1984 Sabre 34 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 — Comparison

1984 Sabre 34
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Sabre 34Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
General
ManufacturerSabreJeanneau
Year1984–19902019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRoger HewsonMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.75 m (38.5 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Sabre 34
16.96
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Sabre 34
41.74
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
30.26
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Sabre 34
0.74
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Sabre 34
21.14
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
17.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Sabre 34 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Sabre 34 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1984 Sabre 34 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1984 Sabre 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 at 11.75m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is 1.39m longer than the 1984 Sabre 34. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Sabre 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.96 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 Sabre 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Sabre 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1984 Sabre 34 and 30.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Sabre 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Sabre 34 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 1984 Sabre 34 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.

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