Design and Construction
The Ovni 395 measures 12.22 metres overall, with a beam of 4.10 metres. Displacement is 8,800 kg, including 3,200 kg of internal ballast.
The boat is built entirely in aluminium. Alubat used magnesium-rich 5083 H111 alloy, welded in an argon/helium atmosphere, for the hull, deck, coachroof, and cockpit. The hard-chine hull is left largely unpainted because painting an aluminium substrate involves considerable labour. The metal itself provides strength without undue weight.
Lead ballast is encapsulated in resin and enclosed in aluminium boxes on each side of the centreboard case. This arrangement allows the aluminium centreplate to remain light and easy to lift.
With the centreplate raised, draught is just 0.58 m; lowered, it increases to 2.10 m. The hydraulic lifting rudder, mounted on a skeg, adds 1.6 m when lowered. A protective propeller skeg and flat grounding plate support the yard’s claim that the boat can be beached.
Rig and Handling
The deck-stepped mast carries a near-masthead rig, with the forestay joining only inches below the masthead. Combined mainsail and foretriangle area is 68.28 sq m. A sail area/displacement ratio of 16.33 and displacement/length ratio of 225 place the Ovni 395 among moderately powered, moderate-displacement cruisers.
The standing rigging is unusual for a swept-spreader arrangement. Forward lowers are fitted alongside twin backstays, while the chainplates run to the inboard edge of the decks. A removable inner forestay accepts a staysail or storm jib, and the mainsheet tail leads to a coachroof winch.
Testers found that the centreplate could be raised with a gentle tug, making it straightforward to switch to shallow-draught mode. The trade-off is stability: the internal ballast and light centreplate give the boat a relatively low angle of vanishing stability of 115°, which any offshore buyer should weigh carefully.
Accommodation and Systems
Buyers could choose two or three cabins and one or two heads. Alubat also offered different arrangements for the saloon, galley, and navigation station.
Saloon headroom is 6 ft 5 in. The interior has substantial light-oak joinery, vinyl-covered plywood headlining, and pale laminates in the heads and galley.
Practical details include a water tank with three inspection hatches and a water meter that displays both cumulative and resettable consumption. Fuel is stored beneath the forecabin berth. The engine is a shaft-driving Volvo D2 55 diesel.
The boat carries an RCD category A rating, which confirms its intended ocean scope.
Maintenance and Known Issues
Aluminium construction calls for disciplined ownership. Period assessments note that these boats require extra attention with regard to stray electrical current, wiring, sacrificial anodes, and paint systems.
The largely unpainted topsides are a maintenance choice rather than a defect. Even so, aluminium’s vulnerability to galvanic corrosion means a survey must closely examine the bonding system and anode history.
The hydraulic systems that raise the keel and rudder are the other obvious long-term service items.
Ownership
The Ovni 395 is supported by an active owners association. Its utilitarian appearance may narrow its market appeal, but testers describe Briand’s brief as a no-nonsense, go-anywhere cruiser. The structure reflects that priority rather than emphasizing cosmetic flourish.
The Verdict
The Ovni 395 is a serious aluminium voyager. Its retractable keel and lifting rudder provide access to shallow anchorages and beachable refuges beyond the reach of fin-keel boats. The welded hard-chine hull is tough and light for its size, while the rig’s redundant aft support and removable inner forestay suit offshore work.
The principal caveat is the low 115° angle of vanishing stability. Aluminium upkeep is not for the casual owner.
Pros
- Fully retractable keel and hydraulic lifting rudder, reducing draught to 0.58 m
- Tough welded aluminium hull in 5083 H111 alloy
- Light, easily lifted aluminium centreplate
- Near-masthead rig with forward lowers, twin backstays, and a removable inner forestay
- RCD category A rating
- 6 ft 5 in saloon headroom and flexible cabin layouts
Cons
- Relatively low angle of vanishing stability of 115°, associated with the internal ballast and light centreplate
- Aluminium construction requires vigilant maintenance of anodes, wiring, and paint systems
- Hydraulic keel and rudder systems are obvious long-term service items
- Utilitarian styling may limit resale breadth
