2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 vs 1981 Nautor Swan 36 — Comparison

2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
VS
1981 Nautor Swan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 321981 Nautor Swan 36
General
ManufacturerJeanneauNautor Swan
Year2002–20071981–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFinland
DesignerMarc LombardSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA9.87 m (32.4 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.45 m (27.7 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.5 m² (522 ft²)54.5 m² (587 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
18.08
1981 Nautor Swan 36
16.15
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
35.56
1981 Nautor Swan 36
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
0.81
1981 Nautor Swan 36
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
17.54
1981 Nautor Swan 36
22.73

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 1981 Nautor Swan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is a 1980s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 measures 9.87m (32.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1981 Nautor Swan 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 is 1.10m longer than the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.08 and 48.5 m² of sail area. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36, with an SA/D of 16.15 and 54.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 has a comfort ratio of 22.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 35.6% for the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 42.9% for the 1981 Nautor Swan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Nautor Swan 36 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 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 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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