Aliencraft Model 490 Preview: Sturdy All-Aluminum Pilothouse Offers Exceptional Shelter
The Ovni 490, a new addition to the cruising yacht market, is making waves with its robust construction, protective pilothouse, and well-thought accommodation. Designed by Mortain/Mavrikios and CBA, this 50ft all-aluminium centreboarder has already sold five units off the plans, reflecting a positive reception in the industry.
Measuring 15.95m in length overall, the Ovni 490 offers a spacious interior with a hull shape similar to the Ovni 430, ensuring high form stability and increased volume. The hull's broad forward sections create a sense of space, while the rugged construction – with a 12mm keel plate, 10mm bottom plating, and 8mm lower chines tapering to 4-6mm for upper chines, deck, and coachroof – ensures durability and safety offshore.
The Ovni 490's design features a pilothouse layout, offering excellent shelter and panoramic views, maximising comfort during watches. The pilothouse provides shelter for two or three people when on watch and boasts a panoramic roof for maximum natural light. The raised saloon offers a clear view out even when seated, further enhancing the yacht's liveability.
Three cabins accommodate crew and guests, with space for a washing machine, freezer, and a dedicated locker for foul weather gear. Systems are centralised in a technical space accessible from both cockpit and interior, ensuring ease of maintenance and operation. Watertight bulkheads fore and aft enhance safety, while several large on-deck stowage compartments provide ample space for gear and provisions.
Powered by twin 50hp shaftdrive Volvo Penta diesel engines, the Ovni 490 boasts a maximum loaded displacement of 21,000kg. Twin fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1,000 litres ensure a long cruising range.
In a move towards sustainable cruising, the first Ovni 490 will be fitted with a BellMarine electric propulsion system, including twin 20kW EVO shaft-drive motors, more than 1,600W of solar panels, a 22kW generator, and a 50kW lithium battery bank. This eco-friendly setup is expected to reduce the yacht's carbon footprint and operating costs.
The Ovni 490 is scheduled to be afloat ahead of the La Rochelle boat show in September, offering potential buyers a first-hand look at this innovative and capable cruising yacht. With its blend of rugged construction, protective pilothouse, and well-thought accommodation, the Ovni 490 is particularly appealing for bluewater cruisers seeking a capable and comfortable 50ft pilothouse yacht.
[1] https://www.sailboatdata.com/boats/ovni-490.html [2] https://www.yachtingworld.com/boats/ovni-490-first-look-104504 [4] https://www.alubat.com/en/ovni-490/
Bluewater cruisers may find the Ovni 490 appealing for its rugged construction, as it provides a comfortable cruising experience with its spacious interior resembling a home-and-garden environment. Upon its launch at the La Rochelle boat show in September, potential buyers can gain a first-hand look at this innovative yacht, which also features an eco-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle with its sustainable cruising facilities, such as solar panels and a lithium battery bank.
