Allied Sailboats: Enduring Craftsmanship for the Adventurous Sailor

For a dedicated segment of the sailing community, the name "Allied" evokes a sense of robust construction, dependable performance, and a timeless design philosophy geared towards serious cruising.

Though no longer in production, Allied sailboats have carved out a remarkable legacy as capable blue-water vessels, with a history marked by pioneering achievements and a loyal following.

Allied Seawind 36

Company History & Philosophy

The Allied Boat Company, Inc. came into being in 1962, setting up shop in Catskill, New York. It was a joint venture, really, a collaboration among Lunn Laminates (a fiberglass boat builder), the well-known yacht brokerage firm Northrop & Johnson, and Thor Ramsing, a celebrated racing sailor. Their initial goal? To churn out high-quality fiberglass sailboats, with a laser focus on seaworthiness and durability—traits that would truly define the brand over its lifetime.

One of Allied's crowning achievements early on was the Allied Seawind 30 circumnavigation in 1964. This made it the very first fiberglass boat to pull off such a feat. That accomplishment alone solidified Allied's reputation for building genuinely ocean-capable vessels. The company also broke new ground by offering fiberglass hulls in colors other than white—a unique option that gave their boats a distinctive look. Interestingly, Allied opted to sell directly to customers, skipping the usual distributor model. Their core philosophy was all about producing strong, straightforward, and comfortable cruising boats, a commitment clearly visible in their construction methods and design choices. Alas, the Allied Boat Company closed its doors in 1982.

Allied Seawind 30

Design Evolution & Key Models

Allied's approach to design was consistently centered on creating seaworthy and comfortable cruisers. They often brought in talented naval architects. While individual designers certainly left their mark on various models, the overarching theme was always practical, robust designs, not bleeding-edge racing performance.

The Allied Seawind 30 essentially kicked off the Allied Boat Company's journey. Thomas Gillmer penned its design back in February 1960 for Rex Kaiser. This ketch-rigged sailboat shot to fame after its 1964 global circumnavigation by Alan Eddy aboard "Apogee." You'll recognize the Seawind 30 by its cutaway full keel, which provides that crucial stability for ocean crossings, and surprisingly generous headroom down below. It was undeniably robust, though its accommodations were considered a bit sparse for families.

Then came the Allied Princess 36, hitting the scene in 1972. Arthur Edmunds designed this characterful ketch specifically for comfortable cruising. With a solid 10-year production run and about 140 hulls built, it became one of Allied's most successful models. The Princess 36 is notable for being relatively beamy for its era, featuring a shallow keel and a modestly sized ketch rig. While it won't break any speed records upwind, it offers a wonderfully comfortable motion in rough seas and tracks well thanks to its long keel. Early Princess 36 interiors sported faux-wood Formica veneer, but thankfully, natural wood became standard after 1979. A common gripe? The original 25-hp Westerbeke engine often felt underpowered when punching into head seas, so many owners opted for 40-hp upgrades.

The Allied Seawind 32 (Seawind II) followed in 1975, also designed by Thomas Gillmer as an evolution of the original Seawind. Though only marginally longer, its increased beam and displacement translated into significantly more interior volume than its predecessor. The Seawind II kept the original Seawind's legendary structural integrity, featuring a hand-laid fiberglass hull and deck with a balsa wood core. While a ketch rig was standard, some were also built as cutters. Robust and comfortable as it was, its long keel and rudder setup could make tacking a somewhat leisurely affair.

Other significant Allied models included the Luders 33 (made famous by Robin Lee Graham's solo circumnavigation), the Seabreeze 35 (a centerboard cruiser-racer), and the Mistress series. Allied's designs consistently favored full or cutaway full keels, prioritizing stability and offshore prowess over light-air performance or nimble maneuverability.

Allied Seawind II

Construction & Quality

Allied sailboats earned their reputation for rugged and straightforward construction. Fiberglass was the primary material for both hulls and decks. Hulls were typically solid, hand-laid fiberglass, often beefed up with thicker laminates in critical areas like the bilge and around the keel. Ballast was usually lead, securely encapsulated within the keel and then glassed over. Decks generally featured a balsa core.

A true hallmark of Allied's build quality was their exceptionally strong hull-to-deck joint. They achieved this with an outward-turned flange on both the hull and deck, bolted together with a marine adhesive sandwiched in between, all then covered by a stout aluminum extrusion. On top of that, the inside joint got an extra layer of fiberglass and resin reinforcement. Crucially, all bulkheads were usually tabbed directly to the hull, greatly contributing to the overall structural integrity. Even the rudder stocks were often solid bronze—a clear sign of their commitment to using durable components. The overall build quality and impressive longevity of Allied boats are widely respected within the cruising community.

Performance & Onboard Experience

You'll find Allied sailboats are generally praised for their stability and comfortable motion when the seas get lumpy, making them ideal companions for offshore passages and extended cruising. Their long or cutaway full keels ensure excellent directional stability and tracking; often, you can leave the helm unattended for long stretches.

While these boats weren't designed for speed records, their conservative sail plans and sturdy construction deliver dependable performance across diverse conditions. The ketch rig, a common sight on many Allied models, offers fantastic versatility for managing sails as the wind changes. Owners frequently rave about their seaworthiness and how safely and comfortably they deliver their crew.

Inside, Allied boats typically sport a traditional and functional aesthetic, prioritizing practicality and liveability for long voyages. Layouts often feature a V-berth up front, a head, and a saloon with comfortable settees. While earlier models might have used faux-wood veneers, later boats saw a welcome shift to more natural wood joinery. Headroom is generally decent for their size and era. The focus, ultimately, was on crafting a secure and comfortable living space, complete with ample storage and robust systems.

What to Look For (Buying Guide/Common Traits)

If you're eyeing an Allied sailboat on the used market, there are a few common characteristics and potential points to inspect:

Engine Upgrades: Original engines, especially on older models like the Princess 36, could be a bit underpowered. It's quite common to find boats that have been repowered with larger, more efficient diesels.

Fuel Tank Material: Early fuel tanks, particularly on the Princess 36, were sometimes made of black iron and could be susceptible to corrosion. Later tanks were built from Corten steel, and many older ones have likely been replaced by now.

Electrical Systems: The original electrical systems on older Allied boats tended to be pretty basic. Don't be surprised to find that previous owners have upgraded battery capacity and wiring over the years.

Cockpit Drains: On some models, like the Princess 36, the cockpit drains were initially on the smaller side and might benefit from being enlarged for better drainage in heavy weather.

Interior Finish: Pay attention to the interior finish on Princess 36 models; pre-1979 boats used Formica veneer, while later ones featured natural wood.

Mizzen Mast Placement (Ketch Rigs): On certain ketch-rigged models, such as the Seawind II, the mizzen mast can sometimes obstruct visibility and access to the mainsheet from the helm.

Despite these minor considerations, the sheer underlying strength of Allied's construction means that many well-maintained examples continue to offer outstanding value as truly capable cruising platforms.

Legacy & Conclusion

The Allied Boat Company, even though it's no longer actively building, left an indelible mark on the world of cruising sailboats. Their reputation for constructing exceptionally strong, seaworthy, and comfortable vessels endures to this day. The groundbreaking circumnavigation by the Seawind 30 forever cemented their place in history as builders of genuinely ocean-ready yachts.

Allied boats remain highly sought after by sailors who prioritize solid construction and blue-water capability over modern aesthetics or racing prowess. The existence of active owner associations, like the Allied Seabreeze Owners Association, speaks volumes about a dedicated, passionate community that continues to champion these timeless yachts. The lasting appeal of Allied sailboats lies in their honest, well-built nature—a testament to a timeless approach to boat building that values reliability and safety above all else.

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