1972 Contest 31 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Contest 31 | 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1972–1982 | 2007–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Philippe Briand |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.86 m (38.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 7,600 kg (16,755 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Contest 31 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1972 Contest 31 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.
In terms of size, the 1972 Contest 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS at 11.86m (38.9ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS is 2.41m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS displaces approximately 68% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Contest 31 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS, with an SA/D of 16.30 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Contest 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31 and 31.6% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Contest 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1972 Contest 31 · 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS