Beneteau First 33.7 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i — Comparison
Beneteau First 33.7
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 33.7 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Jeanneau |
| Year | 2001–2006 | 2008–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) | 9.96 m (32.7 ft) |
| LWL | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) | 9.05 m (29.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) | 5,100 kg (11,244 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) | 48.0 m² (517 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 33.7 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The Beneteau First 33.7 was penned by Jean Berret. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i was designed by Marc Lombard.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 33.7 measures 10.04m (32.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.32m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i at 9.96m (32.7ft) with a 3.34m beam. The Beneteau First 33.7 is 0.08m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 33.7 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i, with an SA/D of 16.46 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 33.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 33.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7 and 29.4% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 33.7 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i 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 33.7 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.