1992 Contest 42 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS — Comparison

1992 Contest 421992 Contest 42
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1992 Contest 422007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
General
ManufacturerContestJeanneau
Year1992–20022007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.00 m (39.4 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,400 kg (22,928 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 Contest 42
16.20
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 Contest 42
40.38
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 Contest 42
0.71
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 Contest 42
21.49
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
14.75

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 Contest 42 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1992 Contest 42 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1992 Contest 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is 0.92m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 Contest 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 Contest 42 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42 and 33.3% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 Contest 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 180L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS 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 45 DS 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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Or view individual specs: 1992 Contest 42 · 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS