1987 Beneteau First 345 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 — Comparison

1987 Beneteau First 345
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1987 Beneteau First 345Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year1987–19922019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean BerretMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.45 m (34.3 ft)11.75 m (38.5 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1987 Beneteau First 345
17.40
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1987 Beneteau First 345
40.00
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
30.26
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1987 Beneteau First 345
0.77
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1987 Beneteau First 345
19.76
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
17.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 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 389 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 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 389 at 11.75m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is 1.30m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 displaces approximately 40% 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 389, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 389 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 30.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389, 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 389 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L 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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