1990 Morgan 38 vs 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 382008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
General
ManufacturerMorganJeanneau
Year1990–19962008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerTed BrewerMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)37.0 m² (398 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP14 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
14.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
27.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i at 9.30m (30.5ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1990 Morgan 38 is 2.28m longer than the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i. The 1990 Morgan 38 displaces approximately 87% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 Morgan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.41 and 61.8 m² of sail area. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, with an SA/D of 14.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1990 Morgan 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 Morgan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 27.5% for the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 Morgan 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Morgan 38 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 Morgan 38 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 Morgan 38 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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