OVNI 450: a great lifting keel aluminium yacht

The OVNI 450 is a new lifting keel sailing yacht, from ALUBAT which builds blue water cruising sailboats under the brands OVNI, CIGALE and OVNICAT.

The OVNI 450 is built on a beautiful double chin hull. This modern, high performance hull offers seaworthy handling in all circumstances. The OVNI 450 was designed by Marc LOMBARD, a well-known naval architect. The 100% aluminium construction from deck to hull provides for unfailing seaworthiness and durability. The OVNI 450 offers exceptional comfort at 13.98 meters in length, with a 4.29-meter beam. The draught is only 1.0 meter with the keel up and 2.90 meters with the keel down. Alubat would like to thank the owner of this particular boat for making this visit possible.

The high performance hull offers seaworthy handling

First of all, there is a very wide and flush bathing platform. It makes boarding the boat easy both in port or from the tender. There is direct access to the storage shelf for the outboard motor which reduces to a minimum lifting and carrying the outboard motor.

There is a built-in swimming ladder and an integrated roller for stern anchorage. This is also very useful when you beach the boat and you want to avoid her turning with the rising tide.

There are two large handrails on the rear skirt. They make grabbing a hold of the boat and disembarking to or from the tender, convenient and safe. For easy access, the life raft is stowed here. It requires little to no effort to launch or remove for maintenance. There is a hot and cold fresh water shower to rinse off after swimming. Synthetic teak decking is an option that improves traction and looks great. The main arch is all aluminium, ready for wind generators, solar panels and all the necessary navigation or communication equipment.

The cockpit can be closed off for safety

The davit arch makes tender storage quick and efficient. It lowers the tender just behind the swimming platform. Just ease off the davit line, release the pullies and the tender is launched.

The cockpit is the center of onboard activity. The crew must perform maneuvers, move about, eat and rest while remaining protected and safe, especially while blue water cruising.

The OVNI 450 cockpit is spacious, ergonomic and comfortable. The dual helm stations make movement easy around the cockpit and aft. The helms have a good position facing the sails and provide excellent visibility all around the boat during maneuvers or in port. All controls are on hand at the helm station: the throttle, bow thruster, keel controller and the navigational equipment including charts and plotters, boat and wind speed, heading, depth, and radar. Sheets for the genoa are easy to adjust from the helm. The helm station is also equipped with a VHF radio. Each helm has foot rests for good footing when the boat is heeled over. There is plenty of storage for lines just below the winch. Of course, electric winches are also an option to make maneuvers even easier. With similar inboard placement as the helm station winches, the companionway winches are set up to perform all maneuvers including sheets, reefs and halyards. For the safety of passengers and crew, all maneuvers can be performed from within the cockpit.

The large cockpit benches have comfortable backrests. The cockpit table was designed to easily accommodate 8 guests. Under the center worktop, there is storage space with bottle and cup holders. Beneath the starboard bench there is direct access to the technical area. This area can be used to store bulky equipment such as a gennaker, outboard motor, a bicycle or provisions, … all accessible through the cockpit without having to go down the companion way. There are storage lockers under both helm seats… to starboard the locker is designed for gas canister storage and to port for general equipment. Under the deck amidships between the helm seats there is additional storage space. The stern rails are curved and have cushions for better comfort. The rails at the port and starboard quarter can also be extended for greater security. For safety the cockpit is equipped with several handrails, at each helm and on the cockpit table. On each side of the cockpit under and behind the seats there are many storage lockers and cubbies to hold equipment.

OVNI 450: High Customization Opportunities

On this boat, the owner decided on the optional rigid dodger. Visibility and protection are better than with a classic canvas dodger making maneuvers and each watch a little easier. There is an instrument console above the companionway to check the wind speed, direction and depth along with USB ports to charge phones or other electronic equipment. Portholes can be installed on the companionway bulkhead for more light and ventilation in the head to starboard and the aft cabin to port. The ceiling hatch and the forward portholes make for good ventilation under the dodger. There are strong welded handrails to each side. The cockpit can be partially enclosed, which is especially nice when you are sailing in cold weather or at extreme latitudes. It is very pleasant to be outside and remain protected.

To summarize, the aluminium dodger provides for optimum watch conditions, optimum security, and excellent comfort.

Before going to the foredeck, it is interesting to point out the grabrails here on the rigid dodger and on the roof, as well as the large side decks with lifelines that make going to the foredeck easy and safe. Here on the roof there is the mainsail traveler and the boom brake, which slows down the boom and allows the boat to jibe safely. Now let’s have a look at the set of granny bars at the mast. They serve to secure the crew while standing during maneuvers and can also serve as a step up to stow the mainsail in the lazy bag. There are folding steps to help climb up the mast. The main sail is hoisted on a mast track with ball bearing sliders, which makes hoisting and lowering the mainsail much easier. The spinnaker pole can be stored vertically against the mast. There are large hatches on the roof and foredeck which bring lots of light and ventilation to the forward cabin. The sail compartment, big enough to store all sails and fenders as well, is located here. The chain locker is wide and deep. It is possible to separate it into two sections for separate anchors. The electrical windlass can weigh anchor whatever the weather conditions. The furling genoa is standard equipment. Two optional staysails are available. The first, with a Dynema stay, is removable and can easily be stored along the mast. It won’t hinder the genoa while tacking either. The second option is a furling staysail designed for longer trips. The bowsprit prevents the anchor from touching the bow and serves as a tack point for the gennaker, code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker.

On this boat the owner decided on the aluminium bumper that goes all around the hull. It is very useful in the Nordic countries, where mooring in marinas is often against large poles (like tree trunks) and keeps the hull from getting scratched. As standard equipment, essential for a blue water cruiser, the hull and deck are insulated. A watertight bulkhead between the sail compartment and the finished interior just adds to the list of best safety features onboard.

All the mooring cleats are welded to the roof for maximum strength.

OVNI 450: nautical, elegant, comfortable, bright and durable

The interior of the OVNI 450 is designed to be nautical, elegant, comfortable, bright and durable. It is built to accommodate the crews needs throughout any blue water cruise.

For Alubat, a seaworthy boat is a boat where the crew can stand securely in all types of weather conditions.

The saloon can accommodate up to 8 guests. Under the benches there is a lot of storage while the lifting keel is under the central bench. With the keel up the draught is 1.0 meter and 2.90 meters with the keel down. It is also possible to beach the boat. The saloon table has large fiddles, and adapts to your needs. It also converts into a double berth, just lower the table and add the cushions.

In the galley opposite the saloon, one can securely hold on, no matter what direction you’re facing. There is a gas stove and double sink. The fridge has a capacity of 180 liters. There is enough space to store all the supplies necessary for a long cruise. There is a foot pump for fresh or seawater here.

The large navigation table gives you all the space necessary to prepare your voyage. There is storage under both the table and the seat. You can check all the electrical systems at the control panel. There are 3 automatic bilge pumps. There is also a red or white desk light.

Accessing the engine compartment is easy. It is under the companion way and requires only unlocking and lifting the steps. The hydraulic cylinder holds the steps up. Standard equipment is a Volvo D2-50 horsepower engine with a shaft drive transmission, but upgrades are certainly possible. There is some storage space for supplies. The coolant tank and the sea water filter are accessible above the engine. All the seacocks are welded onto the hull. There are also access panels on each side. One in the aft cabin and one in the head.

The large head is equipped with a separate shower, toilet, large sink and plenty of storage. There is access to the black water tanks as well as a closet for wet storage of sailing clothes in the shower.

In the aft cabin there is a double berth, storage space, USB ports and electrical outlets, as well as reading lights.

In this version, the owner decided to put the forward berth on the port side and add a forward head. There is plenty of headroom, more USB ports and storage space for equipment and clothing.

It’s important to mention that, whether standing or seated at the saloon table, it is possible to see outside through the many the portholes in both the hull and roof. There is also permanent Dorade type ventilation in the roof.

The technical room is to starboard and has room for all the necessary on-board equipment. There is space for a freezer, a water-maker, access to the steering system and the heater. There is also access to the fuel filter. It is possible to add one or two berths with lee cloths as you can see here. There is plenty of storage space for equipment. It is a very useful work space for all repairs and projects.

There are, of course, different layouts and options: Alubat can offer different kinds of wood such as oak or ash, and various fabrics for curtains, cushions and mattress.

The OVNI line has 6 models, from the OVNI 365 to the OVNI 52 evolution. The Alubat Shipyard is always happy to organise visit at the shipyard and to work with clients on a custom build. For more information, please click here: http://www.choose-your-boat.com/boats/803,alubat-chantier-naval-ovni-450