Sailing Performance & Handling
The Ovni 345 is not a light-airs racer; it is a purposeful voyager that thrives as the wind increases. With a displacement of approximately 15,400 lbs, it carries a significant portion of its ballast internally within the hull base and the resin-sealed centerboard. This configuration results in a vessel that feels exceptionally solid in a seaway. Because the keel is a non-ballasted foil (the weight is in the hull), the boat relies more on form stability than a deep-keel counterpart. Yachtsnet UK notes that the centerboard allows for a draft range of just 1' 11" to 6' 10", giving the helmsman the unique ability to "trip" the keel partially or fully when running downwind to reduce drag and prevent broaching in heavy following seas.
Handling is predictable, though owners report that the boat can be somewhat "tender" until it finds its chine, at which point it stiffens considerably. The lifting rudder is operated hydraulically and includes a safety mechanism that allows it to kick up upon impact, a critical feature for those exploring poorly charted or debris-heavy waters. While it lacks the pointing ability of a deep-finned performance cruiser, the 345 makes up for it with a stable, sea-kindly motion that reduces crew fatigue during long passages.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Inside, the Ovni 345 departs from its utilitarian exterior with warm, high-quality light oak joinery that maximizes the sense of space provided by its nearly 12-foot beam. The layout was typically offered in two primary configurations: a three-cabin version and a more popular two-cabin "Owner" version. In the two-cabin variant, the starboard aft cabin is replaced by an expansive galley and a larger heads compartment with a dedicated wet locker—a feature highly prized by blue-water sailors dealing with foul weather gear.
Headroom is a standout feature for a boat of this size, maintained at approximately 6' 6" throughout the main saloon. The presence of the keel trunk in the center of the saloon is artfully integrated into the dining table, though it does dictate the interior flow. Ventilation is typically excellent, a hallmark of Alubat’s offshore pedigree, and the hull’s aluminum construction is often lined with foam insulation to prevent condensation in high-latitude environments.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Ovni 345, and the Alubat brand at large, reached global fame through the endorsements of legendary voyager and "World Cruising Routes" author Jimmy Cornell. While Cornell famously sailed an Ovni 43 (Aventura III), his advocacy for the brand’s lifting-keel aluminum concept helped establish the Ovni 345 as a premier choice for serious world cruisers. The model is frequently documented in blue-water sailing circles as a "go-anywhere" vessel, appearing in numerous circumnavigation logs and technical reviews focusing on high-latitude exploration.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
The most critical inspection point for any Ovni 345 is the integrity of the aluminum hull and the prevention of electrolysis. Buyers must ensure that previous owners have strictly followed the "two-wire" electrical system protocol to prevent the hull from acting as a ground, which can lead to rapid galvanic corrosion.
- Galvanic Corrosion: Inspect the waterline and areas around through-hull fittings for "pitting" or white powdery deposits. This is especially common if the boat has been moored in marinas with "leaky" electrical systems or if non-compatible bottom paints (copper-based) were used.
- Keel Mechanism: The centerboard is raised via a tackle system led to the cockpit. The sheaves and the lifting line itself are high-wear items and should be checked for fraying or seizing.
- Keel Pin and Trunk: The pivot pin for the centerboard is a critical structural component. Buyers should look for signs of "keel clank" while sailing or at anchor, which may indicate wear in the bushings or the pin itself.
- Paint Adhesion: While many Ovnis are left unpainted, those with painted topsides often suffer from bubbling or peeling, particularly around deck hardware where stainless steel meets aluminum without proper isolation.
Community & Resources
The most prominent technical resource for this model is the OVNI-Club, an international owner's association that hosts an extensive database of technical manuals, modification guides, and community forums. This group is essential for new owners to understand the nuances of aluminum maintenance and the specific hydraulic systems used in the 345's rudder.
The Verdict
The Alubat Ovni 345 remains a blue-chip investment for sailors whose itineraries include shallow-water exploration or high-latitude passages. It sacrifices pure light-wind speed for nearly unparalleled durability and geographic versatility.
Pros:
- Beachable: Lifting keel and rudder allow for drying out and accessing shallow anchorages.
- Structural Integrity: Aluminum construction is far more resistant to impact than GRP.
- Insulation: Well-suited for cold-weather cruising when properly specified.
- Resale Value: Maintains high demand on the secondary market due to its specialized niche.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensity: Requires rigorous attention to anodes and electrical isolation to prevent corrosion.
- Upwind Performance: The lack of a deep fixed keel results in more leeway than performance cruisers.
- Keel Trunk: The centerboard housing takes up significant space in the saloon.
