Aloa 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Aloa 29 benefits from Jean-Marie Finot’s signature approach to hull dynamics, featuring a relatively wide beam for its length and a flat-bottomed section that enhances initial stability. As a masthead sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the boat is known for its predictable and forgiving handling. Under sail, it exhibits a balanced helm, provided the sail plan is reefed appropriately; like many yachts of its generation, the large genoa can induce significant weather helm if the boat is over-canvassed in heavy air.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate-heavy" category by modern standards, the Aloa 29 possesses enough momentum to punch through a coastal chop without the "hobby-horsing" common in lighter-displacement vessels. Technical assessments from French maritime publications often highlight its stiffness, a result of the ballast being concentrated low in the fin keel. While it is not a high-performance racing machine, the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach and offers a secure, "big boat" feel that instills confidence in novice coastal sailors.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Aloa 29 was considered revolutionary for its time, utilizing a molded GRP interior liner that allowed for efficient production and easy maintenance. The layout is optimized for a family of four or five, featuring a traditional V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settees in the salon that serve as additional berths. A notable feature for an 8.7-meter boat is the standing headroom, which reaches approximately 1.83 meters (6 feet) in the main cabin, preventing the cramped feeling often associated with 1970s-era 29-footers.

The galley is typically located to port, featuring a two-burner stove and a sink, while a dedicated navigation station sits to starboard—a hallmark of serious cruising intent. The head is located between the salon and the forward cabin, providing a degree of privacy. Throughout the production run, there were minor variations in joinery; earlier models featured more extensive teak veneers, while later versions incorporated more white fiberglass surfaces to brighten the cabin. A sibling variant, the Aloa 29 "Sport," occasionally appears in records with a taller rig and deeper keel, though the standard cruiser remains the more common find on the secondary market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Aloa 29 with a focus on its age and the construction techniques of the 1970s. While the hulls are generally robust, several specific areas require scrutiny:

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many hulls produced by SEB Marine in this period, the Aloa 29 is susceptible to osmosis. A professional moisture survey is highly recommended to check for hull saturation.
• Deck Core Integrity: The deck is a balsa-cored sandwich construction. Over decades, leaking deck hardware (stanchion bases, cleats, and chainplates) can lead to core rot. Soft spots underfoot or brown staining around interior fasteners are primary warning signs.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The spade rudder is a high-stress component. Sailors have frequently reported play in the rudder stock or wear in the bushings, which can lead to vibration or a "clunky" feel at the helm.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Given the masthead configuration, the standing rigging exerts significant tension. Inspection of the chainplate attachments—where they tie into the hull structure—is vital to ensure there is no stress cracking or water ingress.
• Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta or Nanni diesel engines. Unless the vessel has been repowered, buyers should check for heat exchanger corrosion and the availability of spare parts for these aging power plants.

Community & Resources

The Aloa 29 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in France and the Netherlands. While the original builder is no longer in operation, technical support is frequently found through the Association des Propriétaires d'Aloa, a group dedicated to preserving the history and seaworthiness of these vessels. Additionally, because the design was overseen by Groupe Finot, the design firm maintains an archive of technical drawings and specifications that can be invaluable for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Aloa 29 remains a stalwart choice for sailors seeking an affordable, seaworthy entry into coastal cruising. Its Finot pedigree ensures that it remains a respectable sailer even forty years after its debut.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and "big boat" feel for its size.
• Generous standing headroom and a practical, sea-going layout.
• Timeless design from a world-class naval architecture firm.
• Robust construction that responds well to systematic refitting.

Cons

• Susceptibility to osmosis in older, untreated hulls.
• Spade rudder design requires periodic bushing maintenance.
• Standard 1970s interior aesthetics may feel dark compared to modern yachts.
• Large genoa-based rig can be physically demanding for short-handed crews in a breeze.