Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 319 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Although based partly on the Polish-built Delphia 31, the Sun Odyssey 319 has an all-new hull design. It features a more rounded bow above the forward entry and crisp hard chines aft. The hull is solid fiberglass laminate set in polyester resin. The balsa-cored deck is both bonded and screwed down as part of the hull-deck joint.

Cast-iron ballast comes in one of two configurations: a conventional fin keel with a bulb, or a stub wing keel with a centerboard. Fixed- and swing-keel versions are available, along with deep- and shoal-draft options. With its centerboard raised, the shoal-keel version draws just 2ft 5in; with the board down, it draws 5ft 6in. Twin rudders are standard.

The coachroof is quite tall for a modern boat, helping provide plenty of natural light and headroom below. The boat also has stylish lines and a great cockpit.

Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling

The standard sailplan combines a classic slab-reefed mainsail with an overlapping genoa on the headstay, sheeted to tracks on the sidedecks. The Seldén mast carries sails by Technique Voile.

A de-powered alternative pairs an in-mast furling mainsail with a small self-tacking jib. An optional bowsprit can carry an asymmetric spinnaker or Code Zero-type headsail. The jib sheets run to a pair of Harken 35 cockpit winches, one on either side of the wheel. An optional double-ended German mainsheet can also route its tails to these winches.

Test sailors found that the fixed-keel boat tacked easily and lost little way through the wind. With its twin rudders, it was also one of the quickest-turning sailboats the reviewer had handled and remained fully controlled when backing down.

Performance depended noticeably on wind strength and sailplan. With the de-powered rig in 8–10 knots, the boat struggled to exceed 5 knots. In 12 knots, however, it brushed 6 knots at 45 degrees apparent. During sea trials in 15–20 knots, a reefed mainsail and self-tacking jib produced a solid 6 knots hard on the wind, with a helm described as buttery smooth yet precise.

Cockpit and Accommodations

The cockpit is thoughtfully arranged and contributes to the boat’s lively, precise handling.

Below, the 319 is exceptionally bright and welcoming. Cabinhouse and hull-side portlights admit plenty of natural light, while standing headroom measures 6ft 4in or better throughout—even in the forward stateroom.

The interior is available in a single fixed layout. It has two double cabins at opposite ends, including a large aft stateroom to port with excellent vertical clearance and a particularly roomy berth aft to starboard. An impressively large head sits opposite the aft berth to port.

A good-size L-shaped galley and a proper navigation desk flank the companionway. Farther forward are long settees and a folding dining table. On the swing-keel version, the centerboard trunk is incorporated into the central table; the fixed-keel version opens the space slightly.

The boat can sleep six on trips of two weeks or less, but four is a more realistic number for extended cruising. There are three or four good sea berths.

Engine and Maintenance

The engine compartment is where the boat’s compact dimensions are most apparent. It’s cramped enough to make routine maintenance difficult. Access to the oil filter is poor, and the battery must be removed to gain full access to the raw-water pump impeller housing.

The only engine offered is a 21hp Yanmar diesel with saildrive. A Flexofold folding propeller is optional.

The Verdict

The Sun Odyssey 319 fits genuine cruising accommodation and lively handling into a 32ft hull that performs beyond what its length might suggest. Its twin rudders and well-considered cockpit make it enjoyable and precise to sail, while the bright interior, generous headroom, and two-cabin layout suit a family well. The trade-off for that much accommodation in a compact boat is a tight, awkward-to-service engine compartment.

Pros