Sun 2000 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Sun 2000 begins in the late 1990s, with its design by Olivier Petit in 1999 and its official launch into production by Jeanneau in 2000. Jeanneau, with its rich history of embracing fiberglass construction since 1958 and a pivotal moment with the successful Sangria in 1970, brought decades of manufacturing expertise to this model. The Sun 2000 was specifically conceived as a versatile cruiser, prioritizing "hassle-free preparation, transport, and launching," aligning with Jeanneau's broader design philosophy of creating elegant, modern, and comfortable boats 6, 17, Builder Article. Over 1,470 units were built, cementing its success in the trailer-sailer market. While there's no indication of significant MkI or MkII variations, its defining design feature is its adaptable centerboard keel, allowing for both shallow-water exploration and deeper sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a compact fractional sloop measuring just over 21 feet overall, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 is celebrated for its lively and responsive handling, making it particularly beginner-friendly. Its lightweight displacement of 2,756 pounds, combined with a total sail area of 229 square feet, ensures spirited performance in lighter breezes. A standout feature of the Sun 2000 is its centerboard keel, which offers exceptional versatility, allowing the boat to navigate very shallow waters with a minimum draft of 0.92 feet, while providing enhanced stability and upwind performance when fully deployed to a maximum draft of 5.16 feet. Owners often praise its balanced feel and general ease of maneuvering, contributing to an enjoyable sailing experience. However, some anecdotal reports suggest that the centerplate may occasionally lift in fresh breezes, a characteristic worth noting for those planning to push the boat hard in strong winds.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a trailerable cruiser, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 offers practical yet modest accommodations. The interior layout typically features an open-plan cabin designed to maximize the available space within its compact hull length. While standing headroom is generally not expected on a boat of this size, the interior provides comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements suitable for short cruises and overnight stays. Owners find it well-suited for a "first step up from dinghy sailing or for downsizing to a more manageable vessel". The design likely includes a V-berth forward, a small convertible dinette, and possibly provisions for a basic galley area and marine head, though specific details on finish quality and materials would depend on individual boat fit-outs and maintenance over the years. The closed aft cockpit design is a common feature, providing a secure and comfortable area for sailing and lounging.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun 2000 consistently highlight its solid construction and versatile nature as key strengths. Many appreciate its suitability as a trailer sailer, allowing for easy transport to various cruising grounds and hassle-free launching and retrieval. The boat is often described as sailing beautifully, offering a rewarding experience for single-handed sailors and small families alike.

However, like any boat, the Sun 2000 has a few recurring points of discussion among owners. Some reports mention the possibility of stress cracking around deck fittings, an area typically checked during surveys. There have also been instances where the centerplate mechanism might not fully extend or has been known to lift in stronger winds, which could impact performance in certain conditions. Furthermore, owners looking to purchase a used Sun 2000 are advised to inspect the hull for potential deformation if the boat has been stored on a generalized road trailer not specifically designed to adequately support its hull shape. While mast compression post issues have been noted on some "2000 era" Jeanneau models, it's not a widely reported, specific issue for the Sun 2000 itself.