InstantForum.NET v4.1.4BoatQuest.com Boating Community Forumshttp://forum.boatquest.com/forums@boatquest.comTue, 18 Nov 2008 10:14:48 GMT20http://forum.boatquest.com/Topic30-46-1.aspxJohn Alden designed sloop on traditional lines with a low aspect rig by today's standards. She gets many admiring looks by lovers of traditional boat. Underbody is a full keel with cutaway forefoot. She features a very long and roomy cockpit, making it a great boat for a family or entertaining friends. Boats were produced with either tiller or wheel steering. The boat has sufficient internal ballast to provide excellent ultimate stability, however, she is initially relatively tender. FRP (fiberglass)layup is substantial throughout, and as is common on many boats of this vintage, rigging and fittings are heavy duty. Decks have a balsa core, so potential buyers should inspect carefully for evidence of water damage, especially under poorly bedded deck fittings. If they're dry, they're as solid as the Rock of Gibralter. Keel/centerboard version is excellent for cruising in shoal waters such as those found in the Chesapeake Bay. With the board down the helm balances nicely going to windward. With out the boards help, there is considerable weather helm. With only 10 feet of beam, interior space is necessarily limited; however, the designer has found room for lengthy berths in the main salon and a larger head/shower than are found on most boats in this size range. The v-berth is a bit shorter than some might like. At market prices, the boat offers a lot of sailing enjoyment for a very reasonable investment.Tue, 27 Sep 2005 19:42:34 GMTsailfive