1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison

1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
VS
1992 Contest 421992 Contest 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 421992 Contest 42
General
ManufacturerJeanneauContest
Year1995–20001992–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceNetherlands
DesignerDaniel AndrieuDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.98 m (13.1 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)10,400 kg (22,928 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
18.12
1992 Contest 42
16.20
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
35.90
1992 Contest 42
40.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
0.77
1992 Contest 42
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42
16.59
1992 Contest 42
21.49

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 is a 1990s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.

In terms of size, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.98m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 0.03m longer than the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L 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 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1995 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 · 1992 Contest 42