Alubat Ovni 43 Sailboats for Sale

The defining feature is the hydraulically operated centreboard, which allows the keel to retract from roughly 2.5 metres board-down to just 0.8 metres board-up. Paired with a rudder that can also be lifted by winch, the Ovni 43 can dry out on a beach, poke into tidal harbours, and anchor in the kind of turquoise shallows that keep deeper-keeled yachts at bay — then drop the board and go to windward with genuine authority. That combination explains both the loyal ownership community and the geographic spread of boats on the used market.

Layouts on the Used Market

The three-cabin layout predominates among boats that come up for sale, reflecting what most owners specified new. This arrangement places a double forward cabin with an ensuite head, two aft double cabins sharing a head in the saloon area, and a saloon centred around a U-shaped settee on the port side with a long starboard settee. The navigation station sits aft of the starboard berth, and the galley occupies the aft port quarter — a practical bluewater arrangement that keeps the cook close to the companionway. An alternative layout exists and surfaces occasionally, so buyers with specific interior requirements should verify the configuration before travelling to view.

The aluminium interior joinery gives Ovni cabins a distinctive feel — functional and workmanlike rather than varnished-teak luxurious, which suits the boat's character. Headroom is generous for a vessel of this length, and the beam creates a liveable saloon without the beamy, flat-bottomed look that sometimes follows.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Used examples listed in France, the Mediterranean, and further afield almost universally arrive with a comprehensive offshore inventory. Autopilot, chartplotter, AIS, and radar are commonly fitted across the fleet. Solar panels and wind generators are widely installed, reflecting an ownership profile that favours extended passages and anchorage-based living away from marinas. A bimini and dodger are the norm rather than the exception, as is a watermaker — essential kit for the remote-anchorage sailing the Ovni 43 was designed to enable. Life rafts and heating systems are frequently seen aboard, and dinghy davits have been fitted by a large share of owners who use the boat as a liveaboard or long-passage platform.

Upwind and off-wind sail inventories are typically thorough. Gennaakers and spinnakers — including asymmetric spinnakers — are commonly carried, and the cutter rig's inner forestay gives genuine versatility in strong wind. Hot water systems and Starlink satellite internet are found on a growing share of boats, the latter a relatively recent addition that reflects how the fleet has been actively used and upgraded rather than simply maintained.

Owners upgrading their Ovni 43 over the years have sometimes added a furling main, electric winches, a freezer, a bow thruster, a swim platform, or an EPIRB. Teak deck overlays appear on a minority of hulls. Some boats have circumnavigation miles in their logbooks, which speaks to the model's capability but also demands a thorough inspection.

What to Inspect

The aluminium hull is the Ovni 43's principal structural advantage: it does not osmose, and minor impacts that would crack fibreglass typically leave only a scratch or localised deformation. That said, aluminium's relationship with dissimilar metals demands vigilance. Electrolytic corrosion around fittings, through-hulls, and any stainless or bronze hardware in contact with the hull is the primary structural concern — verify that sacrificial anodes are correctly sized and have been replaced on schedule, and inspect every penetration carefully. Pay particular attention to any area where water may have been pooling against the hull structure, as crevice corrosion can develop in places that look superficially sound.

The centreboard hydraulic system is the mechanical heart of the boat and its most maintenance-intensive component. Inspect the hydraulic ram, seals, and pivot for wear, and confirm the board moves freely through its full range of travel without grinding or hesitation. The centreboard case itself — where the board pivots up into the hull — should be inspected for any sign of weeping, corrosion, or damage to the case liner. The rudder lifting mechanism warrants equal attention: the winch, cable, and rudder pintles and gudgeons should be examined carefully, as a rudder that cannot be raised or lowered cleanly defeats one of the boat's core capabilities.

The deck-stepped mast and stainless steel standing rigging follow conventional inspection protocols: look for broken strands at the swage fittings, check the mast partners and compression post, and assess the condition of the turnbuckles. Given that hulls are now several decades old, a full rigging survey is prudent. The running rigging associated with the furling systems — genoa and, where fitted, staysail — should be assessed for UV degradation and wear.

Below decks, check the engine installation carefully. The Ovni 43 is typically fitted with a diesel around 50 hp; confirm that the engine mounts, shaft seal, and exhaust system are sound, and review service history. The fresh water tanks have a substantial capacity — verify the tanks and plumbing are clean and free of contamination. Electrical systems on upgraded examples can be complex; review the solar and wind generation installations for correct earthing and fuse protection, particularly in the context of aluminium hull electrolysis risk.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The Ovni 43 fleet is dispersed across French brokerage, the broader Mediterranean — particularly Greece — and further afield in the Caribbean and Pacific, reflecting the long-range cruising histories of many hulls. France remains the largest single market for used examples, though boats regularly surface in the Atlantic Islands, the Caribbean, and occasionally the Pacific. Buyers outside Europe should budget for delivery or shipping, as examples listed locally outside French and Mediterranean waters are the exception rather than the rule.

With a finite number of hulls built, patience is a prerequisite. The boats that do come up are often well-equipped, actively maintained by offshore sailors, and priced to reflect the model's reputation rather than the general aluminium-boat market. A thorough aluminium-specialist survey is not optional — it is the price of buying intelligently into this class.

Pre-purchase checklist:

• Confirm centreboard hydraulic system operates through full range with no leaks or hesitation
• Inspect centreboard case for corrosion, wear, and watertightness
• Check rudder lifting winch, cable, and rudder hardware for function and condition
• Survey all hull penetrations and dissimilar-metal contacts for electrolytic corrosion
• Verify sacrificial anode sizing, placement, and replacement history
• Inspect aluminium deck fittings and chainplates for crevice corrosion
• Assess standing rigging age and condition at swage terminals
• Review electrical earthing scheme, particularly solar/wind installations
• Confirm engine service history, mounts, and shaft seal condition
• Verify interior layout matches the variant you expect
• Check watermaker, heating, and navigation electronics are fully functional
• Request logbook and any circumnavigation or offshore passage documentation