Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 vs Bavaria 46 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
VS
Bavaria 46Bavaria 46

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 490Bavaria 46
General
ManufacturerJeanneauBavaria
Year20192004–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerPhilippe BriandJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA14.42 m (47.3 ft)14.27 m (46.8 ft)
LWL13.10 m (43.0 ft)12.50 m (41.0 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft2.35 m (7.7 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity460 L (121.5 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths1010
Cabins44

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
18.99
Bavaria 46
19.28
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
31.67
Bavaria 46
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
0.79
Bavaria 46
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
13.69
Bavaria 46
14.30

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and Bavaria 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Bavaria 46 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Bavaria 46 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 measures 14.42m (47.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the Bavaria 46 at 14.27m (46.8ft) with a 4.35m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is 0.15m longer than the Bavaria 46. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.99 and 98.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 46, with an SA/D of 19.28 and 95.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Bavaria 46 has a comfort ratio of 14.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and 31.3% for the Bavaria 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 460L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Bavaria 46 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria 46 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 Bavaria 46 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: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 · Bavaria 46