Design and Construction
French naval architect Marc Lombard, known for sleek, powerful offshore raceboats, designed the 36 I with a fractional rig, gentle sheer, and low-slung coachroof. The result is a classic example of a contemporary performance cruiser.
The hand-laid fiberglass hull uses two layers of vinylester resin. An internal fiberglass grid, which Jeanneau calls its “3rd Generation Hull Structure,” is glued and laminated in place for strength and rigidity.
The “i” stands for injection molding. Jeanneau uses this process—in which resin is injected under pressure through closed molds—for the deck and other components. The method makes for lighter, stronger structures and cleaner, more environmentally friendly factories. It also allows the builder to create a high-quality deck with a fine finish inside and out.
The boat measures 35 feet 11 inches overall, with a 32 foot 3 inch waterline and an 11 foot 9 inch beam. Displacement is 12,566 pounds. The review text gives the standard draft as 6 feet 4 inches, while a deep draft of 6 feet 11 inches was also offered. These figures place the boat firmly in the roomy, moderate-displacement cruiser class.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The simple but powerful fractional rig carries a standard sail area of 686 square feet, giving a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of around 20.3. That’s enough to keep the boat lively in a range of conditions. Testers found that she trucked along upwind without bother and really kicked up her heels once cracked off.
The rudder was the most impressive part of the trial. Its high-aspect blade had enough bite that the crew never came close to spinning out—not always the case when high-volume hulls are paired with this type of rudder.
A single large destroyer wheel allows you to sit to windward or leeward while steering, and the cockpit can comfortably accommodate as many as six adults. In practice, however, the standard wheel’s diameter drew a mixed response. One reviewer thought it seemed too small: from either the windward or leeward side, reaching the helm required a long, unnatural stretch that made it impossible to settle into a comfortable, locked-in position. An optional larger wheel is available, and the advice from the same trial was to choose it.
With the mainsheet led to a coachroof winch, a helmsman sailing alone can’t dump the main in a gust. That’s a handling detail worth weighing for short-handed sailing.
Owners choosing the boat can specify either a traditional mainsail or an optional furling main. Jeanneau also offered a “performance” package, which increased sail area and stiffness for better sailing qualities.
Accommodations
Below, the interior is finished in warm, traditional teak with a teak-and-holly sole. The molded white overhead is accented by varnished teak strips.
Two layouts were offered: one with two aft cabins and another with only one. The single-aft-cabin version gains a much larger head with a separate shower, plus a great deal of storage in the port quarter. The accommodation also includes two sleeping cabins, one forward and one aft, both with generous double bunks. The forward cabin has a good-sized V-berth and an overhead hatch for ventilation.
The central saloon has a slightly unusual arrangement. A wraparound settee and table sit to starboard, with a single settee to port, while the U-shaped dinette seats four comfortably.
The compact galley to starboard provides plenty of counter space, twin sinks, and a large refer box. To port, the navigation station is integrated into the settee so it can also serve as a table for games or projects. When needed, the movable navigation table slides forward over the settee; when not in use, it slides aft.
Ownership and Refit Considerations
The choice between two aft cabins and a single aft cabin allows buyers to favor extra berths or gain a larger head and more storage without changing the core hull.
The injection-molded deck and finished interior suggest a boat that wears well cosmetically. Owners also have several factory configuration choices to consider, including a traditional or furling mainsail, the performance package, and the larger wheel.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 36 I is a thoughtfully modern compact cruiser. Lombard’s hull and fractional rig deliver genuine sailing performance, while the injection-molded deck and internal grid point to a rigid, well-finished structure. Both interior versions make good use of the boat’s beam.
The small standard wheel is the main ergonomic caveat, though the optional larger wheel offers a straightforward solution.
Pros
- Sleek Lombard hull and fractional rig sail well upwind and off the wind
- Injection-molded deck and “3rd Generation Hull Structure” add stiffness and finish quality
- Two interior layouts let owners prioritize berths or a larger head and more storage
- Roomy cockpit
- Navigation station integrates neatly with the port settee
Cons
- Standard wheel is too small for comfortable, locked-in steering from either side
- Coachroof-mounted mainsheet winch limits a solo helmsman’s ability to dump the main in a gust
