Ovni 455 Information, Review, Specs

The Alubat Ovni 455 emerged from the shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, with its production run spanning from 1994 to 2007. Alubat, founded in 1973, distinguished itself early on by exclusively building yachts from aluminum, a material celebrated for its inherent strength and durability, particularly for offshore sailing. The Ovni 455, like its predecessors in the Ovni range, embodies this core philosophy, featuring a distinctive hard chine hull—a design characteristic that Alubat pioneered with the iconic Ovni 28 in 1978., 17]

Philippe Briand, the naval architect behind the Ovni 455, is known for creating designs that blend performance with practical cruising attributes. His design for the 455 aimed to provide a powerful yet manageable yacht capable of extensive voyages while leveraging the advantages of aluminum construction and Alubat's lifting keel system. The lifting keel is central to the Ovni design philosophy, allowing for access to shallow waters and the ability to dry out on tides, significantly expanding cruising grounds. Throughout its production, the Ovni 455 saw variations, most notably a center cockpit (CC) version, which offered a different deck and interior layout to suit varied cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alubat Ovni 455 is characterized by a design that prioritizes both robust offshore capability and spirited sailing performance. With a reported sail area of 1140.97 sqft and a displacement of 26,455 lbs, the Ovni 455 boasts a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.46. This relatively high ratio suggests good performance in lighter winds, allowing the boat to maintain momentum when others might struggle.

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.375, indicates a solid level of stability, enabling it to stand up well to a breeze without excessive heeling. Combined with its displacement to length ratio of approximately 167.28, the Ovni 455 is considered a moderately displaced vessel, leaning towards a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for its size. Owners and reviewers often describe the Ovni 455 as a "high performer" that is "stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized," making it well-suited as a fast offshore cruiser. Its strong and powerful nature is frequently highlighted, providing an exciting yet capable long-distance sailing experience. The theoretical hull speed is 8.62 knots, providing a good indication of its potential under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alubat Ovni 455 is designed for comfortable liveaboard cruising and extended voyages, reflecting Alubat's commitment to functionality and quality craftsmanship. With a maximum headroom of 6.46 feet, the salon offers ample vertical space, contributing to an open and inviting atmosphere below deck.

Typical interior arrangements often include multiple double cabins, providing flexible accommodation options for families or guests. Common configurations feature two double aft cabins, a double V-berth forward, and sometimes an additional cabin with bunk berths. The interior finish generally reflects good craftsmanship, utilizing the robust nature of the aluminum hull which is often insulated for comfort across various climates. Storage is a key consideration for blue-water cruisers, and the Ovni 455 typically provides generous lockers and compartments throughout the cabins and main salon. The galley and navigation stations are usually well-appointed and practical for offshore conditions. While specific details can vary depending on owner customization, the overall design aims for durability and livability, often featuring sturdy wood trim and functional fiberglass components. The substantial water capacity of 159 gallons and fuel capacity of 106 gallons further underscore its self-sufficiency for long passages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alubat Ovni 455 frequently laud its robust construction and exceptional capability as a blue-water cruiser. The all-aluminum hull and lifting keel are consistently praised for their strength, safety, and the unique ability to access shallow anchorages or dry out, which greatly expands cruising possibilities. Many owners highlight the Ovni 455 as a powerful, versatile, and comfortable vessel, well-suited for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

While the Ovni 455 generally receives high praise, some common points of discussion among owners relate to maintenance and specific systems. Concerns have occasionally been raised regarding the rudder system and the need for careful attention to prevent electrolytic corrosion, which is a consideration with aluminum boats. There have also been isolated reports of issues such as a snapped steering cable on relatively new yachts. Despite these potential maintenance aspects, the Ovni community is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and support, with active forums and clubs like the "Ovni Club" providing valuable platforms for sharing knowledge and experiences, underscoring the loyal following the Alubat brand has cultivated.