The important thing about both the Ballad and the Semona is that they have lead ballast. This means that the centre of gravity is as low as possible. Another good feature is that the lead is poured inside the keel which is part of the boat mold, meaning there are no bolts attaching the keel, so no problem with leaks or the bolts snapping off. As for the Allegro while the ballast material is iron, it is laid horizontally on the bottom of the keel so the centre of gravity is also very low as opposed to a more modern keel where the iron is bolted vertically to the hull near the water line so the center of mass of the keel is only halfway down the max. draft. That's why bulbs are better. I can personally attest to the safety of a lead keel when I crossed the north Atlantic on a 7,5m boat. During a storm with 7m waves breaking over the boat, while quite scary the boat never heeled past 40 degrees. Good thing I had big drains in the cockpit also. Anyways, these 3 boats should be much more capable than the smaller one I used, a canadian built Northern 25. Hope to buy one of them someday.

Wow. This is crazy. I bought one of the boats pictured here (Semona 30) last July and sailed it (50% two-handed over Göta Kanal, 50% single-handed Nyköping-Finland) from Gothenburg to Finland. I'm surprised I didn't see this video while doing research on these boats (~2 years of looking). I was looking at all these boats^^;; Another good one I considered heavily and went to see was the Laurin Koster 28. The Allegro 27 is so beautiful and I went to see a few of them in Sweden. I think they sail excellently as well. The only thing is that it is a bit smallish for a liveaboard which is what I'm dreaming of doing. Living fulltime or primarily on the boat. I came across the Semona 30 by searching similarly sized boats and it looked very nice. Loved the full keel, it's low keel depth and roomy size. It's not as beautiful as the Allegro 27, but has some advantages. It's roomy and the rudder being below the water line makes the stern roomier for e.g. a windvane or platform installation. I went to see two of them. One in Finland and it was in bad condition. I still liked it very much and would probably have bought it but when I was supposed to go on a test sail the seller told me he had already sold it. I think this was a blessing in disguise because it really was in pretty bad condition. The bow was bouncy (balsa must have been rotten) and a few other water damage places. It had ran aground a few times and the seller was patching a hole when I went to see it. A plus that while running aground it had not sunk, though! The thing I most didn't like was the fact that in that particular make the Diesel, Water and Holding tank were all plastered into the hull (non-removable). Being a 40+ year old boat I did not look forward to dealing with that. The second Semona 30 I saw was in Gothenburg. And it was a beauty. Great condition. Old (40+ yrs) underpowered Yanmar but it still worked surprisingly beautifully. Like you say the chain plates are solid but they're not oversized. I'm not 100% sure but I suspect it doesn't sail as well (especially in light winds) as an Allegro 27. I've been watching a few of your videos the last week or so waiting for the winter to pass^^;; You have some lovely videos of sailing during snow in Sweden/Norway area. I hope I can experience something similar in the next 1-2 years. The water freezes over here in Finland so can't do much right now. Hopefully I can stay a few winters sailing in Sweden/Norway soon~

Thanks for sharing the boats of Sweden with all of us.

I think you should add the name's of the boats to the description -- I think it will help people who are searching KZfaq for information on these boats~

Laurin 28 and 32, Storfidra 25, Havsfidra 20, Midget 20, 26 and 31.

I think a spade rudder with 1/4 skeg gives way more balance when reaching and running as I've experienced I came from long keel no going back way more responsive cutters on shaft are advised but if you going to run aground suggest you get the experience in pilotage before going cruising invest in 300' chain and ultra anchor.

Thanks am looking at an allegro this weekend

So you’re saying that I should make my way to Sweden and find one of these boats then equip, provision and set off . . .

Albin Scampi 30 is quite good option. I think even better than Ballad.

Would have picked the Ballad here; sails good, good plan, roomy and there an active regatta class here in Oslo.

Long keel doesn't make a boat stable. Depends on location of ballast and shape of Hull etc. Most of them have enough ballast though.. Not sure what kind of stability you are talking about.. The biggest problem with small boats is actually their inability to withstand knockdowns;waterline length is important regarding knockdowns, despite what the Pardy fraternity will have you believe.

beautiful boats and informative.

Hi. I have been looking at hr monsun 31ft,,,do u know of similar boats,,non fin keel...i am finding very little in europe only...lots if fin keel bolt on but a bit wary of these..whats your opinion. Anyway keep up with your interesting videos.. Thierry

Lovely

wery interesting for someone new to sailboats. Im living in Oslo Norway and looking to buy a cheap boat that i can rebuild into a liveaboard and have been looking at many boats. Does anyone know the Swedish made Scampi Shipman 30 feet from 75? I have experience with old timber boats and commercial boats but have little experience with sail or fiberglass:D

If you own a wood boat today they are beautiful boats however a real labour/labor of love.

Hey Gustav, question: I’m deciding between a Vega and a Ballad, I know they’re both legendary, seaworthy boats capable of long passages and live aboard. But I see some conflicting info on the compared sturdiness. Some people have said a Ballad isn’t as sturdy as a Vega because of its fin keel-it was primarily envisioned as a racer. But still, it displaces more. It’s heavier and that skeg provides sturdiness right? I’ve seen some forums claim that a Ballad is a much more comfortable sail, and other say they’d rather do a long passage in a Vega because of its legendary seaworthiness. What’s your opinion? Is there a real difference or is it useless fine picking?

Hello, thanks for your video, really cool! How much do you think will be the cost to equip one of these sailboats for long distance sailing? raft, wind vane, solar panels, batteries... could you give me an idea? thanks!

I found two balads and one allegra in excellent condition. Semona 30 can't be found :(

Good afternoon. you inspired me with your example! I flew to Sweden to buy a boat for 10 euros and prepare for a trip around the world :) can you be contacted for a consultation?

on albin balad you can go to the ocean, around the world? or dangerous because the keel is not long?

Hi, could you give me the link where to check in Sweden sailboats like these here? thanks!!!

Hi, I'm sorry to take up your time like this but I'm looking to buy a sveakryssare and I was wondering if you knew anything about this boat or if you had any friends who owned this boat or if you had sailed one yourself ? It's very hard to find information about it online. I know it was designed by Arvid Laurin for cruising around the archipelago but can it be an ocean worthy boat as well ? Thank you so much for the videos, still loving them :)

Semona 30 is so rare on blocket now.

I think Im going to buy my boat in Sweden...

Love your videos! but I think my wife hates them!😁😁

your mannerisms are weird, man :) but videos extremely useful: informative and to the point thank you

Try to have an objective and more critical review of the boats....all boats are compromises. More Pros & Cons would give a better and true review.

0:45 Jag seglade på den Albin Balladen igår. En vän till mig har köpt den.

No the greatest risk is that the rudder diggs into the hull when it's bent on impact and sinks your boat.

Sorry for mi English)

Pentry(swe) = Galley(eng)

:)

ahahaha a 10k boat will take 50k in repairs