Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
VS
Dufour 36 Classic

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 39iDufour 36 Classic
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year2007–20131996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA12.04 m (39.5 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)
Ballast2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.0 m² (732 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
17.56
Dufour 36 Classic
17.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
30.13
Dufour 36 Classic
32.26
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
0.78
Dufour 36 Classic
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
16.56
Dufour 36 Classic
17.99

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i was penned by Philippe Briand. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i measures 12.04m (39.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is 1.14m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i 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 39i has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 36 Classic 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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