Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 vs Dufour 45E — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
VS
Dufour 45EDufour 45E

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 490Dufour 45E
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year20192008–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA14.42 m (47.3 ft)13.80 m (45.3 ft)
LWL13.10 m (43.0 ft)11.90 m (39.0 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.35 m (7.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity460 L (121.5 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
18.99
Dufour 45E
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
31.67
Dufour 45E
30.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
0.79
Dufour 45E
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
13.69
Dufour 45E
15.34

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 measures 14.42m (47.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is 0.62m longer than the Dufour 45E. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 displaces approximately 14% 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 Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 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 Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 45E 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 490 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 490 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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