Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i vs Bavaria 42 — Comparison
Bavaria 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i | Bavaria 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Bavaria |
| Year | 2007–2013 | 2003–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Philippe Briand | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.04 m (39.5 ft) | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) |
| LWL | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) | 11.29 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.85 m (12.6 ft) | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 9,300 kg (20,503 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs) | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) | 79.0 m² (850 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and Bavaria 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Bavaria 42 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i was penned by Philippe Briand. The Bavaria 42 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i measures 12.04m (39.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the Bavaria 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 0.95m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 19% 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 Bavaria 42, with an SA/D of 18.15 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 42 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 Bavaria 42 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 31.2% for the Bavaria 42, 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 Bavaria 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L 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 Bavaria 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for 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 39i · Bavaria 42