Sun Odyssey 349 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by the esteemed French shipyard Jeanneau, the Sun Odyssey 349 reflects the builder's long-standing commitment to innovation, quality, and creating "liveable boats" that prioritize enjoyment on the water. Jeanneau, with a history spanning over six decades, is known for its pure, modern lines and clever layouts, ensuring a balance of performance and onboard comfort across its sailing yacht ranges.

History and Design

The Sun Odyssey 349 first entered production in 2014, representing a key model in Jeanneau's popular cruising line. The design, penned by Marc Lombard, aimed to create a sailboat that offered a modern and refined aesthetic, coupled with impressive sailing characteristics and a focus on livability. Lombard's philosophy, evident in the wide hull of the 349, pays close attention to how boats sail, seeking to optimize performance without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Jeanneau's manufacturing ethos during this period, as throughout its history, emphasized embracing new technologies and quality construction. The company's legacy of pioneering fiberglass hull construction and adopting advanced techniques like resin infusion molding ensures a robust and well-built vessel. The Sun Odyssey 349 was offered with several keel configurations, including a standard bulb keel, a shoal draft option of 4.89 feet, and even a wing keel version. A lifting-keel option has also been noted, further enhancing its versatility for various cruising grounds. The boat also features an ergonomic twin-wheel cockpit and a twin-rudder configuration, a design choice contributing to its responsive handling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is designed for enjoyable cruising, offering comfort and safety without compromising on sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.46, the 349 demonstrates good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air, while remaining manageable in a broader range of conditions. Its displacement to length ratio of around 179.7 classifies it as a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser, capable of competitive speeds for its class.

While its ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 29.5% suggests moderate stiffness, the yacht's wide hull design significantly contributes to its initial stability and overall comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners and reviewers consistently praise the 349's responsive helm and ease of handling, making it accessible for both seasoned sailors and those newer to the sport. The twin rudders are a notable design feature, providing excellent control and balance, especially on a beam reach where boat speeds of 9.1 knots have been observed. This twin rudder setup also proves beneficial for maneuverability, particularly when berthing stern-to. The Sun Odyssey 349 is widely considered a capable cruiser, with some reviewers stating they would not hesitate to take her offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its overall length of just under 34 feet, the Sun Odyssey 349 is celebrated for its surprisingly spacious and light-filled interior, a direct benefit of its modern hull design. The boat offers flexible interior layouts, typically available in a two-cabin configuration with a large head and a dedicated sail locker, or a three-cabin arrangement for larger crews.

The main saloon is described as big and bright, contributing to the feeling of a larger vessel. The aft cabin, often considered the owner's berth, is well-appointed with indirect lighting and a sizable opening hatch that provides excellent ventilation and connection to the cockpit. Jeanneau’s emphasis on "liveable boats" is evident in the clever layouts and comfortable amenities throughout the interior, 6]. Materials and finishes are modern and refined. The deck is noted to utilize a material that mimics the look of teak but offers enhanced durability, resistance to staining, and ease of repair, preventing the greying often associated with natural wood.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently highlighting its solid construction, comfortable cruising characteristics, and ease of handling. The boat's ability to "feel much bigger than its actual size" is a recurring compliment, enhancing the onboard living experience. Many appreciate its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of sailing adventures, from day trips to extended cruises.

While the Sun Odyssey 349 is largely well-regarded, some owners have reported specific maintenance concerns. Notably, there have been instances of "alarming rudder stock corrosion" on certain models, with Jeanneau acknowledging an issue in some earlier builds. Prospective buyers are advised to investigate service history and any remedial actions taken regarding these components. Overall, the collective owner feedback points to the 349 as a capable, comfortable, and enjoyable sailboat that delivers on Jeanneau's promise of quality and innovation.