1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
VS
Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42Catalina 34 MkII
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year1995–20001995–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.98 m (13.1 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
18.12
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
35.90
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
0.77
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
16.59
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is a 1990s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.98m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is 2.41m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 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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