Non-Standard Equipment

Some of the non standard items were either added by the builders to the standard version of an OVNI 43 or were installed by an approved agent after the building had been completed. Some equipment was added at later dates. Mainly for safety reasons, Aventura III has a backup for virtually everything that matters.

Rigging

The builders were asked to install two backstays, rather than the standard single backstay, so the starboard backstay also acts as a radio antenna, and the portside stay is continuous.  Both backstays are provided with tensioners. Aventura III has two spinnaker poles of equal length, which are kept on deck, so, if the mast is lost, they do not go with it and can be used to improvise an A frame. There are backup halyards for every sail.

Steering

An emergency tiller that can be fitted quickly onto the rudderstock is kept in readiness in case the Whitlock steering should fail. The hydraulic ram of the Brookes&Gatehouse autopilot is connected directly to the rudder quadrant so even if the manual steering should fail, the boat could be steered with the automatic pilot, which is totally independent of the main steering system. The autopilot is backed up by a Windpilot windvane selfsteering gear. A small Navico autopilot is carried as a backup. To increase its efficiency the small autopilot can be connected to the windvane so that it derives its power from its servorudder.

Engine

In case of engine failure and the need to maneouver the boat under power, a special outboard bracket can be fitted to the stern platform so that the larger outboard motor can be used to move the boat.

Electrics

The engine is fitted with two alternators, a standard 55 AH alternator and a 120 AH alternator. The standard alternator charges the engine starting battery that also supplies power to the anchor winch. The larger alternator charges the four gel batteries that have a total capacity of 360 AH. A switch allows the general batteries to be used to start the engine, and either alternator can charge both banks.

Safety

Both the 406 MHz EPIRB and the Inmarsat C can be used in a distress situation. There are four separate GPS units on board: the main unit is integrated with the B&G Hydra system, the Inmarsat C has its own integral GPS, one GPS is incorporated in the GeoNav chart plotter and one handheld model is kept permanently in the emergency container.