Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i vs Dufour 45E — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
VS
Dufour 45EDufour 45E

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 36iDufour 45E
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year2007–20132008–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerMarc LombardUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA10.93 m (35.9 ft)13.80 m (45.3 ft)
LWL9.80 m (32.2 ft)11.90 m (39.0 ft)
Beam3.59 m (11.8 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
17.16
Dufour 45E
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
29.84
Dufour 45E
30.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
0.78
Dufour 45E
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i
16.89
Dufour 45E
15.34

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i was penned by Marc Lombard. The Dufour 45E 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 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 2.87m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i. The Dufour 45E displaces approximately 69% 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 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 45E 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 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L 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 45E 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 45E 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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