2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
Beneteau First 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2002–2007 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.87 m (32.4 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 48.5 m² (522 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
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 Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is 0.97m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 displaces approximately 45% 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 Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 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 Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 35.6% for the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, 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 Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 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 29 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 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.