2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 vs 1994 Najad 343 — Comparison

2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 3492015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
VS
1994 Najad 343

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 3491994 Najad 343
General
ManufacturerJeanneauNajad
Year2015–20191994–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerMarc LombardJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.34 m (33.9 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam3.44 m (11.3 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.0 m² (603 ft²)47.5 m² (511 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
18.26
1994 Najad 343
15.68
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
29.09
1994 Najad 343
40.74
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
0.78
1994 Najad 343
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
17.52
1994 Najad 343
20.44

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 and 1994 Najad 343 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1994 Najad 343 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1994 Najad 343 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 measures 10.34m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.44m, compared to the 1994 Najad 343 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1994 Najad 343 is 0.02m longer than the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of sail area. The 1994 Najad 343, with an SA/D of 15.68 and 47.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1994 Najad 343 has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 29.1% for the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 and 40.7% for the 1994 Najad 343, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1994 Najad 343 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Najad 343 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 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 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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