Sun Odyssey 36 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Odyssey 36 was produced by the French shipyard Jeanneau from 1990 to 1992. Its brief but notable production run followed Jeanneau's established trajectory of embracing fiberglass construction, a material they pioneered for full-production boats in the early 1960s. During this era, Jeanneau, founded by Henri Jeanneau in 1957, was focused on expanding its sailboat offerings, building upon the success of models like the Sangria. The design philosophy behind the Sun Odyssey 36 aimed to synthesize elegance, performance, and comfort, ensuring that the vessel would be a "liveable boat" with intelligent layouts and comfortable amenities, reflecting the builder's strong emphasis on the cruising market. A key design feature of the Sun Odyssey 36 was its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration typical for cruising boats of its size, offering a good balance between directional stability and maneuverability. Owners also had the option of a shallow draft model, which reduced the maximum draft from 6.67 feet to 4.83 feet, providing greater access to shallower anchorages and marinas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sun Odyssey 36 is designed as a moderate cruiser, a characteristic reflected in its performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.05, the Sun Odyssey 36 indicates a design capable of performing well in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze picks up. This ratio suggests a yacht that can maintain reasonable speeds without being overly sensitive to every gust, making for comfortable cruising.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 0.33 indicates a moderate level of stability. While not as stiff as some performance-oriented designs, this ratio suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway, reducing pitching and rolling for a more enjoyable ride. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 204.65 further categorizes the Sun Odyssey 36 as a medium-displacement cruiser. This balance typically translates into a hull form that offers a good compromise between speed and load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for coastal cruising and extended voyages alike. With a calculated hull speed of 7.36 knots, the Sun Odyssey 36 is capable of respectable performance for its class, making it a capable and enjoyable boat to sail in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the original Sun Odyssey 36 can be elusive, Jeanneau's overarching design philosophy ensures a focus on creating spacious and functional living spaces within its cruising range. During the period of the Sun Odyssey 36's production, Jeanneau emphasized "liveable boats" with clever layouts, aiming for comfort down to the smallest detail. Typically, a vessel of this size from Jeanneau would feature a well-appointed interior, often with a V-berth forward, a central salon with convertible settees, a functional galley for meal preparation, and an enclosed head. The interior joinery of Jeanneau yachts of this era generally featured a warm, inviting finish, contributing to a spacious feel below decks. Storage is usually generous, catering to the needs of cruisers, and ventilation would be provided through opening ports and hatches.