Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The 45 DS carries a voluminous hull of solid fiberglass laminate with a liner spreading the forces of keel and rig, and its raised coachroof left testers with the impression of vast interior volume dockside. The overall lines are leaner and lower than many deck-saloon predecessors, particularly in the flow between cabin roof and cockpit coaming, and the boat has lost the "bubble" effect seen on older Jeanneaus. Its cat's-eye windows are actually larger than those on the bigger 54 DS, while the low-profile coachroof creates a large working area on the foredeck. Moulded GRP decks give good grip and a teak toerail keeps feet securely on deck; the joinery was still in good condition after several years of use. With an aft cockpit, a raised cockpit floor provides headroom for an ample after stateroom or twin double cabins, and the elevated saloon floor yields terrific eye-level visibility as well as copious storage bins beneath the floorboards.

Rig and Handling

The boat is fitted with a 9/10 fractional Z-Spars rig, two sets of swept-back spreaders, and a hydraulically adjustable split backstay, carrying a powerful fully-battened mainsail and a large overlapping genoa. All lines are led aft, with single-line slab reefs led back to the cockpit, though the high boom and mainsheet forward of the companionway keep the cockpit clear at the cost of needing a couple of mast steps to manage the sail's head. Off Les Sables, writing in Cruising World, testers found her coursing upwind at an effortless 7 knots in moderate breeze, and with 15–20 degrees of heel she was very well mannered; beyond that there was some weather helm, and pushed hard in stronger gusts she had a slight tendency to round up to the wind. Off the wind she sat up and accelerated, feeling well under control, and in light conditions handles like a much smaller boat than she is. A 54hp Yanmar pushed her at 6 knots at 2,000rpm and 7.5 knots flat out. The performance rig and deeper keel option was welcomed by one owner, and the boat was tested in that configuration with plenty of power even in light airs.

Accommodations

Below decks, large windows and a pale wood finish give a bright, spacious feeling, with hull ports offering views from the saloon table and recessed grabrails running the length of the saloon. The boat was available in two- and three-cabin versions; the two-cabin layout places a full-width owners' cabin aft for a palatial hideaway but limits berths to four, while the three-cabin version puts a pleasant, private forward owners' cabin with an en-suite heads and closed-off shower. Two rather cave-like aft cabins gain daylight from hatches opening into the cockpit. The L-shaped galley is tucked away with two fridges, a double sink, and a freezer, letting the cook work without being in the way while companionway steps provide bracing. A forward-facing chart table seats comfortably but lacks bracing for offshore navigation on port tack, and the contoured surface limits paper-chart space. The saloon table seats at least six, and a "juke box" locker by the chart table hides a mirror-lined drinks cabinet.

Known Issues

With all lines led aft there was a lot of rope lying on deck and a lack of storage made for a bit of a snakes' wedding; rope bags would have helped, though the later 41 DS and 44 DS gained rope bins in the cockpit sole. The high boom and forward mainsheet mean mast steps are needed to zip the cover. Some may find the cockpit exposed and handling too tender in a real blow, and getting to the pontoon during berthing could be tricky where flexibility or speed is limited. A narrow ledge outside the cockpit coaming warrants caution, and the chart table seat lacks offshore bracing.

Refits and Ownership

Curved companionway steps lift on gas struts for engine access, all seacocks have individual access hatches despite being tucked away, and the electric switch panel is hinged for easy reach. Batteries are stowed in the aft cabins. The boat is very well thought out so a couple can easily handle her, and she is more than capable of cruising UK waters, the Mediterranean, or the trade winds.

The Verdict

The Sun Odyssey 45 DS is a high-volume cruiser with ample space to live aboard, blending deck-saloon brightness with a responsive, light-air performance hull. She is a competent, well-rounded, and homely boat whose raised saloon and clever storage suit couples who want open visibility in a monohull.

Pros