1990 Contest 40S vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) — Comparison

1990 Contest 40S1990 Contest 40S
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Contest 40SJeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
General
ManufacturerContestJeanneau
Year1990–20002019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA12.25 m (40.2 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)9.44 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.44 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.5 m² (737 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Contest 40S
16.00
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Contest 40S
40.00
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
29.82
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Contest 40S
0.71
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Contest 40S
21.09
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.92

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Contest 40S and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.44m beam. The 1990 Contest 40S is 1.91m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019). The 1990 Contest 40S displaces approximately 59% 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), with an SA/D of 17.51 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has a comfort ratio of 17.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 140L 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1990 Contest 40S · Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)