Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 vs 1976 Ericson 29 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
VS
1976 Ericson 291976 Ericson 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 3891976 Ericson 29
General
ManufacturerJeanneauEricson
Year20191976–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerMarc LombardBruce King
Dimensions
LOA11.75 m (38.5 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL10.40 m (34.1 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Ballast2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area64.0 m² (689 ft²)34.0 m² (366 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP13 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
16.82
1976 Ericson 29
15.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
30.26
1976 Ericson 29
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
0.77
1976 Ericson 29
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
17.14
1976 Ericson 29
20.09

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 and 1976 Ericson 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1976 Ericson 29 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1976 Ericson 29 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 measures 11.75m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1976 Ericson 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is 2.91m longer than the 1976 Ericson 29. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 displaces approximately 139% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.82 and 64.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 Ericson 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1976 Ericson 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 and 42.9% for the 1976 Ericson 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 1976 Ericson 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1976 Ericson 29 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 389 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 389 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 389 · 1976 Ericson 29