Sun Odyssey 509 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Sun Odyssey 509 began with a clear vision: to stretch traditional design parameters while prioritizing safety and performance at sea. Designed by Philippe Briand, the yacht was introduced for the 2012 model year, with production running from 2011 to 2015. During this period, Jeanneau, a builder celebrated for its innovation and commitment to "liveable boats," applied its advanced construction techniques, including the use of resin infusion molding for larger models, which results in a reinforced composite structure known for enhanced durability and environmental soundness.

Briand's design for the 509 incorporated a wedge hull and hard chines, features contributing to its dynamic profile and performance. The model was offered with two keel options to suit varied cruising grounds: a standard fin keel with a draft of 7.48 feet and an optional shoal-draft keel measuring 5.68 feet. While the shallow draft option provides access to more harbors and anchorages, the standard fin keel generally offers superior sailing performance, particularly when sailing to windward. The yacht also boasted a low, stretched-out cabintop and numerous narrow hull windows, contributing to its elegant and modern aesthetic. The Sun Odyssey 509 was also marketed to the charter industry as the SUNSAIL 51 and was eventually succeeded by the Sun Odyssey 519 in 2015.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sun Odyssey 509 is engineered for a balanced blend of performance and comfortable cruising. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.0 indicates a yacht with good light-air performance, capable of moving efficiently even in lighter breezes. With a ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 31%, the boat demonstrates a solid, stable platform, designed to stand up to a decent amount of wind. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 144.0 classifies the 509 as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional bluewater vessel.

Reviewers have consistently praised the Sun Odyssey 509's sailing characteristics, describing it as a "joy to drive" with a "buttery helm". Its handling is noted for being responsive, with the standard 106-percent jib proving easy to tack. The yacht's high-aspect ratio sail plan, combined with a robust structure, contributes to its "exceptional seaworthiness" and stability in various sea states. The design ensures both dynamic sailing and a sense of safety and confidence for the crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sun Odyssey 509 is celebrated for being "stunning," "voluminous," and incorporating "clever and unexpected" design elements. As a flagship cruising yacht, it was conceived to provide a luxurious and comfortable onboard living experience. Jeanneau offered several interior layouts, with a common configuration featuring a spacious owner's cabin located forward, alongside two generous aft cabins.

The general finish quality emphasizes elegance and modern lines, a hallmark of Jeanneau's design philosophy. The extensive use of hull windows and a cleverly designed cabintop ensure abundant natural light and excellent ventilation throughout the interior, enhancing the "liveable" quality that Jeanneau strives for. Storage solutions are integrated throughout the boat, reflecting Jeanneau's focus on comfortable amenities "down to the smallest detail" for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509 has fostered an active community of owners, with online forums and social media groups dedicated to sharing experiences and offering support. Owners frequently praise the yacht's solid construction, comfortable motion, and ease of handling for a boat of its size, particularly appreciating its capabilities as a performance cruiser. The spacious and well-appointed interior is also a consistently highlighted strength, providing ample comfort for extended voyages or entertaining guests.

While specific recurring widespread issues for the Sun Odyssey 509 itself are not prominently noted in general searches, owners on Jeanneau forums occasionally discuss general maintenance items common to yachts of this era, such as potential issues with original deck fittings or engine service components like mixing elbows. However, the collective sentiment emphasizes the yacht's overall quality and suitability for its intended purpose as a comfortable and capable cruising vessel.