Ovni 455 CC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ovni 455 CC was in production from 2000 to 2007, emerging from Alubat's shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. Alubat, established in 1973, quickly distinguished itself by exclusively building boats from aluminium with lifting keels, a design characteristic that would define its iconic Ovni range. The collaboration with Philippe Briand for the Ovni 455 CC aligns with Alubat's history of partnering with renowned naval architects to refine their designs. Briand's design philosophy for the Ovni series often emphasizes seaworthiness, comfortable motion, and the ability to perform well in diverse conditions, all while maximizing the benefits of aluminium construction and the lifting keel concept. Alubat's manufacturing ethos during this period, and throughout its history, focused on leveraging the strength and durability of aluminium for highly customizable yachts suited for demanding blue-water cruising. The Ovni 455 CC, like many of its siblings in the Ovni range, features the signature hard chine hull, which contributes to both stability and interior volume.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ovni 455 CC is designed for comfortable and capable offshore cruising rather than outright racing. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.1, she is a moderately powered vessel, indicating balanced performance across a range of wind conditions. While not optimized for light-air speed, she is capable of efficient passage-making. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 181 suggests a moderately light displacement for her nearly 48-foot length, contributing to respectable cruising speeds without being overly heavy.

A notable aspect of the Ovni 455 CC is her lifting keel, which, when fully extended, provides a significant draft of 7.87 feet for enhanced upwind performance and stability. When retracted to a minimum draft of 3.12 feet, it allows access to shallow anchorages and the ability to safely beach the boat. The Ballast to Displacement ratio is approximately 0.31. While this number might appear modest compared to some deep-keeled fiberglass boats, it's crucial to consider the inherent stiffness and strength of Alubat's all-aluminium hull construction and the influence of the lifting keel design, which concentrates lead ballast internally. This design contributes to the boat's renowned robustness and ability to stand up to heavy weather. Owners often praise Ovni yachts for their solid feel and reassuring motion in a seaway, a testament to their rugged build and design for serious offshore work.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Ovni 455 CC, like other Alubat models, is typically configured to provide a comfortable and functional living space for extended cruising. While specific headroom details are not provided, Ovni yachts are generally known for offering ample interior volume thanks to their hard chine hull forms. Interior layouts commonly feature a well-appointed main salon, a dedicated galley, and multiple cabins. Owners often have a high degree of customization available to them, allowing for unique internal arrangements to suit individual cruising needs. Based on common layouts for vessels of this size and type, one would typically expect a spacious forward V-berth cabin, a comfortable main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley equipped for offshore cooking, and one or more aft cabins, often with a dedicated navigation station. Storage is usually abundant, reflecting the boat's long-distance cruising purpose. The use of robust, often light-colored wood finishes combined with the practicalities of aluminium construction creates a durable yet inviting atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Ovni yachts, including the 455 CC, frequently laud their boats for their exceptional build quality, robust nature, and unparalleled ability to explore remote areas due to the lifting keel and strong aluminium hull. The "go-anywhere" capability, including the option to dry out, is a consistently highlighted strength, providing a freedom that many other cruising yachts cannot offer. The safety and security afforded by the all-aluminium construction in challenging conditions are also highly valued. Owners often speak of a strong community around Alubat, with the "Ovni Club" providing a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge, underscoring the loyalty and satisfaction felt by those who choose these unique vessels. Common praises include the boat's comfortable motion offshore and its ability to withstand significant weather. While general critiques for Alubat boats are rare, some discussions in forums might touch on the specific maintenance considerations for aluminium hulls or the design implications of a lifting keel, such as potential for play over time, though these are often addressed through diligent maintenance and Alubat's robust engineering.