1987 Beneteau First 345 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 345 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2007–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.45 m (34.3 ft) | 10.93 m (35.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.80 m (32.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.59 m (11.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 230 L (60.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i was designed by Marc Lombard.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i at 10.93m (35.9ft) with a 3.59m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i is 0.48m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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: 1987 Beneteau First 345 · Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i