Ovni 490: The newly launched all-aluminium sailboat features 1,600W solar panels & 1,000lt fuel tank capacity
Ovni, the French-built brand, is already turning heads for its newly launched all-aluminium 50ft centre boarder titled the Ovni 490. Designed by the renowned Mortain/Mavrikios team in collaboration with CBA, the yacht has been Crafted to meet what the French yard calls strong demand for a 50-footer with a pilothouse, this latest model marries rugged bluewater capability with refined, contemporary comfort.
An all-aluminium centreboarder is a sailboat built entirely from aluminium and equipped with a pivoting centreboard instead of a fixed keel. This design offers key advantages - a shallow draft for exploring coastal and shallow waters, excellent resistance to impact and corrosion, and rugged durability ideal for long-distance cruising and off-the-grid adventures.
Drawing inspiration from the successful Ovni 430 unveiled in 2023, the new design features broad forward sections that boost form stability under sail and carve out generous interior volume. A powerful hull built for adventure, with the kind of spaciousness and liveability that long-distance cruisers crave.
The pilothouse offers superb protection for two to three crew members on watch, while a panoramic roof floods the space with natural light. Inside, the raised saloon ensures excellent visibility even when seated, enhancing comfort and connection to the surroundings.
The three-cabin layout includes thoughtful amenities such as space for a washing machine and freezer, along with a dedicated locker for foul-weather gear. All technical systems are centralised in a service area that’s conveniently accessible from both the cockpit and the interior.
For added safety, watertight bulkheads are installed at the bow and stern. Generous on-deck stowage compartments provide ample room for gear. The standard propulsion setup features twin 50hp Volvo Penta shaft-drive diesel engines supported by dual fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 1,000 litres. Freshwater is stored in two tanks, totalling 600 litres.
Five units have already been ordered, with the first set to launch ahead of the La Rochelle boat show in September. This debut model will feature a BellMarine electric propulsion system, comprising twin 20kW EVO shaft-drive motors, a 50kW lithium battery bank, over 1,600W of solar panels, and a 22kW generator for extended range and reliability.
Image Source: ALUBAT website
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