The newest boat in the Jeanneau range and a superb way in which to start the new year, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 will change your perception around small boat sailing.
Hows it laid out?
The general principle of the new Sun Odyssey 349, designed by Marc Lombard & Jeanneau design, is based on the same ideals and concepts and lines as its larger stablemates in the rest of the popular Sun Odyssey range, the boat is very versatile offering a number of different cabin layouts and ergonomic twin wheel configuration for maximum comfort and space afloat.
The Sun Odyssey 349 comes with a number of different layout options including a forward cabin as standard with plenty of headroom thanks to an aggressive and naturally curved shear line running from the bow to the aft, and a choice of either 1 double cabin with optional drop down berth in the locker area or two full sized doubles at the aft section.
The Sun Odyssey 349 is created to allow everyone to get out onto the water in a manageable and enjoyable package in keeping with the high performance capabilities as the rest of the range, equipped with the same twin rudder and keel configuration as its larger siblings she will offer great responsiveness and rigidity. This boat comes as standard with a classic mast which can be either a standard Dacron sail or can be upgraded to include a ‘Fathead’ mainsail offering a great sail plan, if however cockpit sailing is for you the select the optional in-mast furling main sail for ease of cruising with all lines running aft to the cockpit so you never need go on deck again.
The boat is offered in two different keel configurations, a standard keel at 1.98m, a shoal draft keel at 1.49m and a hydraulic lift keel mechanism which provides an astounding full depth keel of 2.54m lifted to a minimum of 1.26m when retracted.
What is she like on deck….
Cockpit – The cockpit of the Jeanneau 349 is one of the key features on this new boat, laid out with twin wheels this feels like the cockpit of a much larger boat coupled with a large drop down transom swim platform for ease of access in and out of the water or ashore there is plenty to like here. There is the option of the wooden table upgrade, extra winches and the boat can be equipped with B&G Zeus touch 7 displays at either or both helms.
“the twin wheel configuration
really opens the cockpit up“
To the forward section of the cockpit you will find ample seating and the two cockpit lockers to either side, these complement the double floor lockers at the aft which have good storage within and also the sheet tidies for both helms. The port side locker under the seat can be configured to either offer a shallow insert rope and lines locker or give access right through into the full depth sail locker below.
At the centre of the cockpit is the main cockpit table, optional in GRP or wood as pictured with folding leaves either side and storage within this whole area provides a great entertaining and lounging space whilst toward the forward end of the cockpit, there are yet more clever ideas as all the lines are run aft leaving the cockpit clear and with compartments to tail lines into at either helm there is no risk of tripping on a line or having to rest against uncomfortable running rigging.
“the split companionway hatch offers a easy solution to both the
usual question of stowage and companionway step height”
A further innovative feature to be found here is the gangway hatch which splits either side of the companionway itself negating the need to stow it whilst underway, having it fixed in this way also negates the risk of accidentally dropping the hatch when moving it around and causing damage whilst at the same time allowing the designers to lower the threshold step.
Hows it all powered…
The companion way covering the engine has very wide stairs offering grips and a shallow angle of descent for safety, the engine access itself is very straightforward as the whole companion way easily leans forward or can be removed entirely if required. The engine itself is the long term favourite Yanmar 20HP model engine on a shaft drive and has been mounted a long way forward so checks can be easily done from the front or through the panels from each side or from the rear, giving this outstanding access all around.
Moving inside….
Below decks the boat can be configured in a number of ways with either a 2 cabin version which incorporates a large sail locker and very well proportioned heads or a 3 cabin version which offers well balanced aft cabins for larger groups. The saloon itself is very flexible offering with a fold up chart table to and pull out stool option to make entertaining on board easy and ensuring that whilst the folding table is fully opening it is still simple to move around whilst not compromising general sailing functions.
Galley area – The galley is a large compartmentalised space, nearly matching that of the larger Jeanneau 379 with an adequate sink and fridge, plenty of stowage in the cupboards which are on folding hinges to the side of the galley finished in the same slate as the worktop give a superb contrast and high quality finish to the galley along with the obligatory bottle stowage for those longer evenings.
“the slate effect tops and cupboards finish provide a superb contrast and high quality finish to the galley”
To the underside of the double burner hob is a large compartment for storing pots and pans spice rack unit and in addition to this under the sink you will find extra cupboard space.
Saloon area – The saloon offers a very good layout building on that of its predecessor with a folding table in the centre and bench style seating to either side. In this boat the designers have ensured that they maximise stowage and the feeling of light down below so have replaced the traditional vertical lockers with more spacious deep lockers behind the saloon seating, this in turn allows the designer to insert a large hull port giving a view out of the saloon when seated.
The folding table in the centre of the saloon is easily accessed from both sides of the boat and offers a compartment for storing bottles or other items, in addition to this the mast reinforcing post is placed as far forward as possible to avoid interfering with the use of the table itself.
The saloon is finished in the white crosshatched fabric as the rest of the Sun Odyssey range which is removable and easily cleaned.
Navigation station – The navigation station is to the starboard side which offers a good table area for the class size with lift up lid and concealed book stowage. When not in use the whole table simply lifts up and secures vertically out of the way when using the main saloon table to maintain ease of movement around the cabin.
The accommodation…
Forward cabin – The forward cabin is now open to the main saloon with large opening double doors, improving again on the previous bi-fold arrangement, with a good v-berth forward, deck hatch and stowage cupboard this berth is well conceived and opens nicely onto the saloon to add to the feeling of spaciousness.
Aft Cabin – This aft cabin offers an effective owners berth, with indirect lighting along the shelf edge and large opening hatch into the cockpit which provides ventilation and natural light. There is a good sized hanging locker and LED lighting to save on the always important batteries.
“the flexible saloon and navigation station maintain the sense of space throughout“
In summary…
This is a wonderful addition to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range, beating many of its competitors on finish and flexibility whilst building on many of the features the rest of the range offers whilst at the same time pushing the boundaries what is possible in a 34ft yacht in a way only Jeanneau can.
If you have any questions about this boat we haven’t covered then just get in touch
Key Figures
Length overall | 10.34 m / 33’11” |
Hull length | 9.97 m / 32’8″ |
Hull beam | 3.44 m / 11’3″ |
Light displacement | 5350 kg / 11795 lbs |
Standard keel draught | 1.98 m / 6’5″ |
Fuel capacity | 130L / 34 US gal |
Water capacity | 206L / 54 US gal |
Cabins | 2 – 3 |
Motor | 21 HP CV / 15 Kw |
CE Category | A6 (en cours – in process) |
Total standard sail area | 55.3 m² / 595 sq ft |