Design and Construction
The Sun Odyssey 350 boasts an all-new hull with a distinctive, contemporary silhouette. The hull is more muscular and beamier than its predecessor, though only by 15cm, and that beam is carried both all the way aft and much further forward, resulting in a fuller bow. A raked "negative" bow entry, a prominent chine running almost the length of the waterline, and full-length hull chines that keep the waterline narrow give the boat a muscular section without sacrificing a narrow entry. The bow stands clear of the waterline, which facilitates docking manoeuvres and handling in light wind. Above the waterline, a low coachroof with a single long window, a pair of hull windows, a slightly reversed sheerline, and an open transom define the profile. The deck is injection moulded to reduce weight above the waterline while hull construction is in hand-laid fibreglass.
Rig and Handling
The walk-around side deck that defines the current generation debuted in 2018 on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 and has since become a brand trademark; on the 350 it permits safe and easy egress from the cockpit to the foredeck. The boat offers stepless access from the cockpit to the side decks by means of a walkthrough aft of the wheels and up a ramp, with no obstacles to interrupt the flow of movement on board. Off-centred aft helms with twin steering wheels give the helmsperson enhanced comfort and better forward visibility. The backstayless 9/10ths fractional deck-stepped rig from Selden is supported by two spreaders swept well aft, and a moulded bowsprit projects the tack point 40cm forward. Test sailors found the twin rudders developed steerage quickly at low speeds, and on the helm she remained remarkably well balanced for such a beamy boat — even heeled to 20º with the chine dug in, she tracked obediently to windward with hands off the wheel. As with all twin rudder boats, there is slightly less feedback than from a single rudder, and the stainless steel wheels made the helm a little heavy; the optional composite wheels would liven this up.
Accommodations
Jeanneau distinguishes the 350 from its predecessor by innovation to further improve quality of life in the cockpit, and below the companionway has three gently-sloping steps down to a saloon bathed in light from wide windows in the hull and coachroof. A central drop-leaf table is flanked by a pair of long settees, and indirect lighting contributes to a warm, serene atmosphere in the evening. Standing headroom runs over 1.85 metres throughout, with accommodation reports citing 190cm forward, 193cm aft, and 189cm at the aft end of the saloon. Owners can choose teak or gray cedar for furniture and joiner work, with light or dark oak floorboards. The portside head/shower compartment would not be out of place on a 45- or 50-foot yacht, while opposite sits a workable L-shaped galley to starboard with a top-opening fridge and two-burner gas oven. The boat is offered in two- or three-cabin layouts; the twin-stateroom version has a V-berth forward accessed through swinging double doors, a large double berth aft to starboard, and a generous stowage locker to port reachable from the cockpit or head. All berths are 2m long, with the forward V-berth 180cm wide at the head and the aft berth 160cm wide.
Known Issues
Period reviews of the 350 noted a few specific shortcomings rather than systemic faults. The Alpi-wood veneers felt thin, and corners without solid-wood mouldings could be vulnerable to wear. On the water, testers found the mainsheet strops — a solution that works well in place of a traveller — were a little too long and they couldn't get quite enough leach tension to fully power up the main. These are narrow, correctable items rather than structural concerns.
Refits and Ownership
The 350 is offered with distinct equipment packages that shape ownership. The Performance package on the test boat included a traditional square-topped fully battened mainsail, a dedicated sprit for the code zero and ground tackle, a double-ended mainsheet doing double duty as the traveller, and floating friction rings for jib leads. The Voyager package adds a spray hood/dodger, a removable inner forestay for heavy weather sails, and a coachroof solar panel with charging relay. Harken winches, Spinlock clutches, Carbonautica wheels, Facnor FlatDeck furling gear, a Quick windlass, and Selden spars with a solid Rodkicker vang appeared on the test boat. Access to the 29hp Yanmar is good, with all systems reachable from the forward end below the companionway steps, and a shaft drive transmission couples to a fixed three-bladed prop.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 350 is a considered step forward from a proven platform, pairing an all-new muscular hull with the now-signature walk-around deck and a balanced twin-rudder helm. It is a genuine evolution rather than a reskin, and the accommodation plan makes smart use of the beam without feeling bloated.
Pros
- Walk-around side decks with stepless cockpit access and no obstacles to movement
- Twin helms with enhanced forward visibility and well-balanced steering
- Bright, contemporary saloon with over 1.85m standing headroom throughout
- Three keel options including a lifting keel for drying-out flexibility
- Good engine access and practical systems layout
Cons
- Thin Alpi-wood veneers and unmoulded corners vulnerable to wear
- Mainsheet strops a touch long for full mainsail power-up
- Slightly reduced helm feedback typical of twin-rudder designs
