1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 422014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerJeanneauElan
Year1995–20002014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerDaniel AndrieuRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.98 m (13.1 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
18.12
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
35.90
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
16.59
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is a 1990s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

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 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is 0.70m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 displaces approximately 8% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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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