2004 Bavaria 38 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS — Comparison

2004 Bavaria 38
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Bavaria 382007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
General
ManufacturerBavariaJeanneau
Year2004–20092007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerJ&J DesignPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA11.72 m (38.5 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.40 m (34.1 ft)12.00 m (39.4 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.70
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Bavaria 38
33.33
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Bavaria 38
0.77
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.94
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
14.75

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Bavaria 38 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is 2.00m longer than the 2004 Bavaria 38. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2004 Bavaria 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.70 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2004 Bavaria 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 33.3% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2004 Bavaria 38 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 180L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Bavaria 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS 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.

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