2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 38Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsJeanneau
Year2015–20202019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkFrance
DesignerNiels JeppesenPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)14.42 m (47.3 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)13.10 m (43.0 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)4.49 m (14.7 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)2.35 m (7.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)460 L (121.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths710
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
31.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
13.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 at 14.42m (47.3ft) with a 4.49m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is 2.84m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 98.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 31.7% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 460L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 490 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 490 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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