1978 Catalina 25 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i — Comparison

1978 Catalina 251978 Catalina 25
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Catalina 252007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
General
ManufacturerCatalinaJeanneau
Year1978–19912007–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerFrank ButlerMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL6.40 m (21.0 ft)8.50 m (27.9 ft)
Beam2.44 m (8.0 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast748 kg (1,649 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area26.1 m² (281 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Catalina 25
17.26
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Catalina 25
39.27
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
29.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Catalina 25
0.79
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Catalina 25
19.50
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
19.76

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Catalina 25 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Catalina 25 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1978 Catalina 25 was penned by Frank Butler. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1978 Catalina 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i at 9.72m (31.9ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i is 2.10m longer than the 1978 Catalina 25. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i displaces approximately 141% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Catalina 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 26.1 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1978 Catalina 25 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Catalina 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i has a comfort ratio of 19.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 1978 Catalina 25 and 29.4% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Catalina 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i 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 1978 Catalina 25 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i 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: 1978 Catalina 25 · 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i