1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison

1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
VS
Beneteau First 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35Beneteau First 29
General
ManufacturerJeanneauBeneteau
Year1988–19931995–2000
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerDaniel AndrieuBruce Farr
Dimensions
LOA10.60 m (34.8 ft)8.90 m (29.2 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)7.95 m (26.1 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)2.95 m (9.7 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,670 kg (12,500 lbs)3,100 kg (6,834 lbs)
Ballast2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)1,080 kg (2,381 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)39.5 m² (425 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine20 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity85 L (22.5 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
17.57
Beneteau First 29
18.88
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
38.80
Beneteau First 29
34.84
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
0.78
Beneteau First 29
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35
19.51
Beneteau First 29
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 is a 1980s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.

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 Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 is 1.70m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 displaces approximately 83% 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 Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 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 Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1988 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, 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 Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L 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 Beneteau First 29 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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