1986 J/28 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i — Comparison

1986 J/28
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 J/282007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsJeanneau
Year1986–19902007–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA8.66 m (28.4 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)8.50 m (27.9 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area37.6 m² (405 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 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)
1986 J/28
18.59
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 J/28
46.17
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
29.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 J/28
0.85
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 J/28
17.20
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i
19.76

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 J/28 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, 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 1.06m longer than the 1986 J/28. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 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 1986 J/28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). 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 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 29.4% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 J/28 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 1986 J/28 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.

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