Ovni 495 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ovni 495 emerged from the Alubat shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, in 2007, quickly becoming the largest yacht in the Ovni range. Designed by Philippe Briand, who is credited with many models within the Ovni lineup, the 495 embraced Alubat's core philosophy of building strong, durable, and customizable aluminium yachts. Alubat, founded in 1973, has consistently focused on robust, lifting keel aluminium boats, leveraging the material's inherent strength and durability for blue-water cruising.

The design ethos of the Ovni 495, like its siblings, prioritizes safety, comfort, and the ability to access shallow waters, a hallmark of the dériveur intégral (lifting keel) concept, 11]. While specific design variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not commonly noted for the 495, Alubat is known for offering a high degree of customization, allowing owners to tailor internal layouts and designs to their specific wishes. The yacht features a distinctive hard chine hull, a signature design element of many Ovni yachts, which contributes to both stability and interior volume.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alubat Ovni 495, with its design focused on blue-water cruising, exhibits a well-balanced blend of performance and stability. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 17.40 suggests good performance in lighter winds, allowing the vessel to move efficiently even when conditions are not robust. The Ballast to Displacement (Ballast/Disp) ratio of around 35.6% indicates a solid level of stability, ensuring the boat can stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, providing a comfortable and secure ride in various sea states. Furthermore, the Displacement to Length (Disp/Length) ratio of approximately 161.82 positions the Ovni 495 as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Ovni 495 is "pretty solid under sail". Its aluminium hull construction contributes to its strength and forgiving nature, crucial for long voyages where impacts might occur. The twin rudders, combined with the lifting keel, offer excellent control and maneuverability, particularly in challenging conditions or when navigating shallow areas.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not provided, the Ovni 495, with its nearly 50-foot length overall and substantial beam of 14.73 feet, offers generous interior volume. The design emphasizes a comfortable life onboard, a key aspect for blue-water cruising. The cockpit is notably spacious and ergonomic, providing an excellent area for both sailing and relaxation.

Interior descriptions often highlight a "modern interior layout" with a "well-connected layout". Drawing from the general Alubat design philosophy and related models, it is reasonable to infer that the Ovni 495 features a protected pilothouse, seamlessly integrating the salon and galley into a cohesive living space. Owners of Alubat yachts benefit from a high degree of customization, meaning interior arrangements can vary significantly from one vessel to another, often tailored with quality materials and craftsmanship, 8]. Expect typical layouts to include comfortable sleeping quarters, a functional galley, and a well-appointed head, all designed to maximize comfort and practicality during extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alubat Ovni 495 generally praise its robust construction and capabilities as a true blue-water cruiser. The Alubat community is active, with the "Ovni Club" providing a platform for owners to share experiences and knowledge, underscoring the brand's loyal following. One owner's family found the Ovni 495 to be "very good".

However, like any complex vessel, specific issues can arise. Some discussions among owners have highlighted concerns regarding "bent rudder posts" on Ovni 495s, suggesting that the mix of steel and aluminum in the rudders could pose repair challenges. Despite such specific concerns, the overall sentiment points towards a high degree of satisfaction with the Ovni 495's ability to handle demanding conditions and provide a secure platform for long-distance sailing.