Ovni- Finally set foot on my dream boat

[fschaefer4]

My girlfriend and I were just in Lisbon Portugal. Before heading over, she found an Ovni on Yacht World right in Lisbon. I emailed the broker, Jose with Siroco Yacht Brokers and explained that we couldn't buy the boat, but would love to see it. He was very gracious and agreed to show it anyways.

Like so many, actually owning a real ocean going boat is a ways off. However, from all the reading and research (a far cry from actually going out on a boat) I really like what the Ovni has to offer. I'm happy to go down the rabit hole with anyone on why I like the boat so much.

Ovnis are hard to find in the US, and we're not quit ready to start flying to check them out. However, this one in Lisbon was a great stroke of luck for us. Getting to actually see it and walk through it was one heluva opportunity that really stoked the dream.

While I can't speak to this boat specifically, it seamed to be in good shape and an excellent example of what we want. You can see Givemefive at this link on Yachtworld.
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...dard%20listing

We're taking classes, sailing on a landlocked lake here in central Texas. Within a year or so we'll be able to travel more and we hope to either crew on an Ovni or charter one when our experience gets up to par. In the meantime, seeing this boat was really exciting for us.

[fschaefer4]

And here are the pics (hopefully right side up).

[olaf hart]

The best goals are ones that seem slightly out of reach.

You will be surprised by how quickly you get there...

[fschaefer4]

I’m sure I will be surprised. The project that is keeping me land based is screaming along. If I don’t look out, it’ll come to an end and I’ll be caught flat footed.

[Mirage35]

There are really boats called ovni’s? Just curious because OVNI is the French translation of UFO. Kind of a cool name for a boat.

[fschaefer4]

Originally Posted by AnglaisInHull

OVNI is the French translation of UFO. Kind of a cool name for a boat.

Yep! When you translate French web pages, ovni translates as UFO. Kind of cool reading about UFOs in heavy weather or with a newly replaced head. I guess aliens have to poop too.

I can see where the name comes from. Aluminum is so much more advanced over fiberglass and they really are functional long distance travelers. A guy named Jimmy Cornel circumnavigated for a while in one. If you care to go down the rabbit hole, here's his page on the Ovni.

[bobgarrett]

OVNI is indeed UFO in French.
There was also once a UK manufacturer called "UFO"!

[B23iL23]

Indeed there was (Lost a mast on one of those once). Now called Oyster Yachts.

Originally Posted by bobgarrett

OVNI is indeed UFO in French.
There was also once a UK manufacturer called "UFO"!

[Augi]

If you like Ovni's, and you are going down the rabbit hole anyway, check these out that are in the same vein:

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/201...owse%20listing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IzS8Ui88tM

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...dard%20listing

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...ller%20listing

[bcboomer]

Speaking of unidentified objects, what is that complex looking object in the centre of the stern platform?

[S/V Alchemy]

I like aluminum yachts (I have a steel one), but I would always suggest you have it fully inspected before purchase to confirm the correct care and preventative maintenance has been observed and implemented over its lifetime and that things like the lifting keel are working properly. OVNIs are go anywhere boats, to be sure, but as with any vessel approaching 20 years of age, you want to make sure they haven't gone just anywhere!

[Augi]

Originally Posted by bcboomer

Speaking of unidentified objects, what is that complex looking object in the centre of the stern platform?

I am not sure, but I think that is where you can connect a wind vane. A wind vane is the fore runner of the auto pilot and does not require electricity. Therefore, on long 'passages you save your battery power.

[fschaefer4]

@Augi- You're absolutely right. The Broeal and Garcia are two examples of top of the line aluminum centerboard world travelers. Their price and scarcity reflect this in the used boat market. Incredible machines and wonderful to marvel at. For this guy, Ovnis are more plentiful and the price a lot lower in the used boat market.

@bcboomer, yep, Augi is correct. That's a wind vane autopilot. They've been around since about the 3rd time someone had to sail for 72 hours in a row. : )

@s/v Alchemy,
I'd get a survey on ANY sailboat I bought. It blows my mind that people allow boats to deteriorate- especially metal boats. There is so much info out there on how to deal with it from testing water in marinas for stray current, checking for isolation from shore grounding, regular maintenance procedures, etc. The Ovni users group is a wealth of info for this.

I guess people get pulled away by life and next thing you know, a few years have passed and the boat has been neglected.

[Paul Kelly]

Also take a look at the Allures. Similar to Ovnis but possibly an even better design?

[witzgall]

I was working at the Annapolis Boatshow this year, so I only got to go aboard one boat. The Boreal was the boat, I really liked it, especially the doghouse. As it was the Am before the show opened I did not get a tour, so it is nice with this video to see some of the features I was not aware of.

Chris

Originally Posted by Augi

If you like Ovni's, and you are going down the rabbit hole anyway, check these out that are in the same vein:

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/201...owse%20listing

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...dard%20listing

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/200...ller%20listing