Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
VS
1979 Pearson 371979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 451979 Pearson 37
General
ManufacturerJeanneauPearson
Year2005–20111979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA13.72 m (45.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL12.25 m (40.2 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast3,250 kg (7,165 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area86.0 m² (926 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
18.22
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
30.95
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
0.77
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45
14.81
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 was penned by Philippe Briand. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 is 2.44m longer than the 1979 Pearson 37. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.22 and 86.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Pearson 37, with an SA/D of 15.18 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 31.0% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1979 Pearson 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Pearson 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 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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