Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 vs Catalina 445 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
VS
Catalina 445

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Odyssey 490Catalina 445
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year20192016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA14.42 m (47.3 ft)13.56 m (44.5 ft)
LWL13.10 m (43.0 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)4.17 m (13.7 ft)
Draft2.35 m (7.7 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)84.0 m² (904 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Water Capacity460 L (121.5 gal)379 L (100.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
18.99
Catalina 445
16.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
31.67
Catalina 445
38.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
0.79
Catalina 445
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
13.69
Catalina 445
16.94

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and Catalina 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 445 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Catalina 445 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 measures 14.42m (47.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the Catalina 445 at 13.56m (44.5ft) with a 4.17m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is 0.86m longer than the Catalina 445. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 displaces approximately 6% 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 Catalina 445, with an SA/D of 16.91 and 84.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Catalina 445 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 and 38.0% for the Catalina 445, 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 Catalina 445 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L water and 189L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 445 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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