthead configuration, the primary driving force comes from the headsail. Owners frequently note that the boat performs best with a well-cut 130% or 150% genoa. In light air, the heavy fiberglass layup—common for 1960s construction when builders over-engineered hulls due to uncertainty about the strength of "plastic" boats—can make the vessel feel sluggish compared to modern lightweight daysailers. However, once the wind speed crosses the 10-knot threshold, the hull's momentum and traditional lines allow it to track with remarkable steady-handedness. Anecdotal reports from French sailing journals, such as the archives of Bateaux.com, emphasize that the Aloa 23 was often used in early sailing schools because of its forgiving nature and resistance to "rounding up" in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot vessel designed in the late 1960s, the interior of the Aloa 23 is surprisingly functional, offering a layout that maximizes "sitting headroom." The cabin typically features a four-berth configuration: a double V-berth in the bow and two settee berths in the main saloon. The design utilizes a compact central table and a rudimentary galley area, often equipped with a single-burner stove and a small sink.

Materials reflect the era, with heavy use of mahogany-toned plywood and molded fiberglass liners that simplify maintenance. While the Aloa 23 was the standard, a slightly modified variant known as the Aloa 23 "Equipé" featured updated interior cabinetry and improved storage lockers for longer duration cruising. Compared to its successor, the Aloa 25, the 23 feels more intimate and traditional, lacking the beamier, more open-concept "Euro-style" interior that became popular in the mid-1970s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Aloa 23 should prioritize a structural survey, as these vessels are now over 50 years old. Key areas of concern include:

• Osmotic Blistering: Early fiberglass hulls from SEB Marine are known for their thickness, but the resins used in the 1960s are susceptible to osmosis. Check the hull below the waterline for "vinegar-smelling" blisters.
• Deck Delamination: The deck is typically a balsa or foam-core sandwich. Over decades, hardware such as stanchion bases or cleats can leak, leading to soft spots in the core. A "thump test" with a phenolic hammer is essential.
• Chainplate Anchors: The points where the standing rigging attaches to the hull should be inspected for stress cracks or signs of water ingress, which can rot the internal bulkheads that support the load.
• Keel Bolts: Ensure the keel-to-hull joint is tight. Some older Aloas show a "smile" at the leading edge of the keel, which may indicate the need for tightening or replacing the galvanized or stainless steel keel bolts.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the age, play in the rudder stock is common and may require the replacement of bushings to restore precise steering feel.

Community & Resources

The Aloa 23 benefits from a dedicated, albeit largely Francophone, community. The most prominent technical resource for the model is the "Association des Propriétaires d'Aloa" (Aloa Owners Association), which maintains historical records and technical advice for the various models produced by SEB and Aloa Marine. These groups are instrumental for owners seeking original specifications or advice on sourcing period-correct hardware.

The Verdict

The Aloa 23 is a sturdy, historic pocket cruiser that offers a high degree of safety and seaworthiness for its size. It is an ideal entry-level boat for sailors who appreciate the "over-built" quality of the early fiberglass era.

Pros:

• Robust, thick-walled fiberglass hull construction.
• Predictable and forgiving handling, even in heavy chop.
• Efficient use of interior space for a sub-25-foot boat.
• Affordable entry point into classic French yachting.

Cons:

• Lacks the light-air agility of modern performance dinghies.
• Limited standing headroom for taller sailors.
• Potential for legacy issues like osmosis and deck core rot.
• Sourcing original manufacturer parts is difficult due to the shipyard’s closure.