Ovni 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Alubat Ovni 33 was introduced in 1982, with production continuing until 1985. It emerged from the shipyard of Alubat, a company founded in 1973 in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, which quickly specialized in crafting robust, lifting keel aluminium boats. The choice of aluminium for the hull and deck materials, coupled with a focus on lifting keel designs, was foundational to Alubat's identity and its commitment to building durable, go-anywhere yachts. Designer Gilles Vaton prioritized practical considerations such as safety and maneuverability in the Ovni 33's design, particularly for congested waters. Like many of its Ovni brethren, the 33 likely featured the distinctive hard chine hull, a characteristic that contributes to both stability and interior volume, echoing Alubat's commitment to sturdy construction during that era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 23.53, the Alubat Ovni 33 is characterized as a boat with good light-air performance, suggesting it can perform well even in lighter breezes. This relatively high ratio indicates a yacht designed to move efficiently. The ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) of around 0.407 points to a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 183.68 categorizes the Ovni 33 as a lighter, more performance-oriented boat for its length, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. This combination of attributes, along with the lifting keel, contributes to the boat's reputation for safe and maneuverable handling. The ability to reduce draft significantly with its lifting keel from a maximum of 7.38 feet to a minimum of 1.48 feet offers unparalleled access to shallow waters, allowing the boat to explore areas inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels and even dry out on tides.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts for every Ovni 33 might vary, the general design philosophy of Alubat, coupled with the boat's dimensions, suggests a functional and robust interior suitable for cruising. The Ovni 33 boasts a maximum headroom of 6.0 feet, providing comfortable standing room for many. The hard chine hull design, typical of Ovni models, contributes to a surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of its length. Though detailed interior descriptions are scarce, similar Ovni models are known for their practical layouts, often featuring a forward V-berth, a saloon with settees and a central table, a galley, and a navigation station, with quarter berths aft. The interior finish would likely emphasize durability and ease of maintenance, with a focus on robust materials rather than elaborate ornamentation, aligning with its blue-water cruising intentions.

Owner's Perspectives

Alubat has cultivated a loyal following over the decades, with owners often forming a strong sense of community, exemplified by groups like the "Ovni Club." This community provides a platform for owners to share knowledge and experiences, underscoring the confidence and satisfaction felt by those who choose an Alubat. While specific collective owner feedback for the Ovni 33 is not readily available, the broader reputation of Alubat boats highlights their solid construction and capability for extensive blue-water cruising.