Comments on: Ovni 43 – Interesting Design

By: Gus Wilson

Gus Wilson — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:38:25 +0000

In Lowestoft last May we helped a smaller Ovni dock, one without a bow thruster. In moderate winds they had a really hard time getting in – on the turn they slipped sideways more than they moved around the curve. The skipper seemed experienced, but the normal ways of maneuvering using prop walk etc. did not seem to work. If the board had been down they would not have had suce a hard time.

Sailing and handling one of these would require a lot of retreading. But the concept is interesting.

By: Steve Dashew

Steve Dashew — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:53:09 +0000

In breaking seas slipping to leeward with a breaking crest is a way to dissipate wave energy over time. Wtih a centerboarder lifting the board can help the boat skid to leeward (dinghy racers do this all the time). Initially the centerboarder can benefit from this. However, as the boat begins to immerse its deck edge the deck begins to resist slipping. So you have to look beyond just the centerboard to how the hull floats as it is progressively knocked down to deeper angles. This is a function of beam, freeboard, and weight. Wide boats tend more to tr ip on their deck edges. The stability curve also enters into the equation.
As you can see, this is a complex question with no easy answers. This topic is covered in great detail in Surviving the Storm.

By: Victor Raymond

Victor Raymond — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:29:29 +0000

Hi Steve,

I wonder what you think about the flat bottom and retractable keel when hit broadside by a breaking wave. I have heard it said that it will protect the boat from capsize because the boat will be driven across the water without tripping on a keel. In your experience does that seem plausible or probable? I have been interested in the Ovni’s for some time but they are so different from your standard offshore design, it causes one to pause.

Thank you.

By: Steve Dashew

Steve Dashew — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:16:56 +0000

Hi Frank:
I agree 100% that when you row away in the dink the boat has to make your heart sing.
When we were working on the anchor sprit for Wind Horse we wrestled with its aesthetics for months. Then we mocked up a variety of looks on the boat while it was under construction. In the end, we felt we could not hide it or even mitigate it satisfactorily but we liked the hard, functional look – in keeping with rest of the utilitarian (or militaristic) appearance.
Of course this is a personal decision and easy to change.

By: Frank Goelo

Frank Goelo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:23:57 +0000

Hello Steve,

Please, note the hollow rounded plate connecting the bow to the under side of the anchor sprit for additional support and for softening the lines of the hull/sprit connection. As suggested earlier in another post, such simple addition should benefit the esthetics of the anchor sprit on your 64 footer by softening its rather utilitarian and bulky look…

No monetary value can be placed on how you feel while rowing away while contemplating your vessel’s profile…