1990 J/40 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) — Comparison

1990 J/40
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 J/40Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsJeanneau
Year1990–19952019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)9.44 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.44 m (11.3 ft)
Draft2.08 m (6.8 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 J/40
18.87
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 J/40
44.12
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
29.82
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 J/40
0.74
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 J/40
17.98
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.92

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 J/40 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) was designed by Marc Lombard.

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 Odyssey 349 (2019) at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.44m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 1.96m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019). The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 35% 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 Odyssey 349 (2019), with an SA/D of 17.51 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1990 J/40 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 Odyssey 349 (2019) has a comfort ratio of 17.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), 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 Odyssey 349 (2019) offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 140L 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 1990 J/40 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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