Client Comments

A fantastic experience working with Stephen and Francine while purchasing our new Ovni 430.

From start to finish, they were incredibly helpful, guiding us through what could have been a complex and daunting order process with ease and clarity. Their depth of experience really stood out — they offered thoughtful, practical advice at every stage, helping us make informed decisions without ever feeling pressured. It was clear they genuinely cared about ensuring we got the right boat for our needs. Professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to deal with, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend Stephen and Francine to anyone considering buying a boat. We're absolutely delighted with our Ovni 430 and very grateful for their support throughout the journey.

G & J, Ovni 430 2026

Experienced agents, helpful throughout the buying process and ongoing support.

We bought our 395 in 2018 and the boat really benefited from Stephen and Francine's expertise and they continue to support us with spares and advice.

We meet Ovni owners on our travels who didn't have the benefit of an experienced agent and sorely regret it.

D & S, Ovni 395 2018

Impressive knowledge, experience and ongoing support

Having spent many years in South Wales and realising the advantages of a shallow draft boat which could sneak into shallow waters and safely take the ground, we started off with small bilge keelers but wanted something bigger and would sail well.

I first met Stephen and Francine at the London Boat Show and was impressed with their knowledge and experience of the Ovni range. A couple of trial sails and Stephen's enthusiasm had me hooked: a good salesman but also I felt a lasting friend.

Once the decision to buy an Ovni 395 was made there was the daunting task of specifying details. The idea of a Northern Scandinavian spec or a warm weather one was explained in detail; the size of saloon table leaves, the need for a sail locker, the type of anchor and design of bowsprit etc. was discussed and Stephen took the time to offer his extensive experience with all these details. He totted up the costs and we had to curtail our own enthusiasm. We saw the boat in build and Stephen met us down in Les Sables d'Olonne for the commissioning. They have always been very helpful with advice and the purchase of odds and ends such as anodes and rudder hydraulic discs. We will always be very grateful to them both.

P & M, 'TOAD' 2011

Undoubtedly the best place to go when buying a new or used Ovni or seeking spares or advice.

Stephen & Francine have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the marque going back decades, have excellent contacts in Les Sables D'Olonne yard in France and other European yards equipped to handle Ovnis.

They have saved me countless hours on the best way to maintain or upgrade our boat over the years.

FM, Ovni 435 2008

I first went aboard an OVNI at a London Boat Show, liked what I saw and encouraged my partner to have a look.

“We don’t want a metal boat”, she said. “Just go and have a look”, I said. She was equally impressed and the seed was sown. We continued to sail our Rival but the OVNI was never far from our thoughts.

I eventually emailed North Sea Maritime seeking further details which arrived accompanied by two tickets for the next boat show. I thought I was only interested in second hand OVNI’s under 36 feet. I wrote back and told them so. “No problem, keep the tickets and we look forward to seeing you”, they said.

With Stephen and Francine and other prospective customers we went to the Paris Boat Show to see the full range of OVNI’s. Our interest was the 365, impressive size, conventional layout. But, whilst there we felt we might as well have a look at the 435. Big mistake! Thereafter nothing else could compare.

So we visited the Alubat factory with Stephen to see the build process at first hand. Stephen, with his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things nautical, and OVNI’s in particular had done his job; I told him that I wanted to book the available slot for a July 2005 delivery of an OVNI 435.

Had never spent so much money and being somewhat risk averse felt likely to be somewhat exposed with the payments made before final delivery. So much so I engaged legal representation with regard to the contract. This is where Francine’s expertise came to the fore, mediating between all concerned parties, agreeing (or not) to certain requested amendments to the contract until all sides were content. I suspect I was not particularly popular at the time.

However, I need not have worried. All went smoothly and we took delivery of our first 435 in July 2005. I say, ‘first’ because we enjoyed the purchase and build process so much we had another 435 built in 2007. I’ll not go into details as to why this came about other than to say it was as a result of Stephen and Francine’s desire to help a very deserving client fulfil his dream of 435 ownership for extended cruising. Thanks to them this he managed to achieve.

Others have paid tribute to the value that Stephen and Francine add to the purchase process and I wholeheartedly endorse their comments. I understand there are now alternative routes to OVNI ownership. I may have been fortunate to have had two built but most of us only get one chance to get it right. The way to do that is through Stephen and Francine at North Sea Maritime.

P & M, Ovni 435 2007

Patient, helpful and supportive

We have known Stephen and Francine (NSM) since 2005 when we placed our order for one of the first Ovni 365s. They were patient and helpful whilst we tried to think of all that we wished for. They were there for the launch, commissioning, and the maiden trip out of Les Sables.

They have always been there to answer any enquiry over the twenty years that we have owned our boat. Their in-depth knowledge of construction and maintenance of these boats has been a great help and makes us feel as if we are members of the NSM family which, of course, we are!

H & L, Ovni 365 2005