Ovni 345 Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by Alubat, a company founded in 1973 in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, the Ovni 345 benefits from decades of expertise in building unique lifting keel aluminium boats. Alubat's specialization in this niche has cemented its status as Europe's leading builder of aluminium yachts, celebrated for their rugged construction and unparalleled versatility.

History and Design

The Ovni 345 was in production from 1987 to 2006, spanning a significant period in Alubat's history. Its design is attributed to the esteemed naval architecture firm Joubert-Nivelt. Joubert-Nivelt's philosophy for the Ovni range, and by extension the 345, aligned perfectly with Alubat's vision: to create robust, seaworthy vessels capable of navigating shallow waters and even drying out on tides, thanks to their lifting keel design and durable aluminum hulls. Alubat, during this era, was known for its consistent evolution of its core philosophy, refining construction techniques to leverage aluminum's inherent strength, durability, and potential for customization. All Ovni models, including the 345, feature a distinctive hard chine hull, a characteristic that enhances both stability and interior volume. While there is no specific mention of significant variations like MkI or MkII during its production run in the search results, the consistency in Alubat's design ethos suggests a steady refinement within the model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ovni 345 is characterized by a set of robust design parameters that translate into its distinctive sailing characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.18, the Ovni 345 suggests commendable performance, particularly in lighter air, allowing it to move efficiently despite its robust construction. Its ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 0.52, indicates a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states. This high stability is a key factor in its suitability for blue-water cruising.

However, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 428.8, the Ovni 345 falls into the category of a very heavy, traditional cruiser. This robust build contributes to its strength and safety offshore, but means it prioritizes comfort and resilience over outright speed. Despite its weight, owner reviews and general consensus highlight its solid sailing performance, particularly emphasizing its capability downwind and its stable, comfortable ride. The lifting keel, which reduces the draft from 6.89 feet to a mere 1.9 feet, provides unparalleled access to shallow anchorages, a hallmark of the Ovni range's versatility.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom figures are not consistently available, the Alubat Ovni 345 is designed with practicality and comfort in mind for extended cruising. Owners often praise the practical interior, which is well-suited for long voyages. Interior layouts typically feature a functional galley, a comfortable saloon, and well-appointed sleeping cabins. The all-aluminum construction not only contributes to the boat's structural integrity but also often allows for a high degree of customization in the interior layout, a common practice at Alubat. Descriptions of the interior often highlight the use of quality materials, robust joinery, and ample storage, reflecting the boat's blue-water cruising pedigree. The interior volume, further enhanced by the hard chine hull, contributes to a more spacious feel below deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Alubat Ovni 345 for its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility, making it a highly regarded choice for long-distance and shallow-water cruising. The ability of the lifting keel to access otherwise inaccessible anchorages is frequently highlighted as a major advantage. Owners appreciate the boat's stable and comfortable motion offshore, which is a significant factor for extended voyages. The robust aluminum construction instills confidence, especially when encountering unexpected obstacles or less-than-ideal conditions. While individual experiences vary, the strong community of Ovni owners, often fostered through groups like the "Ovni Club," underscores a shared satisfaction with the brand's reliability and seaworthiness. Some common points of discussion or potential maintenance, though not widely cited as pervasive problems for the 345 specifically, can include the general considerations for aluminum hulls and their specific care. The high level of customization offered by Alubat also means that the specific fit-out and equipment can vary significantly from one vessel to another.