Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i vs Dufour 45E — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
VS
Dufour 45EDufour 45E

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 39iDufour 45E
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year2007–20132008–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA12.04 m (39.5 ft)13.80 m (45.3 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)11.90 m (39.0 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast2,350 kg (5,181 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.0 m² (732 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
17.56
Dufour 45E
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
30.13
Dufour 45E
30.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
0.78
Dufour 45E
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i
16.56
Dufour 45E
15.34

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i was penned by Philippe Briand. The Dufour 45E 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 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 1.76m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i. The Dufour 45E displaces approximately 35% 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 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 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 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L 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 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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