Beneteau First 35 vs 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 — Comparison

Beneteau First 35
VS
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 351999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
General
ManufacturerBeneteauJeanneau
Year2004–20091999–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA10.68 m (35.0 ft)11.17 m (36.6 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.70 m (31.8 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 35
19.89
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
16.63
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 35
34.55
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
33.85
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 35
0.78
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 35
16.84
1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37
17.25

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 35 and 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is a 1990s offering from Jeanneau from France. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 at 11.17m (36.6ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is 0.49m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, with an SA/D of 16.63 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 33.9% for the 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 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 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1999 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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