1990 Contest 40S vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i — Comparison

1990 Contest 40S1990 Contest 40S
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Contest 40S2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
General
ManufacturerContestJeanneau
Year1990–20002007–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA12.25 m (40.2 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.50 m (27.9 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.5 m² (737 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Contest 40S
16.00
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Contest 40S
40.00
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
29.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Contest 40S
0.71
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Contest 40S
21.09
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
19.76

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Contest 40S and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1990 Contest 40S measures 12.25m (40.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1990 Contest 40S is 2.53m longer than the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i. The 1990 Contest 40S displaces approximately 97% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 Contest 40S has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.00 and 68.5 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 1990 Contest 40S has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 Contest 40S offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). 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 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 29.4% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 Contest 40S provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L 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 1990 Contest 40S 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 1990 Contest 40S 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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