Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i vs Dufour 40 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
VS
Dufour 40Dufour 40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 36iDufour 40
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year2007–20132007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerMarc LombardUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA10.93 m (35.9 ft)12.05 m (39.5 ft)
LWL9.80 m (32.2 ft)10.55 m (34.6 ft)
Beam3.59 m (11.8 ft)3.85 m (12.6 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
17.16
Dufour 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
29.84
Dufour 40
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
0.78
Dufour 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
16.89
Dufour 40
16.44

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i and Dufour 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 40 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i was penned by Marc Lombard. The Dufour 40 was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i measures 10.93m (35.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.59m, compared to the Dufour 40 at 12.05m (39.5ft) with a 3.85m beam. The Dufour 40 is 1.12m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i. The Dufour 40 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Dufour 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i and 30.8% for the Dufour 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Dufour 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i 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 Dufour 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 Dufour 40 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: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i · Dufour 40