Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
VS
2014 Amel 552014 Amel 55

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS2014 Amel 55
General
ManufacturerJeanneauAmel
Year2005–20102014–2021
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandOlivier Racoupeau
Dimensions
LOA15.38 m (50.5 ft)16.80 m (55.1 ft)
LWL13.45 m (44.1 ft)14.20 m (46.6 ft)
Beam4.58 m (15.0 ft)4.75 m (15.6 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)19,500 kg (42,990 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area104.0 m² (1,119 ft²)120.0 m² (1,292 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)580 L (153.2 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)780 L (206.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
17.77
2014 Amel 55
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
28.97
2014 Amel 55
34.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
0.75
2014 Amel 55
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS
14.91
2014 Amel 55
16.75

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS was penned by Philippe Briand. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS measures 15.38m (50.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.58m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2014 Amel 55 is 1.42m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS. The 2014 Amel 55 displaces approximately 34% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.77 and 104.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 29.0% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Amel 55 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 50 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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