Beneteau First 30 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) — Comparison

Beneteau First 30Beneteau First 30
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 30Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year1983–19892019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean BerretMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)9.44 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.44 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Ballast1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area42.0 m² (452 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 30
18.17
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 30
36.11
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
29.82
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 30
0.80
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 30
19.21
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.92

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 30 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.44m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is 1.20m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), with an SA/D of 17.51 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has a comfort ratio of 17.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 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 Beneteau First 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 30 · Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)