1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 | Beneteau First 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1995–2000 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.98 m (13.1 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.3 m² (821 ft²) | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is a 1990s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
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 Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is 0.61m longer than the Beneteau First 40. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 displaces approximately 26% 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 Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 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 Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, 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 Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 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 Beneteau First 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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Or view individual specs: 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 · Beneteau First 40