Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sun Odyssey 45 DS benefits immensely from its Philippe Briand hull, which features a long waterline and a relatively fine entry that helps it slice through chop more effectively than many of its beamier contemporaries. While the "Deck Saloon" designation often implies a heavy, sluggish cruiser, the 45 DS maintains a respectable Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 188, placing it firmly in the light-to-moderate displacement category for a blue-water capable cruiser.
In a technical review by Cruising World, testers noted that the boat remains remarkably balanced even when pressed, thanks to its deep-draft keel option (6' 8") and a high-aspect rudder that provides excellent bite. Most 45 DS models were delivered with in-mast furling and a 140% overlapping genoa; while this configuration prioritizes ease of handling for short-handed couples, it can lead to significant weather helm if the headsail is not reefed early in breezes exceeding 18 knots. The boat’s performance in light air is surprisingly agile for a deck saloon, though it truly finds its stride on a reach, where the Briand hull shape minimizes drag and allows the vessel to easily maintain speeds in the 7.5 to 8.5-knot range.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the 45 DS is where Vittorio Garroni’s influence is most palpable, moving away from traditional "nautical" dark woods toward a bright, open-plan concept. The raised deckhouse is not merely an aesthetic choice; it creates a cavernous main saloon with headroom exceeding 6' 4" and allows seated guests to maintain a line of sight with the horizon—a critical factor in reducing seasickness and improving the overall sense of space.
Jeanneau offered two primary configurations:
- Two-Cabin Version: This layout is widely considered the "owner's choice," featuring a massive aft stateroom with a centerline queen-sized berth and an en-suite head with a separate shower stall.
- Three-Cabin Version: This variant splits the aft section into two separate double cabins. While popular in Mediterranean charter fleets, it sacrifices the expansive feel of the master suite.
Both versions share a well-appointed U-shaped galley to starboard and a dedicated navigation station to port. The use of light-colored Alpi teak or FineTeak veneers, combined with the abundance of natural light from the oversized ports, distinguishes the 45 DS from the more utilitarian interior of its sibling, the standard Sun Odyssey 45.
Popular Mentions & Media
While the 45 DS has not been the central "character" in major cinema, it has become a staple of the modern cruising YouTube era due to its popularity as a second-hand blue-water vessel. The model is a frequent participant in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), where it consistently ranks as a top choice for families transitioning from coastal hops to ocean crossings. Yachting Monthly has highlighted the 45 DS as a benchmark for the "modern classic" deck saloon, often comparing it to the Oyster and Hylas ranges but at a more accessible production price point.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their survey on a few specific areas common to the Jeanneau builds of this era:
- Grid Bonding: Like many production boats with an internal fiberglass grid (matrix) bonded to the hull, it is essential to inspect for "hollow" sounds or cracking in the bilge area, which could indicate a separation after a hard grounding.
- Rudder Bearings: The 45 DS uses a self-aligning JEFA rudder bearing system. Over time, these can develop "slop" or become stiff if not lubricated or if the housing has moved.
- Deck Hardware Bedding: The large plexiglass "cat's eye" windows are iconic but can be prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded under high UV exposure. Inspect the interior woodwork around the windows for water staining.
- In-Mast Furling Friction: If the boat is equipped with the standard Selden in-mast furling, the foil tension and the condition of the top-swivel should be verified, as a jammed furler on a boat of this sail area can be a serious safety concern.
Community & Resources
Owners of the 45 DS are supported by a robust international network. The Jeanneau Owners Network is the primary technical resource, offering a massive archive of user manuals, wiring diagrams, and DIY modification guides specifically for the Sun Odyssey DS range. Additionally, because the 45 DS shares a hull and many mechanical systems with the standard Sun Odyssey 45, technical support for engine (usually Yanmar 4JH series) and plumbing systems is widely available globally.
The Verdict
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS remains one of the most sought-after mid-sized cruisers on the brokerage market because it successfully balances two often-conflicting goals: it looks like a modern luxury apartment inside, but it sails like a performance monohull.
Pros:
- Exceptional Natural Light: The deck saloon windows transform the living experience below deck.
- Proven Hull: The Philippe Briand design ensures the boat is fast and stable in most sea states.
- Owner’s Suite: The aft cabin in the 2-cabin version is arguably the best in its class for boats under 50 feet.
Cons:
- Cockpit Depth: The raised deckhouse makes the cockpit feel slightly more "on" the boat than "in" it compared to the standard SO 45.
- Windage: The high-profile coachroof can make the boat "skittish" in tight marina maneuvers during high crosswinds.
- Mainsail Control: The absence of a traveler on many models (using a bridle system instead) limits fine-tuning of the mainsail shape.
