1998 Catalina 42 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS — Comparison

1998 Catalina 421998 Catalina 42
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Catalina 422007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS
General
ManufacturerCatalinaJeanneau
Year1998–20042007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)13.10 m (43.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)4.08 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)3,100 kg (6,834 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)80.0 m² (861 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Catalina 42
16.39
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS
18.12
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Catalina 42
40.48
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS
32.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Catalina 42
0.75
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Catalina 42
17.96
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS
15.81

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Catalina 42 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS at 13.10m (43.0ft) with a 4.08m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS is 0.30m longer than the 1998 Catalina 42. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 0% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Catalina 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS, with an SA/D of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Catalina 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS has a comfort ratio of 15.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 32.6% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Catalina 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Catalina 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 43 DS 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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Or view individual specs: 1998 Catalina 42 · 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS