1980 Peterson 34 vs 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i — Comparison

1980 Peterson 34
VS
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1980 Peterson 342008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
General
ManufacturerPetersonJeanneau
Year1980–19862008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerDoug PetersonMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.1 m² (550 ft²)37.0 m² (398 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP14 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1980 Peterson 34
17.26
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
14.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1980 Peterson 34
43.48
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
27.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1980 Peterson 34
0.76
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1980 Peterson 34
19.98
2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The 1980 Peterson 34 and 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Peterson 34 is a 1980s design by Peterson from USA, while the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1980 Peterson 34 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1980 Peterson 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i at 9.30m (30.5ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1980 Peterson 34 is 1.06m longer than the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i. The 1980 Peterson 34 displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1980 Peterson 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, with an SA/D of 14.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1980 Peterson 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1980 Peterson 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1980 Peterson 34 and 27.5% for the 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1980 Peterson 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2008 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1980 Peterson 34 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 1980 Peterson 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1980 Peterson 34 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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