1988 Swan 38 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i — Comparison

1988 Swan 381988 Swan 38
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Swan 382007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanJeanneau
Year1988–19932007–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandFrance
DesignerGerman FrersMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA11.55 m (37.9 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)8.50 m (27.9 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.2 m² (680 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Swan 38
16.78
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Swan 38
42.42
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
29.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Swan 38
0.73
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Swan 38
21.86
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
19.76

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Swan 38 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Swan 38 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1988 Swan 38 was penned by German Frers. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1988 Swan 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1988 Swan 38 is 1.83m longer than the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i. The 1988 Swan 38 displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 Swan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 63.2 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1988 Swan 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1988 Swan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i has a comfort ratio of 19.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1988 Swan 38 and 29.4% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 Swan 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Swan 38 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 1988 Swan 38 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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Or view individual specs: 1988 Swan 38 · 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i