1979 Islander 36 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) — Comparison

1979 Islander 361979 Islander 36
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Islander 36Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
General
ManufacturerIslanderJeanneau
Year1979–19852019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerAlan GurneyMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.44 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.44 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)5,700 kg (12,566 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.2 m² (583 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Islander 36
16.06
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Islander 36
42.87
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
29.82
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Islander 36
0.71
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Islander 36
22.32
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)
17.92

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Islander 36 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Islander 36 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1979 Islander 36 was penned by Alan Gurney. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1979 Islander 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.44m beam. The 1979 Islander 36 is 0.63m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019). The 1979 Islander 36 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Islander 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.06 and 54.2 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), with an SA/D of 17.51 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Islander 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has a comfort ratio of 17.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1979 Islander 36 and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Islander 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Islander 36 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 349 (2019) has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1979 Islander 36 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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