Jeanneau Alize 20 Information, Review, Specs

Measuring roughly 5.95 meters in length, the Alize 20 was a "micro-cruiser" before the term was popularized. It was designed to offer the burgeoning middle class an affordable entry point into yachting. The hull features a relatively shallow draft and a classic spoon bow, reflecting the aesthetic transitions of the mid-1960s. While it predates the more famous Sangria, the Alize 20 established the "Alizé" series, which eventually included the larger Alizé 22, a sibling model that shared much of the same design DNA but offered more volume for extended coastal passages.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Alize 20 is a light-displacement coastal cruiser characterized by its forgiving nature and ease of handling. Given its 1960s pedigree, the hull shape is narrower than modern 20-footers, resulting in a boat that tracks well but may feel somewhat tender when pressed hard in a breeze. It was typically rigged as a fractional sloop, providing a manageable sail plan for single-handed sailors or small families.

Anecdotal reports from historical archives and long-term owners suggest that the boat performs best in light to moderate air, where its low wetted surface area allows it to maintain momentum. The tiller steering is highly communicative, a hallmark of Robert Rigaudeau’s early designs, though the lack of modern beam-to-length ratios means the boat will heel significantly before finding its secondary stability. It was not built for offshore racing but rather for the "petit croisière" (small cruise) culture that defined the French Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts in the 1960s.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 20-foot length, the Alize 20 was marketed as a genuine cruiser with an enclosed cabin. The layout is remarkably efficient for its era, typically featuring four berths: a V-berth in the bow and two quarter berths extending under the cockpit seats. The headroom is understandably limited, requiring a "crawling" posture for most adults, yet the presence of a small galley area and dedicated storage for a chemical head made it a functional weekender.

Interior materials in original models consisted of painted fiberglass liners and mahogany or teak trim, though many surviving examples have been heavily modified by owners. While the Alize 20 did not have the multiple cabin configurations seen in larger modern yachts, its sibling, the Alizé 22, offered a slightly more sophisticated interior with improved standing room and a dedicated salon table, providing a more viable option for sailors who felt the 20 was too cramped for multi-day trips.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As one of the earliest fiberglass production boats, the Alize 20 is subject to the technical limitations of 1960s composite construction. Prospective buyers should prioritize the following areas during inspection:

• Osmosis and Blistering: Early polyester resins were more susceptible to water absorption than modern vinyl esters. Hull inspections should look for significant blistering, especially in boats that have been kept in the water year-round.
• Deck Delamination: The Alize 20 often utilized a balsa or plywood core in the deck for stiffness. Over sixty years, moisture ingress through poorly sealed hardware (stanchions, cleats, or mast steps) frequently leads to soft spots and core rot.
• Chainplate Security: The rigging attachments are simple, but the fiberglass around the chainplates can craze or fatigue over decades of stress. Ensure the load-bearing sections of the hull and deck remain structurally sound.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung or spade rudder (depending on the specific production year) often develops play in the bushings. While a relatively easy fix, a vibrating or "clunking" rudder can indicate long-term wear on the gudgeons and pintles.
• Keel Bolts: If the vessel is a fixed-keel version, the keel bolts and the surrounding "stump" should be checked for weeping or rust streaks, which indicate a breach in the keel-to-hull joint seal.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vintage French classics often find technical support and historical documentation through the Jeanneau Owners Network, an independent organization that maintains one of the most comprehensive archives of early Jeanneau manuals and brochures. Due to its historical status in France, several French-language associations dedicated to "Old GRP" (Old Glass Reinforced Plastic) boats also feature the Alize 20 in their registries, providing a wealth of information for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Jeanneau Alize 20 is a charming, historically significant pocket cruiser that offers a purist sailing experience for those who appreciate the origins of modern yachting. While it lacks the volume and stability of contemporary designs, its pedigree and simplicity make it an excellent project boat for coastal exploration.

Pros:

• Historical Pedigree: A true collector's item for fans of the Jeanneau brand.
• Ease of Handling: Simple sloop rig and tiller steering are perfect for solo sailors.
• Trailerability: Its narrow beam and light weight make it relatively easy to transport.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Expect to deal with 60-year-old fiberglass and potential core issues.
• Cramped Living Quarters: Minimal headroom and narrow berths are not suitable for extended cruising.
• Tender Hull: Lacks the initial stability of modern wide-beam designs.