1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 vs Catalina 250 — Comparison

1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
VS
Catalina 250Catalina 250

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35Catalina 250
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year1988–19931994–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.60 m (34.8 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)6.78 m (22.2 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)2.59 m (8.5 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,670 kg (12,500 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Ballast2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)24.5 m² (264 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine20 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity85 L (22.5 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)42 L (11.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths74
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
17.57
Catalina 250
18.30
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
38.80
Catalina 250
38.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
0.78
Catalina 250
0.89
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
19.51
Catalina 250
13.89

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 is a 1980s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 measures 10.60m (34.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 is 2.98m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 displaces approximately 257% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.57 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 160L of water capacity and 85L of fuel. The Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 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 Catalina 250 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 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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