2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison

2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 492005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
VS
Beneteau First 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49Beneteau First 40
General
ManufacturerJeanneauBeneteau
Year2005–20102006–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA14.98 m (49.1 ft)12.16 m (39.9 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.58 m (34.7 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,020 kg (26,500 lbs)7,000 kg (15,432 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
18.97
Beneteau First 40
20.55
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
29.95
Beneteau First 40
35.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
0.79
Beneteau First 40
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
13.80
Beneteau First 40
14.87

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

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 Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 is 2.82m longer than the Beneteau First 40. The 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 displaces approximately 72% 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 Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 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 Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 30.0% for the 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 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 Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 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 Beneteau First 40 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.

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