Design and Construction
Alubat built the Ovni 41 in welded aluminium with a lead keel. Her length-to-beam ratio is 3.02, and her wetted surface is roughly 570 sq ft, making her beamy for her length. The immersion rate is about 296 kg/cm or 1,661 lbs/inch.
The lifting keel draws about 2.3 to 2.6 ft under load, allowing the boat to use shallow marinas, with draft varying from about 2.30 to 2.60 ft depending on load.
Rig and Handling
The cutter rig suits short-handed sailing. With a theoretical hull speed of 7.8 knots, the Ovni 41 is a steady ocean passage-maker rather than a sprinter. Her 33-foot-9-inch waterline and 14-foot-1-inch beam produce predictable load-bearing motion.
Accommodations and Tankage
The beamy aluminium hull provides roomy interior volume, with the keel trunk incorporated into the plan. Three-cabin owner layouts and alternative arrangements make use of the hull footprint below the waterline.
For autonomous cruising, the Ovni 41 carries 106 gallons of water and 40 gallons of diesel.
Refits and Ownership
Production ran from 1986 to 1991, so every Ovni 41 is now decades old. Aluminium construction demands care with coatings and isolation, while the lifting keel is a moving component that later owners must maintain.
The Verdict
Briand’s mid-1980s design is a credible offshore home for sailors who value self-sufficiency over pace.
Pros
- Aluminium hull and deck, with a lead lifting keel for shallow draft
- 42 percent ballast ratio for stability
- Cutter rig suited to short-handed sailing
- 106-gallon water and 40-gallon diesel capacity for autonomy
Cons
- 7.8-knot theoretical hull speed limits pace
- Lifting keel adds mechanical complexity
- Decades-old construction requires careful coating scrutiny
