For a long time, things were bad for the aluminium specialists at Alubat. In the meantime, production in Les Sables d'Olonne on the French west coast was even shut down completely. However, with new investors and a new managing director, the company now seems to be on the move again. Only recently, Alubat presented the Ovni Cat 48 project, with which the shipyard now wants to get involved in the cruising catamaran market. YACHT online has presented the project.
Now comes the next announcement: Alubat is also coming back with a new boat for the legendary and well-known Ovni line. The extremely robust and long-distance capable aluminium articulated canoes are known and loved worldwide, especially in the blue water scene. The proven concept remains unchanged for the new Ovni 450 model. The boat is built with a swivelling integral keel and internal ballast, and the rudder blade can also be folded up at the rear. This means that the new Ovni 450 will also be able to fall dry with virtually no restrictions. And, as before, the hull and deck are made of 100 percent aluminium.
The new Ovni 450 is the successor to the Ovni 445, of which a total of 46 have been built since 2008. For a niche product like the Ovni yachts, this is a considerable success. Designer Marc Lombard has now completely reworked his own design for Alubat. The new boat is significantly wider at the back than the previous model, which makes it possible to install two steering wheels in the cockpit. Two winch platforms are installed in front of the steering columns, separating the aft working area from the unobstructed and well-protected guest cockpit at the front. Sheets, halyards and trim lines are led inside the cabin superstructure and cockpit coaming within the helmsman's reach. Furthermore, the upper and lower shrouds are close to the cabin superstructure, which allows an overlapping furling genoa. The mast has also been lengthened and the sail area increased. A small staysail is also included in the basic package for long passages.
Below deck, the new Ovni 450 offers significantly more variety and options than its predecessor. The customer can still choose between the two-cabin version (with large aft locker) or the three-cabin version (with two double compartments aft). The double berth in the foredeck can be installed in the centre or to the side. Depending on the choice, the head compartment can be located on the main bulkhead or in the foredeck. A second wet cell is provided aft, now with a separate shower compartment.
Alubat quotes a basic price of 398,400 euros for the Ovni 450, including 19 per cent German VAT. The price also includes the sails (main, genoa and staysail).
