1990 Morgan 38 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 38Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
General
ManufacturerMorganJeanneau
Year1990–19962009–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerTed BrewerPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)13.75 m (45.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)12.10 m (39.7 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)4.25 m (13.9 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)85.0 m² (915 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
18.36
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
31.37
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
14.38

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i at 13.75m (45.1ft) with a 4.25m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i is 2.17m longer than the 1990 Morgan 38. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i displaces approximately 36% 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i, with an SA/D of 18.36 and 85.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 31.4% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i, 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i 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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