2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison

2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
VS
Beneteau First 30Beneteau First 30

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32Beneteau First 30
General
ManufacturerJeanneauBeneteau
Year2002–20071983–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerMarc LombardJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA9.87 m (32.4 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL8.45 m (27.7 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.5 m² (522 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
18.08
Beneteau First 30
18.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
35.56
Beneteau First 30
36.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
0.81
Beneteau First 30
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32
17.54
Beneteau First 30
19.21

Detailed Comparison

The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.

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 Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 is 0.73m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 displaces approximately 25% 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 Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 35.6% for the 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, 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 Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 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: 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 · Beneteau First 30