1978 Sabre 30 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS — Comparison

1978 Sabre 301978 Sabre 30
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Sabre 302007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
General
ManufacturerSabreJeanneau
Year1978–19852007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRoger HewsonPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.86 m (38.9 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
Beam2.97 m (9.7 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast1,451 kg (3,199 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area37.0 m² (398 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Sabre 30
15.92
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
16.30
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Sabre 30
39.98
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
31.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Sabre 30
0.77
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Sabre 30
20.59
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
17.25

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Sabre 30 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Sabre 30 is a 1970s design by Sabre from USA, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1978 Sabre 30 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1978 Sabre 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, 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 2.72m longer than the 1978 Sabre 30. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS displaces approximately 109% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Sabre 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.92 and 37.0 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 1978 Sabre 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). 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 1978 Sabre 30 and 31.6% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Sabre 30 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 45L 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 1978 Sabre 30 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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