Jeanneau described the 34.2 as combining its long history of ocean-cruising sailboats with the latest in high-technology construction. The published specifications also describe a sleek, balanced hull section beneath a strong, comfortable deck.
Design and Construction
The 34.2’s proportions put it firmly among modern, beamy cruisers. It has a length-to-beam ratio of 3.05, a displacement-to-length ratio of 178, a weight of 4,650 kg, and a standard keel draught of 1.7 m.
Jeanneau presented the hull as fast and well equipped, crediting its character to the sleek, balanced hull section and strong, comfortable deck. Maximum beam is carried aft rather than amidships, trading some traditional entry finesse for more living space. That broad stern allowed Jeanneau to offer what it called three genuine cabins within a hull of this size—a layout the company claimed was a first for the class.
Rig and Deck Layout
The rig is a masthead sloop with swept spreaders and forward lowers. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.02 supports a manageable sail plan.
Practical deck geometry was clearly a priority. The narrow side decks are kept clear by mounting the genoa track on the edge of the cabintrunk, so sheet tracks don’t obstruct movement forward. The backstay is split to avoid interfering with the swim step—an important detail on a family boat intended to be boarded from astern after swimming. A recessed anchor well in the foredeck helps maintain flush, uncluttered surfaces.
The generous cockpit organizes sail handling around a protected companionway, connecting the working deck with the living space without exposing the helm to weather.
Accommodations
Jeanneau offered two interiors, both making full use of the widened stern. One has two double quarter berths. The other replaces one of those berths with a huge double quarter berth and a larger head compartment.
In the two-cabin version, the washroom is spacious, with a separate shower and toilet. Numerous storage compartments are distributed throughout the boat. The saloon has an elliptical dinette to starboard, including a small centerline seat, with the galley opposite to port. The practical galley includes a large-capacity icebox.
The interior uses teak veneer and solid teak trim finished in glowing satin varnish. The joinerwork is genuinely beautiful: Jeanneau’s description of teak woodwork highlighting an exceptionally attractive saloon is supported by the review’s account of the craftsmanship.
Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 34.2 is a focused family cruiser. Its aggressively widened stern provides accommodation volume—including a genuine three-cabin option—that was unusual in a 34-foot hull when the boat appeared.
The deck layout keeps the narrow side decks clear, while the split backstay preserves access to the swim step. Below, the finish rises above the merely functional. The boat is light on its lines for a cruiser of this displacement and carries a moderate sail plan suited to short-handed family sailing rather than all-out pace.
Pros
- First in its class to offer three genuine cabins at this length
- Broad stern provides either two double quarter berths or one huge berth and a larger head
- Teak veneer and solid trim with satin varnish, complemented by beautiful joinerwork
- Cabintrunk-mounted genoa tracks keep the narrow side decks clear
- Split backstay preserves access to the swim step
Cons
- The two-cabin version sacrifices a quarter berth to gain a larger head
- Narrow side decks may feel tight compared with those on boats with fuller bow sections
