1998 Hunter 340 vs 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 — Comparison

1998 Hunter 3401998 Hunter 340
VS
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Hunter 3402002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
General
ManufacturerHunterJeanneau
Year1998–20032002–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGlenn HendersonDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)13.10 m (43.0 ft)
LWL9.02 m (29.6 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)4.08 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.1 m² (550 ft²)78.0 m² (840 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Hunter 340
16.78
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
18.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Hunter 340
37.50
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
32.61
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Hunter 340
0.80
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Hunter 340
17.69
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43
15.31

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Hunter 340 and 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1998 Hunter 340 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 at 13.10m (43.0ft) with a 4.08m beam. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 is 2.74m longer than the 1998 Hunter 340. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Hunter 340 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43, with an SA/D of 18.05 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Hunter 340 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 32.6% for the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Hunter 340 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Hunter 340 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 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 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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Or view individual specs: 1998 Hunter 340 · 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43