Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i vs Hunter 356 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
VS
Hunter 356Hunter 356

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 39iHunter 356
General
ManufacturerJeanneauHunter
Year2007–20132000–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA12.04 m (39.5 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)3.53 m (11.6 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.0 m² (732 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
17.56
Hunter 356
17.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
30.13
Hunter 356
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
0.78
Hunter 356
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
16.56
Hunter 356
16.38

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i was penned by Philippe Briand. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i measures 12.04m (39.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is 1.22m longer than the Hunter 356. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i displaces approximately 43% 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 Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 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 Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i 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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