The Ovni 490 was developed in collaboration with the designers at the Mortain & Mavrikios studio in La Rochelle and the CBA Design Office of Jean-Pierre Brouns. This co-operation has already proved successful for the construction of the smaller sisters Ovni 370 (Test YACHT 6/2022) and the Ovni 430 (Test YACHT 14/2024) proven.
The focussed orientation of the concept as a blue water yacht is also reflected in the solid, fully enclosed pilothouse. The bulkhead to the cockpit can be closed watertight. In this completely sealed-off area, 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 lead ballast and continuous cold foam insulation. Like all Ovnis, the concept of the new 430 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 on the two rudder blades when dry, and also 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 the hull at the lowest point possible.
The standard sails come with a short overlapping genoa and hoisting points on the coachroof; a self-tacking jib is not provided. For more performance, a gennaker or a code zero can optionally be attached to the short nose.
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 with two 50 hp diesel engines as standard. The two shaft drives are integrated into the side of the hull to prevent damage if the boat falls dry. The construction number can be equipped with an innovative electric drive at the customer's request. Two electric motors, each with an output of 20 kW, in conjunction with a large lithium battery block (50 kWh) and 1600 watt solar modules will enable emission-free and low-noise propulsion. An additional generator with an output of 22 kW serves as a range extender.
According to the Alubat shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne on the French Atlantic coast, the new blue water cruiser Ovni 490 is currently nearing completion. The Ovni 490 will cost around 930,000 euros, including 19% VAT and a set of sails (main and genoa).
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
- Fuel capacity:
