Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 vs Bavaria 37 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
VS
Bavaria 37Bavaria 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 389Bavaria 37
General
ManufacturerJeanneauBavaria
Year20192000–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerMarc LombardJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA11.75 m (38.5 ft)11.38 m (37.3 ft)
LWL10.40 m (34.1 ft)9.86 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.61 m (11.8 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,600 kg (16,755 lbs)6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)
Ballast2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area64.0 m² (689 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)230 L (60.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
16.82
Bavaria 37
17.10
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
30.26
Bavaria 37
31.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
0.77
Bavaria 37
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389
17.14
Bavaria 37
18.02

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 and Bavaria 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Bavaria 37 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Bavaria 37 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 measures 11.75m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the Bavaria 37 at 11.38m (37.3ft) with a 3.61m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 is 0.37m longer than the Bavaria 37. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 displaces approximately 10% 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 Bavaria 37, with an SA/D of 17.10 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 37 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 Bavaria 37 has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 and 31.9% for the Bavaria 37, 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 Bavaria 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria 37 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 Bavaria 37 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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Or view individual specs: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 · Bavaria 37