2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison

2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 492005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
VS
1987 Cape Dory 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 491987 Cape Dory 40
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCape Dory
Year2005–20101987–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA14.98 m (49.1 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,020 kg (26,500 lbs)8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)64.5 m² (694 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)284 L (75.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
18.97
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
29.95
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
0.79
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
13.80
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 was penned by Philippe Briand. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 measures 14.98m (49.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 is 2.79m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 displaces approximately 39% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.97 and 98.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 30.0% for the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 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: 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 · 1987 Cape Dory 40