Design and Construction
Alubat built the Ovni 41 in welded aluminium with a lead keel, giving an immersion rate of about 296 kg/cm or 1,661 lbs/inch. Her length-to-beam ratio is 3.02 and wetted surface roughly 570 sq ft, making her beamy for her length. The lifting keel draws about 2.3 to 2.6 ft under load, letting her use shallow marinas as the draft is just about 2.30 - 2.60 ft dependent on the load.
Rig and Handling
With a cutter rig and theoretical hull speed of 7.8 knots, she is a steady ocean passer rather than a sprinter. Her 33-foot-9-inch waterline and 14-foot-1-inch beam produce predictable load-bearing motion.
Accommodations
The beamy aluminium hull gives roomy volume, the keel trunk contained in the plan. She carries 106 gallons water and 40 gallons diesel for autonomous cruising. Three-cabin owner layouts and alternatives exploit the hull footprint below the waterline.
Refits and Ownership
Production ran 1986 to 1991, so every example is decades old. Aluminium demands coating and isolation care; the lifting keel is a moving element later owners maintain.
The Verdict
Briand's mid-eighties design is a credible offshore home valuing self-sufficiency over pace.
Pros
- Aluminium hull and deck with lead lifting keel for shallow draft
- 42 percent ballast ratio for stability
- Cutter rig for short-handed sailing
- 106-gallon water and 40-gallon diesel for autonomy
Cons
- 7.8-knot hull speed limits pace
- Lifting keel adds mechanical complexity
- Decades old, needs coating scrutiny
