JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 34.2
As with the Oceanis, there were 2-, and 3-cabin models available. The twin aft cabins are a little pokey, but in the former the cabin and berth are much enlarged, along with a more spacious heads compartment. The forecabin is the same in both, and with the vee berth ending in a sharp point, two tall occupants could play footsie all night!
Also similar to the Oceanis 351, the saloon has a dinette arrangement with an oval table and a linear galley opposite, although there’s a short, backless sliding bench on the centreline that adds extra seating.
The chart table is a good size and forwardfacing with its own seat.
The interior joinery is good quality with oodles of satin-varnished teak veneer giving her a warm and cosy atmosphere below.
Her side decks are rather narrow but kept clear by mounting the genoa tracks on the coachroof. Annoyingly, though this offers a better sheeting angle, it means the genoa sheets are led to winches on the coachroof, along with the mainsheet, both well out of the helmsman’s reach.
She has a short mast, resulting in quite a conservative sail area. While this means she can hold onto her canvas a little longer before reefing, it doesn’t win her any silver around the cans. Saying that, she is lighter than the Beneteau and, with her deeper keel helping her to point close to the wind, their performance under sail is probably not dissimilar. Besides, most bought this boat as a family cruiser and her somewhat sedate sailing performance was probably not at the top of their priorities list.