Sun Odyssey 35 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Sun Odyssey 35 in 2003 marked another successful collaboration between Jeanneau and Marc Lombard, a designer celebrated for infusing race-boat inspired elements into cruising yachts. Jeanneau's manufacturing ethos during this era, and throughout its history, focused on embracing new technologies and producing elegant, modern boats with an emphasis on quality and comfort for the cruising market. The Sun Odyssey 35's design reflects this philosophy, aiming to provide enjoyment and a unique experience on the water.

Marc Lombard's design philosophy for Jeanneau models, including the Sun Odyssey 35, consistently prioritizes a balance between performance and onboard comfort. This approach results in a lively hull shape and an easy-to-handle sailplan, controllable from the cockpit. While the standard model features a lifting keel and a single rudder, a European version of the Sun Odyssey 35 was also offered with a drop keel and twin rudders, further showcasing the model's versatility and Jeanneau's responsiveness to different market needs. The Sun Odyssey 35 was an immediate commercial success, with approximately 1,400 units eventually built. This model's success led to a long-term collaboration between Jeanneau and Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group. It was even sometimes referred to as the Sun Fast 35, highlighting its performance aspirations. The Sun Fast 35, also designed by Marc Lombard, was recognized as the 2005 European boat of the year by Yacht in Germany, and topped the USA Sailing Magazine's Top Ten, further solidifying the design's pedigree.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 exhibits a balanced approach to sailing performance, making it both capable and enjoyable. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.36, the boat possesses a good amount of canvas relative to its weight, suggesting respectable performance, particularly in lighter air. Its displacement to length ratio, around 353, indicates a moderately heavy displacement for its waterline length, contributing to a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway, often favored by cruisers.

The ballast to displacement ratio, at approximately 0.286, is on the lower side for a cruising sailboat. However, with its lifting keel, the design likely leverages hull form stability and the keel's configuration to provide adequate stiffness and allow for shallower drafts, enhancing versatility for exploring various anchorages. Owners often praise its excellent sailing manners and comfortable cockpit. The fractional rig, which features smaller headsails, makes the boat easy to handle and control, especially from the cockpit. Reviewers note that for a design primarily aimed at casual cruising, there is a surprising concentration on performance, with efforts made to keep wetted surface to a minimum.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 is known for being particularly spacious and bright, a hallmark of Jeanneau's "liveable boats" design philosophy. The boat was offered with multiple accommodation layouts, typically either a two- or three-cabin configuration, with the main differences found in the aft section of the interior. The two-cabin version, often referred to as the "owner's version," allows for a more generous aft cabin and additional storage space, including a large cockpit locker accessible from this cabin.

A common layout features a V-berth forward, followed by a spacious salon with a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, often converting into berths. The galley is typically to port, well-equipped for cruising, while a navigation station is usually opposite to starboard. A generously sized head with a shower is generally located aft of the nav station. The aft cabins provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, and the interior generally boasts a good quality finish with a blend of wood trim and fiberglass surfaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Excellent access to the engine and steering system is typically provided through the aft cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally speak highly of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35, often commending its robust construction and comfortable cruising capabilities. Many appreciate the clever interior layout that maximizes space effectively. The design is consistently praised for its solid construction and comfortable motion, even in challenging sea states. The versatility offered by the lifting keel is also a frequently mentioned advantage, allowing access to shallower waters.

However, like any vessel, some common issues have been noted by owners. Recurring maintenance points include potential problems with original deck fittings developing leaks over time, which may require re-bedding. Some owners have also reported issues with holding tanks leaking or engine-related concerns, such as the need for diligent maintenance of components like the mixing elbow. Despite these potential points, the overall sentiment points to a boat that delivers a well-rounded and enjoyable sailing experience, blending performance with comfortable living and often being considered an affordable option for its class.