Ovni 52 Evolution Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ovni 52 Evolution began its production in 2012, designed by the celebrated French naval architect Marc Lombard. This model represents an evolution within Alubat's highly successful Ovni range, which has been the cornerstone of the shipyard's output since its founding in 1973. Alubat has consistently focused on crafting robust, lifting keel aluminum boats, a specialization that has earned them a reputation as Europe's foremost builder of such yachts. The Ovni 52 Evolution carries forward this legacy, featuring an aluminum hull and deck, a lifting keel, and twin rudders, all hallmarks of Alubat's design philosophy.

Marc Lombard's design for the Ovni 52 Evolution incorporates "powerful hulls with evolving chines," reflecting a modern approach to hull design for enhanced performance and stability. Alubat's manufacturing ethos, as described in the builder's history, emphasizes leveraging the inherent qualities of aluminum for strength, durability, and customization, ensuring each yacht meets the demanding requirements of blue-water cruising. While no significant MkI or MkII variations are widely noted, the "Evolution" itself marked a new concept and design within the Ovni line, distinguishing it from earlier models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 53.61 feet and a waterline length of 50.82 feet, the Ovni 52 Evolution is a substantial vessel designed for long-distance sailing. Its reported sail area of 1539.24 square feet, combined with a displacement of 36,597 pounds, yields a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.4. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Ovni 52 Evolution is well-powered, indicating good performance even in lighter wind conditions, a desirable characteristic for a blue-water cruiser.

The boat features a lifting keel system, allowing for a variable draft from a minimum of 4.59 feet to a maximum of 11.65 feet. This innovative design provides exceptional versatility, enabling access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out on tides, while offering deep draft stability when the keel is fully deployed for offshore passages. The Ballast to Displacement ratio is approximately 0.197. While this percentage appears low in isolation, it must be interpreted in the context of a lifting keel design where the deep draft when the keel is lowered, along with the boat's wide beam of 16.01 feet and hard chine hull, contribute significantly to its stiffness and stability.

The Displacement to Length (D/LWL) ratio for the Ovni 52 Evolution is approximately 124.4, which categorizes it as a relatively light-displacement boat for its length. This suggests a more performance-oriented design, offering an efficient motion through the water and potentially higher average speeds, particularly on longer passages. The dual rudders further enhance control and responsiveness, especially when heeled or navigating in challenging sea states. The cockpit is described as low with double aft steering wheels, which is typical for modern cruising yachts of this size, offering good visibility and comfortable helming positions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alubat Ovni 52 Evolution is designed for comfortable extended cruising, offering substantial living space. It is typically configured with three cabins and can accommodate up to nine berths, making it suitable for larger crews or families. The hull and deck are constructed from aluminum, a material known for its strength and allowing for a high degree of customization in the interior layout, 3].

While specific headroom dimensions were not provided, the general design of Alubat Ovnis prioritizes robust construction and practical living for blue-water sailing. Interior descriptions often highlight a functional layout that balances comfort with offshore safety. Owners can expect well-appointed living areas, including a spacious salon, a functional galley, and adequate storage for provisions and gear required for long voyages. The presence of multiple deck panels and hatches in the coachroof suggests good natural light and ventilation throughout the interior. Although specific details on finish quality were not extensively found, Alubat's reputation for quality craftsmanship and custom-tailored boats implies a solid and durable interior, often featuring practical materials suited for the marine environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Alubat yachts, including the Ovni range, often form a strong community, highlighted by groups like the "Ovni Club". While specific, detailed owner reviews for the Ovni 52 Evolution are not widely aggregated in public search results, the general sentiment around Alubat boats typically praises their solid aluminum construction, which offers exceptional safety and peace of mind in challenging conditions. The lifting keel is consistently cited as a major strength, providing unparalleled access to shallow waters and allowing for beaching, greatly expanding cruising grounds. Owners appreciate the robustness and the "go-anywhere" capability inherent in the design.

Common feedback regarding Alubat boats often points to their durable build and suitability for extensive blue-water journeys. However, like any complex vessel, maintenance considerations include ensuring proper sacrificial anodes are installed to protect the aluminum hull. The focus on customization also means that each Ovni 52 Evolution may have unique features tailored by its original owner, influencing individual experiences.