2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison
2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 | Beneteau First 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2015–2019 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.35 m (30.7 ft) | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.44 m (11.3 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
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 Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 1.82m longer than the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 27% 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 Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 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 Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 29.1% for the 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, 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 Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 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 Beneteau First 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 40 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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Or view individual specs: 2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 · Beneteau First 40