Buying abroad

[Gazza]

I have just been reading (with great interest) a brochure for an OVNI 345, made by Alubat in Sables d'Olonne. I'm particularly interested in the strong construction (aluminium) and the lifting keel.

Has anyone out there any experience/views on buying in France, particularly buying new.

Has anyone any experience/views on OVNI boats?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

 

[charles_reed]

Well Jimmy Cornell of Ostar fame bought an Ovni for his high latitude cruising, which has to make it a serious contender in anyone's book.

Alubat is actually the marketing organisation for 5 French yards building in aluminium.

The OVNI (Unidentified Flying Object) boats are superbly laid out and finished on deck, a little undercanvassed for summer coastal sailing but disappointing below deck, with barely adequate stowage and poor utilisation of the space available.
Build quality is good, (enough to make Westerly owners weep with frustration) but some owners complain about the lack of insulation as standard in the boats.

They always exhibit at le Grand Pavois at la Rochelle and I'd suggest having a look there before jumping.
If you want to go look for yourself Buzz fly from Stansted to la Rochelle most days of the week and it's quite easy to get there and back for < £80.

You shouldn't have any problem buying over there, deposit with stage payments required but you'll probably find they've got about a 6 months wait-list.
I'd suggest registering in the UK - French regulations are a pain - either sail back yourself (2 days to Plymouth) or get it delivered.
You might like to ask around, there are usually a few 2nd hand ones on the market - there were a couple of 36' available in Marans last winter - try Europ'Yachting on 00 33 546 45 93 93