Ovni 370 Information, Review, Specs

The Alubat Ovni 370 began production in 2021, continuing Alubat's legacy of building distinctive aluminium yachts. The design brief for the Ovni 370 was ambitious: to create a 100% aluminium, lifting keel vessel under 12 meters in length and 4 meters in beam, specifically tailored for blue-water cruising. This vision aligns perfectly with Alubat's core ethos, established since 1973, which prioritizes strength, durability, and the ability for boats to access shallow anchorages and even dry out on tides.

The design, a collaborative effort involving Création Brouns Architecture and Mortain-Mavrikios, features Alubat's signature hard chine hull, which not only contributes to stability but also maximizes interior volume. The rounded and inverted bow is another modern design element that enhances both aesthetics and functional space below deck. Alubat's commitment to quality craftsmanship and the inherent flexibility of aluminium construction also allows for a high degree of customization, enabling owners to tailor internal layouts and designs to their specific cruising needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alubat Ovni 370 is designed as a capable blue-water cruiser, balancing robust construction with commendable sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.80, the Ovni 370 leans towards a more conservative sail plan, optimized for offshore strength rather than light-air racing performance. Its solent rig, featuring a smaller, often self-tacking jib, simplifies sail handling for short-handed cruising, which is a key attribute for its intended use.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 31.9% is on the lower side, a characteristic often found in lifting keel designs where a significant portion of the stability comes from the hull form and the deep draft achievable with the keel fully lowered. While some may perceive this as indicating "tenderness," the overall design prioritizes comfort and safety in various conditions, being "clean sheet designed to be the most comfortable, safest" for long journeys. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 177.17 places the Ovni 370 in the lighter end of the medium-heavy cruiser category, suggesting a boat that can offer a good turn of speed for its class while still providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Equipped with twin rudders, the Ovni 370 benefits from enhanced steering control, particularly in strong winds or when heeled. Its lifting keel, allowing for a variable draft from 3.02 ft to 10.1 ft, is a defining feature, providing unparalleled access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out, a major advantage for adventurous cruising. When fully deployed, the deep keel contributes to effective upwind performance and reduced leeway. Owners attest to its solid performance as a short-handed blue-water cruiser, praising its suitability for extensive voyaging.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Ovni 370 is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality for extended cruising. The modern chined hull, combined with a rounded and inverted bow, translates into generous interior volume. The standard layout typically features a two-cabin plan, making excellent use of the available space, with a double cabin both forward and aft.

The saloon is particularly well-conceived, often described as smart and inviting, and benefits from a raised salon design, enhancing natural light and views. While specific headroom figures are not consistently published, Alubat's emphasis on maximizing interior space in its design brief suggests comfortable standing room. The general finish quality reflects Alubat's reputation for skilled craftsmanship, particularly in welding, woodwork, and painting, allowing for a "pretty core" within its robust aluminium shell. Flat decks are a hallmark of Alubat designs, providing easy movement and ample deck space, further enhancing the living experience both above and below.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alubat Ovni 370 consistently highlight its robust construction and its design as an uncompromising blue-water concept capable of long journeys, even with a small crew. The ability to access shallow waters and dry out on tides thanks to its lifting keel is a frequently praised advantage, opening up a world of cruising possibilities. The rig, while potentially conservative in terms of sail area, is well-regarded for its reliability and ease of handling in offshore conditions.

While some discussions among prospective owners have touched on the boat's "tenderness" due to its ballast-to-displacement ratio, the overarching sentiment is that the Ovni 370 is a safe and comfortable vessel, purpose-built for its blue-water role. The strong sense of community fostered by the "Ovni Club" further underscores the satisfaction and loyalty among Alubat owners, who appreciate the reliability and unique capabilities of their yachts for extensive cruising and exploration.