Design and Construction
Lombard’s hull has a reverse sheer and a hard chine that extends well forward of its 11ft 3in maximum beam. Both features increase interior volume and add form stability without deepening the boat.
The wide hull is built from hand-laid fiberglass, with a bonded fiberglass grid carrying the rig and keel loads. Jeanneau used its Prisma injection-molding process for the deck, which has an end-grain balsa core.
A low cabintop gives this short, beamy hull a sleek profile. The cockpit’s high coaming remains comfortable and secure when the boat heels. At the stern, a very large manually operated drop-down transom—with gas-shock assistance—creates a walk-through bathing platform that young families appreciate. It’s larger than the platform on the 409.
Keel, Rudders, and Handling
The standard fin keel has an elongated bulb and lifting wings and draws 6ft 6in. A winged shoal keel reduces draft to 4ft 10in, allowing access to shallower anchorages while still providing optimal lift and reduced drag. A swing keel was rumored during the launch period but was not confirmed.
Twin rudders maintain their grip at every angle of heel. A Yachting Monthly tester found that their control made the wind feel a couple of forces lighter than it was. The boat is responsive at the helm, easy to handle, and tacks without hesitation.
Under power, the 21hp Yanmar and fixed three-blade prop drove the boat at 6.1 knots on flat water at 2,900 rpm. Unlike her larger sisters, the 349 was not offered with the 360 Docking joystick system.
Rig and Sail Plan
The Seldén fractional rig uses double aft-swept spreaders and requires no backstay, although one can be specified. The classic main and 110 percent jib carry 613ft²; the optional square-top main adds 11 percent to that sail area. A furling mainsail is also available, and the headsail uses a Facnor furler.
Instead of genoa tracks, the 349 uses friction rings carried over from the Sun Fast series. The “Y” bridle mainsheet also runs through friction rings, eliminating the need for a traveler and leaving the rigid vang to control leech twist. Four Harken winches and Spinlock jammers keep the lines within reach of the crew.
The cockpit’s open aft corners form a pair of seats beside the twin wheels. Forward, a bowsprit carries a furling cruising chute.
In testing, the boat preferred to sail pinned in flat. She made 5.3 knots in 10 knots of true wind at 40 degrees and 6.1 knots when cracked off to 60 degrees in 11 knots.
Accommodations
Buyers can choose between two layouts. The two-cabin version has a large head with a separate shower stall and extra port lazarette space. The three-cabin version provides three true double cabins and a single head.
The saloon has 6ft 3in of headroom and a drop-leaf table that seats four. A dedicated aft-facing navigation station uses the port settee as its seat. Large hullports and double forecabin doors help keep the interior bright.
To starboard, the L-shaped galley includes a single sink, a two-burner stove, an optional microwave, and a Frigoboat top-loading fridge. Bottle lockers are built into the table and galley bulkhead. Counter space, however, is limited for serious provisioning.
The forward V-berth sits above the water tank. Modular features, including a removable seat and retractable chart table, allow the living spaces to adapt as the day progresses.
Known Issues
The twin-rudder arrangement has one clear drawback: the wheels lack feel. The Yachting Monthly reviewer called this the sole drawback of the configuration.
The same tester also observed that reefing the jib reduces its leech control.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 349 is a thoughtfully packaged small cruiser that feels and functions like a larger boat. Lombard’s chined hull and twin rudders give it real composure in punchy conditions. Yachting Monthly drove the boat upwind in 30-knot gusts with both reefs in and still found her bounding.
The open, trackless deck and cockpit without a backstay make short-handed sailing genuinely simple. Below, the modular saloon and choice of two- or three-cabin layouts suit both couples and families. The trade-offs are a tight galley and cabins that compromise in favor of generous shared spaces.
Pros
- Twin rudders maintain control at all heel angles and make the wind feel lighter
- The forward hard chine and reverse sheer add stability and volume without requiring a deep draft
- A rig without a backstay and friction-ring sheeting simplify the deck
- Bright, adaptable saloon with a genuine 6ft 3in of headroom
- Shoal-keel option opens up shallower cruising grounds
Cons
- Twin wheels lack tactile feel
- Jib leech control suffers when the headsail is reefed
- Galley counter space is limited for extended provisioning
- No joystick docking option was offered
