2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Cal |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.87 m (32.4 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 48.5 m² (522 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 measures 9.87m (32.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 2.02m longer than the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 81% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.08 and 48.5 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.6% for the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Cal 39 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 · 1979 Cal 39