1984 MacGregor 26 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i — Comparison

1984 MacGregor 261984 MacGregor 26
VS
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 MacGregor 26Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
General
ManufacturerMacGregorJeanneau
Year1984–19952008–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRoger MacGregorMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA7.80 m (25.6 ft)9.96 m (32.7 ft)
LWL6.71 m (22.0 ft)9.05 m (29.7 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)3.34 m (11.0 ft)
Draft0.61 m (2.0 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement998 kg (2,200 lbs)5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)
Ballast227 kg (500 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area22.3 m² (240 ft²)48.0 m² (517 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeCenterboardFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine5 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity15 L (4.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity23 L (6.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 MacGregor 26
22.70
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
16.46
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 MacGregor 26
22.75
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
29.41
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 MacGregor 26
1.04
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 MacGregor 26
8.72
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i
18.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 MacGregor 26 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 MacGregor 26 is a 1980s design by MacGregor from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1984 MacGregor 26 was penned by Roger MacGregor. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1984 MacGregor 26 measures 7.80m (25.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i at 9.96m (32.7ft) with a 3.34m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i is 2.16m longer than the 1984 MacGregor 26. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i displaces approximately 411% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 MacGregor 26 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 22.70 and 22.3 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i, with an SA/D of 16.46 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 MacGregor 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 MacGregor 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 8.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.04). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 22.8% for the 1984 MacGregor 26 and 29.4% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 MacGregor 26 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i 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 1984 MacGregor 26 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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