The boat earned a reputation as a fast, seaworthy sailboat with a high-quality interior. It’s a considered cruising platform rather than a stripped-out racer.
Design and Construction
The hull is solid, hand-laid fiberglass. The balsa-cored deck is built using Jeanneau’s proprietary Prisma injection-molding process, which allows the builder to monitor closely the amount of resin going into the fabrication.
A fiberglass grid set into the lower hull handles rig and keel loads under sail. It also supports the cabinetry, cabin sole, and other structures belowdecks. The single rudder has a composite stock.
Above the waterline, bevelled deck edges, numerous hatches and windows, and molded-in antiskid complete the practical, modern cruising shell. Testers found the antiskid more than adequate.
Rig and Deck Plan
The 439’s innovative deck plan is intended to keep sailing simple. Its double-spreader, deck-stepped mast is supported by 1×19 stainless steel shrouds and a manually adjustable split backstay. The chainplates are tucked inboard beside the low cabintrunk, so the side decks stay clear.
A German mainsheet system leads to winches and clutches at both helm stations. The genoa tracks sit in recessed grooves on the cabintop, keeping them out from underfoot. A covered line bin is positioned just outboard of each wheel.
The arrangement does have a drawback. Because the same winches also handle the jibsheets, test sailors found it impossible to trim the main and jib simultaneously from one side. On the reviewed boat, the primary winches were Harken Rewind Radial electrics, which can both trim and ease a loaded line at the push of a button.
Performance Under Sail and Power
Test sailors described the 439 as quite simply a joy to sail—steady when needed and nimble when asked. She sliced through a short, stiff chop rather than pounding over it and came through the wind effortlessly during tacks.
During the test, with about 23 knots of wind and a lack of tuning, the boat felt overpowered. That was a reminder of the importance of rig tune on a 21,253-pound hull carrying 6,285 pounds of standard ballast.
Under power, the 439 did everything the testers asked, even when placed broadside to the wind. She backed and threaded figure eights in forward and reverse at will.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The 439 was offered with two, three, or four cabins. Aft, the layout provides either one stateroom or two double cabins. Forward, buyers could choose a large owner’s stateroom with a work desk or a smaller V-berth arrangement.
The saloon is spacious and comfortable, with a table and wraparound settee to starboard. The table folds down flush with the settee to create a double berth. Headroom is 6 feet 5 inches. The forward berth measures 6 feet 8 inches by 4 feet 8 inches, while the aft berth measures 6 feet 7 inches by 4 feet 11 inches.
An L-shaped galley sits to starboard of the companionway. It’s arranged to pass food either forward or up through the companionway. Its position also gives the cook something to brace against in rough weather.
Test sailors noted the wide cockpit and the clear passage between the twin helms. This leads aft to a drop-down swim platform and boarding ladder.
Equipment and Options
Standard auxiliary power came from a 54-horsepower Yanmar. Jeanneau also offered its proprietary 360 Docking system as an option. Controlled by a single joystick, it coordinates a pivoting saildrive leg aft with a lateral thruster forward.
Twin anchor rollers project beyond the stem, almost like a mini-bowsprit. The boat carries a CE Category A10/B11/C12 rating for offshore capability.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 439 is a thoughtfully modern cruiser, combining a beamy, chined hull with a carefully monitored deck-molding process, an easy-to-handle deck plan, and a comfortable, conventional interior. Its accommodation options range from two to four cabins.
The boat sails with composure and handles precisely under power. However, because the mainsheet and jibsheets share winches, the crew must plan its trimming sequence when working from one side.
Pros
- Solid, hand-laid hull and resin-controlled, balsa-cored deck
- Inboard chainplates and recessed genoa tracks keep the decks clear
- Spacious saloon with a convertible berth and a well-positioned L-shaped galley
- Nimble under sail and precise under power in close quarters
Cons
- Shared winches prevent simultaneous main and jib trimming from one side
- Felt overpowered in 23 knots without proper rig tuning
