1989 J/35 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/35Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsJeanneau
Year1989–19932019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.75 m (38.5 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
30.26
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
17.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 at 11.75m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is 1.08m longer than the 1989 J/35. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 displaces approximately 46% 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 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 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 30.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389, 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 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: 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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