Ovni 450 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ovni 450 began its production in 2019, continuing Alubat's tradition of building yachts exclusively from aluminum with lifting keels, a niche that has defined the shipyard since its founding in 1973. As an updated version of the Ovni 445, the 450 benefits from the expertise of Marc Lombard, who also designed its predecessor. Lombard's design philosophy for the Ovni range centers on creating high-performance, robust, and safe vessels capable of extensive blue-water cruising. The Alubat shipyard, located in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, has consistently refined its construction techniques, leveraging the inherent strength and durability of aluminum. The company's commitment to "tailor-made boats" and quality craftsmanship means each Ovni 450 can be highly customized to an owner's specific wishes, including unique internal layouts. While the hull underbody largely shares characteristics with the 445, the Ovni 450 features a wider stern, a slightly straighter bow, and larger fixed rectangular hull windows, along with twin helm stations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alubat Ovni 450 is engineered to combine safety at sea with commendable sailing performance and onboard comfort. With a length overall of 45.87 feet and a waterline length of 41.54 feet, she boasts a relatively light displacement for her size, contributing to a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 158.76. This figure suggests a performance-oriented cruiser capable of agile handling.

Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio stands at approximately 19.00, indicating good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions where she should accelerate well. Despite a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.32 (32.2%), which is lower than some fixed-keel offshore cruisers, the Ovni 450's all-aluminum construction and lifting keel design contribute significantly to its overall stability and stiffness. Alubat's reputation for robust construction ensures the boat stands up well to demanding conditions. Owners consistently report positive helm feedback, even in light winds. The lifting keel, which reduces draft from 9.51 feet to a mere 3.44 feet, provides unparalleled access to shallow anchorages, a hallmark of the Ovni range, while still offering excellent windward performance when fully deployed.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alubat Ovni 450 is designed for comfortable long-distance cruising, offering a generous maximum headroom of 6.5 feet. Alubat provides an astonishing number of layout variants for the Ovni 450, offering a high degree of customization to suit individual owner preferences. The standard layout, for example, typically includes an aft cabin on the port side and a convertible aft locker.

Owners can choose between light oak or teak finishes for the interior, creating either a bright, modern feel or a more classic, warm ambiance. While specific details vary by layout, typical arrangements include well-appointed galleys, comfortable salons, and private cabins, all designed to maximize space and utility for extended periods at sea. The inherent flexibility of aluminum construction allows for unique internal designs and ample storage throughout the vessel, a crucial aspect for blue-water cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Alubat Ovni yachts, including the 450, consistently praise the brand's commitment to robust construction, offshore capability, and the versatility offered by the lifting keel. The ability to access shallow waters and even dry out on tides is a frequently highlighted strength, opening up cruising grounds inaccessible to many other vessels. Owners often laud the safety and strength provided by the all-aluminum hull, instilling confidence during challenging conditions. The Alubat community is also a strong point, with the "Ovni Club" providing a platform for owners to share experiences and knowledge, fostering a loyal following and a sense of shared adventure. While specific weaknesses for the Ovni 450 itself are not widely detailed in public reviews due to its relatively recent introduction, the general consensus among Ovni owners points to high satisfaction with the brand's core philosophy of building strong, reliable, and customizable blue-water cruisers.