Design and Construction
The 34.2 combines a long lineage of ocean-cruising sailboats with contemporary construction methods. It has a sleek and balanced hull section beneath a strong, comfortable deck. Jeanneau built both the hull and deck in solid fiberglass.
Its proportions place it firmly among moderate-displacement family cruisers rather than ultralight racers. The length-to-beam ratio is 3.05, and the displacement-to-length ratio is 178.
The standard keel draws 1.7 meters. Buyers could also choose a 5-foot-7-inch draft or a shoal 4-foot-3-inch version. The shoal option suits thinner waters without abandoning the fin-keel concept.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
The masthead sloop rig combines swept spreaders with forward lowers. Its manageable sail plan has a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.02.
Although the side decks are narrow, the genoa track is mounted along the edge of the cabintrunk, keeping them clear. This leaves the working alleys uncluttered when the crew is trimming headsails. A split backstay runs around the swim step rather than across it, preserving access to the water or a dinghy astern. At the bow, a recessed foredeck anchor well keeps the ground tackle contained instead of perched on deck.
The generous cockpit organizes sail handling around a protected companionway. Together, the sheltered working area and well-arranged controls suit short-handed family sailing rather than race-crew choreography.
Accommodations
The 34.2 was the first sailboat of its size to offer three genuine cabins together with the amenities needed for distance cruising—a notable step in the mid-30s segment.
Jeanneau offered two interior layouts. The broad beam aft allows a three-cabin plan with twin double aft berths. Alternatively, the two-cabin version has one expansive double aft berth and a larger head. In that arrangement, the roomy head includes a standalone shower and toilet, while plentiful lockers are distributed throughout. The two-cabin head arrangement differs markedly from the three-cabin storage plan.
In the main cabin, an elliptical dinette sits to starboard with a small centerline seat. The galley is to port and includes a large-capacity icebox. Teak veneer and solid teak trim, finished in a glowing satin varnish, run throughout the interior. Period reviewers praised the joinery details as beautiful, noting how the teak woodwork contributed to an exceptionally handsome saloon.
Capacities and Equipment
Jeanneau presented the 34.2 as a well-equipped boat. Its standard inventory included the recessed foredeck anchor well and the split-backstay arrangement around the swim step.
Fuel capacity is just over 29 US gallons, while water capacity is nearly 37 US gallons. Those figures suit a boat intended to make passages without carrying excessive stores.
Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 34.2 is a well-considered family cruiser that offers unusually generous accommodation for its length. It fits three real cabins into a 33-foot-9-inch hull without resorting to cramped compromises, punching above its length in accommodation.
The beam-aft hull, clear side decks, and sheltered cockpit make it approachable for two couples or a family. Below, the teak interior brings warmth, photographs well, and wears reasonably. The 34.2 isn’t a featherweight racer, but its proportions, sail plan, and layout mark it as a balanced, capable cruiser.
Pros
- First in its class to offer three genuine cabins at this length
- Beam carried aft allows either two double quarter berths or one large aft berth with a bigger head
- Cabintrunk-mounted genoa tracks keep the narrow side decks clear
- Protected companionway and organized cockpit make sail handling manageable
- Handsome teak interior, practical galley, and large icebox
Cons
- Moderate displacement and an SA/D near 16 favor cruising over sparkling light-air speed
- The shoal 4-foot-3-inch option remains a fin keel, not a centerboard or swing keel
- The two-cabin head arrangement differs markedly from the three-cabin storage plan
