The large Ovni 490 was developed in collaboration with the designers from the Mortain & Mavrikios studio in La Rochelle and Jean-Pierre Brouns' CBA Design Office. This co-operation has already proven its worth in the construction of the smaller sisters Ovni 370 (YACHT 6/2022 test) and the Ovni 430 (YACHT 14/2024 test).
The focussed orientation of the concept as a blue water yacht is reflected in the solid, fully enclosed pilothouse. The bulkhead to the cockpit can be closed watertight. In this completely sealed-off area with navigation, the helmsman and the watch keep maximum protection on long trips. It would also be possible to install a second helm position so that the boat can also be steered from the inside.
Robust and suitable for dry falls
The boats in the legendary Ovni series are manufactured in a particularly robust design as aluminium multi-buckling chandlers with continuous cold foam insulation. Like all Ovnis, the concept of the new 490 also features an integral canting keel that can be completely raised into the hull. This means that the Ovni 490 is very stable on the floor plate and the two rudder blades when dry - even regularly in tidal waters. Additional stability under sail is provided by the internal ballast in the form of cast iron blocks, which are installed in special containers in the hull at a maximum depth.
The standard sails include a short overlapping genoa with hoisting points on the coachroof; a self-tacking jib is not provided, but the additional stay jib is a good option for long strokes. A gennaker or a code zero can be optionally attached to the short bow nose for more performance on a crosswind course.
The deck saloon concept of the Ovni 490 provides a raised seating area with a panoramic view through the fully glazed cabin superstructure. There are also options for the forward cabin, where the central island bed can be replaced by a double berth fitted to the side. One of the two aft cabins can be converted into a large, walk-in locker or a spacious workshop if required.
Two engines, diesel or electric
The Ovni 490 is supplied as standard with two 50 hp diesel engines that are installed offset to the side in the hull. The two drives can be operated individually, making it easy to manoeuvre in the harbour, just like a catamaran. Both engines are also equipped with shaft drives to prevent damage in the event of falling dry. Construction number one is equipped with an innovative electric drive at the customer's request. Two electric motors, each with an output of 20 kW, combined with a large lithium battery block (50 kWh) and 1600 watt solar modules are designed to enable emission-free and low-noise propulsion. An additional generator with an output of 22 kW serves as a range extender.
Alubat has now also announced specific prices for the market launch. The Ovni 490 will cost 1,303,000 euros, including 19% VAT and a set of sails (main and genoa). The world premiere will take place in September at the Grand Pavois trade fair in La Rochelle.
Technical data Ovni 490
- Designer: Mortain & Mavrikios / CBA Design Office
- Hull length: 14.90 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 15,46 m
- Waterline length: 13.98 m
- Width: 4.80 m
- Draught with integral canting keel: 1.00 - 3.50 m
- Mast height above waterline: 21.80 m
- Weight: 21.0 tonnes
- Mainsail: 65.0 m2
- Genoa (Solent): 64.0 m2
- Motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta (D2-50) / 2 x 50 hp
