1989 J/35 vs 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 J/35 | 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1989–1993 | 1999–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Daniel Andrieu |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.17 m (36.6 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 J/35 and 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is a 1990s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.
In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 at 11.17m (36.6ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is 0.50m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, with an SA/D of 16.63 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 33.9% for the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 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 1989 J/35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1989 J/35 · 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37