1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
1985 Irwin 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Irwin |
| Year | 1999–2003 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.17 m (36.6 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is a 1990s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 measures 11.17m (36.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 0.41m longer than the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.63 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 33.9% for the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Irwin 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 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 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.