A few thoughts for anyone reading this and interested in aluminum cruising boats. Alubat the manufacturer has been through some difficult times and the Managing director was replaced while we were commissioning our boat....

We met Phil and Norma Heaton who own Minnie b their 395 that has taken them around the world and they have been really helpful and incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.

Also Colin Speedie helped us with the specification based on his sailing experience and owning an Ovni 435.

Our experience has been incredibly positive, we bought the boat through North Sea maritime in the uk and Stephen and Francine's commitment support and knowledge have been and continue to be invaluable. The team at alubat were great and the inevitable snag list was worked through by many Frenchmen in a small boat. Best of all is the boat, that has performed amazingly, in calm, wind, sun and rain. We have seen the boreal and Garcia and talked to the owners and we are very pleased with our decision to buy the alubat. Anyone interested in the detail please drop me a line.