Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS vs 2013 Oyster 485 — Comparison
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
2013 Oyster 485
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS | 2013 Oyster 485 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Oyster |
| Year | 2005–2010 | 2013–2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | United Kingdom |
| Designer | Philippe Briand | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.38 m (50.5 ft) | 14.85 m (48.7 ft) |
| LWL | 13.45 m (44.1 ft) | 12.70 m (41.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.58 m (15.0 ft) | 4.38 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,500 kg (31,967 lbs) | 14,200 kg (31,306 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 104.0 m² (1,119 ft²) | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS and 2013 Oyster 485 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 2013 Oyster 485 is a modern offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS was penned by Philippe Briand. The 2013 Oyster 485 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS measures 15.38m (50.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.58m, compared to the 2013 Oyster 485 at 14.85m (48.7ft) with a 4.38m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS is 0.53m longer than the 2013 Oyster 485. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.77 and 104.0 m² of sail area. The 2013 Oyster 485, with an SA/D of 16.98 and 98.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2013 Oyster 485 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 29.0% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS and 38.0% for the 2013 Oyster 485, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2013 Oyster 485 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 300L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2013 Oyster 485 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 50 DS 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 50 DS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.