1973 Islander 37 vs 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i — Comparison

1973 Islander 371973 Islander 37
VS
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1973 Islander 372008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
General
ManufacturerIslanderJeanneau
Year1973–19782008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerAlan GurneyMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)37.0 m² (398 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP14 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1973 Islander 37
15.77
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
14.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1973 Islander 37
41.39
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
27.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1973 Islander 37
0.70
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1973 Islander 37
23.18
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The 1973 Islander 37 and 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Islander 37 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1973 Islander 37 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1973 Islander 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i at 9.30m (30.5ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1973 Islander 37 is 1.98m longer than the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i. The 1973 Islander 37 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1973 Islander 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.77 and 54.5 m² of sail area. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, with an SA/D of 14.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1973 Islander 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1973 Islander 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1973 Islander 37 and 27.5% for the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1973 Islander 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Islander 37 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 1973 Islander 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1973 Islander 37 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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