Design and Construction
Jeanneau made an early commitment to the deck-saloon concept, and the Sun Odyssey 50 DS feels like a mature interpretation rather than an experiment. It uses the same Briand hull design as the SO 49i, but the DS is distinguished by its saloon layout. A U-shaped dining area sits to starboard, while a settee lies to port, with a sideboard and navigation desk aft. Half a step down to starboard, the galley also serves as the passage aft to either an owner’s stateroom or twin-double staterooms.
Cruising World’s tester noted that the designers kept the deckhouse profile over the raised saloon relatively low and elevated the cockpit slightly. Together, those choices provided a surprisingly clear view forward when seated behind the wheel while increasing the room belowdecks.
Sturdy construction underpins the design, and the streamlined keel and appendices were shaped for excellent performance at sea. The comfortable, modern interior belongs to a new generation of Sun Odyssey models. Its raised sole amidships opens up the main living spaces while retaining useful stowage underneath.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The standard sailplan is electrically assisted and emphasizes easy handling. It includes a furling genoa and a battenless Quantum mainsail on a Facnor in-mast furler, along with a standard 140 percent genoa on a roller-furler. The hollow-leeched mainsail sacrifices some boatspeed for convenience. For better performance, Jeanneau offered a slab-reefed mainsail with a full-roach leech.
Two Harken electric genoa winches near the helm can handle any headsail. With help from the electric winches, an active sailor can comfortably tack the 50 DS single-handed while the crew relaxes in the commodious cockpit.
In 11 knots of wind, the boat made 6.3 knots on the wind and maintained a steady feel at the helm. Its moderately light displacement also helps make it fast in light winds.
Performance Under Power
The standard 75-horsepower Yanmar pushed the boat to more than 9 knots at 3,600 rpm. At 2,000 rpm, 7.2 knots felt tranquil. The test boat’s optional 100-horsepower diesel drove it to hull speed with throttle to spare.
Its turning circle measured just under one boatlength, and backing down in reverse was straightforward. An optional bow thruster further reduces docking anxiety in a stiff crosswind, particularly for an owner moving up from a smaller vessel.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The three-part cockpit has twin steering wheels, an open-air saloon with bench seating around a generously sized cockpit table, and an additional lounge area for relaxing underway. The twin-wheel arrangement keeps the helm station compact and the sightlines open.
Large winches and a powerful electric windlass help with handling. On-deck storage is plentiful, including a large lazaret and a huge forward sail locker capable of swallowing fenders, sails, and awnings.
Interior and Accommodations
The Deck Saloon layout caught on with Jeanneau’s customers for good reason. Jeanneau offered three interior layouts, including an owner’s cabin aft with a forward double berth suited to two couples. Two doubles aft were another option.
The saloon’s raised sole contributes to a spacious main living area while leaving usable storage beneath. The navigation table can hold a chartbook or folded paper chart, and an expansive countertop ahead provides room to spread out documents. There’s also space behind the navigation seat for a flat-screen monitor, while the chartplotter is positioned at the helm.
Taken together, the layout and abundant storage suit both cruising and charter use.
Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 50 DS is a thoughtfully executed deck-saloon cruiser. It combines a proven Briand hull with a low-profile saloon, good light-air speed, electrically assisted handling that suits short-handed sailing, and a choice of interior layouts with substantial storage. It was designed to be lived aboard and sailed short-handed without drama.
Pros
- Clear forward view from the helm, aided by the low deckhouse and elevated cockpit
- Electrically assisted sailplan that allows near-single-handed tacking
- Three interior layouts and abundant deck and sail storage
- Strong light-wind performance from moderately light displacement
Cons
- Hollow-leeched in-mast furling mainsail trades some boatspeed for convenience
- Standard 75-horsepower diesel is adequate rather than generous; 100-horsepower power was optional
