1996 Hunter 290 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 2019 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.44 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.44 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) was designed by Marc Lombard.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.44m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) is 1.50m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Hunter 290 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 38.9 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), with an SA/D of 17.51 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Hunter 290 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) has a comfort ratio of 17.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 29.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019), reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Hunter 290 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 140L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Hunter 290 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 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019) 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1996 Hunter 290 · Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 (2019)