Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i vs 1983 Pearson 31 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
VS
1983 Pearson 311983 Pearson 31

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i1983 Pearson 31
General
ManufacturerJeanneauPearson
Year2007–20131983–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA12.04 m (39.5 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)7.77 m (25.5 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.0 m² (732 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
17.56
1983 Pearson 31
15.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
30.13
1983 Pearson 31
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
0.78
1983 Pearson 31
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
16.56
1983 Pearson 31
21.43

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 1983 Pearson 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1983 Pearson 31 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i was penned by Philippe Briand. The 1983 Pearson 31 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i measures 12.04m (39.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the 1983 Pearson 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is 2.59m longer than the 1983 Pearson 31. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i displaces approximately 81% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Pearson 31, with an SA/D of 15.35 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Pearson 31 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 42.1% for the 1983 Pearson 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 1983 Pearson 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Pearson 31 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 39i 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 39i 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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