OVNI vs Garcia vs Boreal

TiggerToo

TiggerToo

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I have been fascinated by the GT35 thread and the heat generated. Great debate.

I can't hope that this one will ever get a fraction of the replies, given that Alu boats are much more of a niche pursuit. But does anyone have any opinions (or even experiences) of OVNI vs Garcia vs Boreal to comment on the relative merits? Let's take a 45ft as a reference

My gut, armchair feeling is that I prefer the Boreal. They seem simpler and sturdier. Less fussy. Is this only due to a better marketing strategy?
 
xyachtdave said:
I think you could get a much bigger Bavaria for the money!
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New? Or second hand.

If you are a pauper like me and are planning your Greenland trip I think it is irrelevant anyway. Hardly any second hand garcias or boreals, plenty of ovnis. So I think realistically it would have to be an ovni for me if I ever get to dot this. Great boats and can have an endless argument about avs.

Just searched on yacht world and couldn't find either boreal or garcia. Might be on a French site i suppose.
 
TiggerToo said:
I have been fascinated by the GT35 thread and the heat generated. Great debate.

I can't hope that this one will ever get a fraction of the replies, given that Alu boats are much more of a niche pursuit. But does anyone have any opinions (or even experiences) of OVNI vs Garcia vs Boreal to comment on the relative merits? Let's take a 45ft as a reference

My gut, armchair feeling is that I prefer the Boreal. They seem simpler and sturdier. Less fussy. Is this only due to a better marketing strategy?
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Their 44' was boat of the year in 2010. It is consistently highly commented upon.

Garcia by reputation are very high quality. Both Boréal and Garcia are much more expensive than OVNI.

http://www.voiliers-boreal.com/
http://www.garcia-yachting.com/
http://www.alubat.com/les-gammes/gamme-ovni/
 
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Sybarite said:
Their 44' was boat of the year in 2010. It is consistently highly commented upon.

Garcia by reputation are very high quality. Both Boréal and Garcia are much more expensive than OVNI.

http://www.voiliers-boreal.com/
http://www.garcia-yachting.com/
http://www.alubat.com/les-gammes/gamme-ovni/
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yes, it is impossible to give a price for a 2nd hand Boreal -as allegedly none have come to the open market. But would it be true to fault the Ovnis for a flimsier construction - particularly their lifting rudders which look like a potential weak point. Generally they look "tinnier" than a Boreal - but that is just judging by an uninformed and superficial view.

On the other hand, the Garcias - and particularly the one reviewed on ST this month - seem like trying too hard to be posh....
 
Kelpie said:
Maybe the Allures should be on the list too?
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+1

Had the good fortune to be invited to visit the yard some years ago (even though they knew I was unlikely to buy a boat) and I must say I was very impressed with them.
Craftsmanship was very good and they were friendly and helpful to a fault.
An owner I also spoke to raved about his boat.
 
I recall, perhaps in error that these 3 builders combined their production 2 years ago; all hull are built by Garcia.

If I had to choose, it would be Garcia. .... or a Dutch built alu Van den Stadt design.

:-)
 
TiggerToo said:
yes, it is impossible to give a price for a 2nd hand Boreal -as allegedly none have come to the open market. But would it be true to fault the Ovnis for a flimsier construction - particularly their lifting rudders which look like a potential weak point. Generally they look "tinnier" than a Boreal - but that is just judging by an uninformed and superficial view.

On the other hand, the Garcias - and particularly the one reviewed on ST this month - seem like trying too hard to be posh....
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I wouldn't call Ovni's flimsy; enough of them are RTW boats. Perhaps not as well finished? However I am no expert on the subject.

Or, ask Jimmy Cornell; I believe his son is on here from time to time.
 
Monique said:
I recall, perhaps in error that these 3 builders combined their production 2 years ago; all hull are built by Garcia.

If I had to choose, it would be Garcia. .... or a Dutch built alu Van den Stadt design.

:-)
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And they do plans for a lifting keel aluminium Madeira 44 according to their website.
 
estarzinger said:
She is (sadly for me) listed, if anyone is looking for a "serious" aluminum boat:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...57425/Annapolis/MD/United-States#.VAs2kGK9KSM
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Wow what a coincidence! I had ear-marked your blog for what must be well over a year ago. Your boat reflects much of what I admire in a cruising yacht. Unfortunately the means aren't there - although I haven't yet checked my lottery ticket...!

I'm sorry to hear that you have to part with her and I hope it goes the way you would like it in the circumstances. Good luck.
 
A couple of years ago I was chatting to a bloke in La Rochelle who worked for OVNI in L'Sable and he reckoned that the pre 1999 boats were very well built. He said that the firm was bought by a conglomerate in '99 and the accountants moved in and then everything was 'pared down' to a price after that.
 
My vote would be for the boreal. Everything aluminium and love the doghouse, double glazing, etc. downside is the very long lead time to get one build. While the allures is ready after 9 month and slightly roomier than the boreal, I'm not sure I like the grp lid on a metal tin concept....but the allures 44 can be found on the second hand market
 
fortynine said:
A couple of years ago I was chatting to a bloke in La Rochelle who worked for OVNI in L'Sable and he reckoned that the pre 1999 boats were very well built. He said that the firm was bought by a conglomerate in '99 and the accountants moved in and then everything was 'pared down' to a price after that.
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We have one of an even older vintage in our drying marina. The owner is very pleased with it (20+ years).
 
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