Alubat OVNI 370 (ballast and centerboard) for Ocean Crossing??
I recently came across the Alubat OVNI 370, and it’s got me intrigued. It’s a pretty unique setup: it has a ballast of around 250 kilograms along with a retractable centerboard that adds another 4-5 feet of draft when needed. The whole keel weighs about 2.5 tons, and surprisingly, this boat is class A certified for bluewater cruising.
I was initially set on upgrading to a Hallberg Rassy for ocean crossings, but the OVNI 370 caught my eye. It seems a lot roomier—almost as spacious as a Beneteau—but still maintains that class A rating for ocean cruising. From the videos I’ve watched, it seems pretty solid under sail. But I haven’t found much in the way of real-world experiences, especially from folks who have also sailed Halberg Rassys or Island Packets.
My main concerns are about the boat’s tenderness. Since it weighs in at under 10,000 pounds, I’m wondering if it feels a bit tender under sail. And then there’s the whole question of how it handles bigger waves and wakes when out on the open ocean. I know there’s a lot of debate around things like water ballast in boats like MacGregors, and their tendency to capsize in certain conditions, so I’d love some insights from anyone who’s actually been on the OVNI 370.
Anyone out there with experience on this boat, or who’s sailed it alongside a Halberg Rassy or Island Packet? How does it compare? How does it handle larger wakes or choppy conditions? Any insights would be appreciated!
I recently came across the Alubat OVNI 370, and it’s got me intrigued. It’s a pretty unique setup: it has a ballast of around 250 kilograms along with a retractable centerboard that adds another 4-5 feet of draft when needed. The whole keel weighs about 2.5 tons, and surprisingly, this boat is class A certified for bluewater cruising.
I was initially set on upgrading to a Hallberg Rassy for ocean crossings, but the OVNI 370 caught my eye. It seems a lot roomier—almost as spacious as a Beneteau—but still maintains that class A rating for ocean cruising. From the videos I’ve watched, it seems pretty solid under sail. But I haven’t found much in the way of real-world experiences, especially from folks who have also sailed Halberg Rassys or Island Packets.
My main concerns are about the boat’s tenderness. Since it weighs in at under 10,000 pounds, I’m wondering if it feels a bit tender under sail. And then there’s the whole question of how it handles bigger waves and wakes when out on the open ocean. I know there’s a lot of debate around things like water ballast in boats like MacGregors, and their tendency to capsize in certain conditions, so I’d love some insights from anyone who’s actually been on the OVNI 370.
Anyone out there with experience on this boat, or who’s sailed it alongside a Halberg Rassy or Island Packet? How does it compare? How does it handle larger wakes or choppy conditions? Any insights would be appreciated!