1990 J/40 vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 — Comparison

1990 J/40
VS
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 J/40Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsJeanneau
Year1990–19952010–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)8.92 m (29.3 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft2.08 m (6.8 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 J/40
18.87
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 J/40
44.12
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 J/40
0.74
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 J/40
17.98
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 J/40 and Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 2.58m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 98% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 J/40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.87 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, with an SA/D of 20.51 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 J/40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 J/40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 J/40 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 Fast 3200 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1990 J/40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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