Sun Odyssey 40 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Odyssey 40 was launched in 1998, continuing Jeanneau's long-standing tradition of producing quality fiberglass yachts that began in 1958. Designed by Daniel Andrieu, the primary goal for the Sun Odyssey 40 was to combine a fast hull with a remarkably spacious and voluminous interior, catering to the cruising market. During this era, Jeanneau, by then part of Groupe Beneteau, maintained its manufacturing ethos of prioritizing quality, innovation, and "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities. The company had a strong history of collaborating with distinguished naval architects like Daniel Andrieu to ensure their designs balanced performance with onboard comfort.

Throughout its production run, the Sun Odyssey 40 was offered with options to suit varying sailing preferences. While the standard model featured a fin keel with a draft of 6.4 feet, a shallow keel option was also available, drawing approximately 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 meters) and featuring a slightly different ballast of 5,842 pounds. Additionally, Jeanneau introduced a Sun Odyssey 40 DS (Deck Salon) variant, which featured a raised saloon, specifically designed with two-couple cruising and yacht charter roles in mind. The Sun Odyssey 40.3, released after the original model, was presented as a direct descendant, evolving the design to further maximize space and value.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 boasts design characteristics that translate into a balanced and capable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.62, the yacht demonstrates good light-air performance, suggesting it can move well in lighter breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 33.5% indicates moderate stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 190.18, places the Sun Odyssey 40 in the category of a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser, capable of competitive speeds without sacrificing cruising comforts.

Anecdotal reports from owners generally praise the Sun Odyssey 40 for its agreeable handling characteristics. Many find it to be a comfortable and manageable boat for cruising, even for solo sailors once they are accustomed to its behavior. Its design as a cruiser, with a quick hull, implies a responsive feel at the helm and a relatively smooth motion through the water, making it suitable for both short trips and longer passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 was a key focus of Daniel Andrieu's design, aiming for exceptional space and volume. Jeanneau's Design Office applied the same general layout and conception as seen in the Sun Odyssey 40 DS, featuring fine teak woodwork complemented by a satin varnish finish, characteristic of Jeanneau's quality. The yacht was notably available in three different interior layouts, including two-cabin and three-cabin configurations to accommodate various crew sizes and needs. One specific option offered a single aft cabin paired with a large head.

Typical interior arrangements often include a forward V-berth cabin, a spacious main salon with a U-shaped settee and a dining table, a well-appointed galley, and one or two aft cabins. Headroom is generally generous, contributing to the open and liveable feel below deck. While the precise details vary by layout, Jeanneau's emphasis on "liveable boats" means the interiors are designed for comfort and practicality, typically including ample storage and good ventilation through numerous hatches, though some variations like the DS model might have fewer opening ports.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 generally regard it as a "nice boat," appreciating its design and capabilities. Many praise its suitability for cruising, highlighting its comfort and ease of handling on the water. The yacht is often seen as a good option for those seeking an affordable vessel for liveaboard living or extended voyages.

However, like any yacht of its age, some common considerations have been noted in owner forums. Discussions have arisen concerning potential moisture issues in the hull on some early 2000s models. Furthermore, a recurring topic for older Jeanneau models, which may also apply to the Sun Odyssey 40, involves problems with aging bonded boat windows or fixed ports developing leaks, often requiring re-bedding. Some owners have also shared preferences regarding engine types, with mentions of Yanmar engines being favored over Volvo. Overall, the community of Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 owners remains active, sharing knowledge and support for these popular cruising yachts.