Oceanis 38 v Jeaneau SO 379

[Yosi]

I'm starting my homework in preparation for purchasing a new boat. I'm still at early stage and can be persuaded over different makes and models. So far my front runner is Bavaria Vision 42, but I don't think I want to spend this kind of money. So the two runner ups are the Oceanis 38 and SO 379. Any information or experience you have with either would be appreciated. I sailed the Oceanis 38 and liked it, but never sailed a Jeaneau.

 

[NiceBeny]

I'm starting my homework in preparation for purchasing a new boat. I'm still at early stage and can be persuaded over different makes and models. So far my front runner is Bavaria Vision 42, but I don't think I want to spend this kind of money. So the two runner ups are the Oceanis 38 and SO 379. Any information or experience you have with either would be appreciated. I sailed the Oceanis 38 and liked it, but never sailed a Jeaneau.

Remember this is a beneteau site, I have always wanted one and now I own one, great boat

 

[Jackdaw]

The O38 is a nifty boat. Hard not to like, in any of it's forms. The 379 is for sure more performance oriented. On the race course I expect it to be quite a bit faster.

This is in part due to Beneteau's First series. It allows the Oceanis range to much more cruiser oriented than the jeanneau which does not have a First equivalent. ( nope the sun fast 3600 does not count)

 

[Yosi]

Thanks Jackdaw that's exactly the kind of comments I was looking for.

 

[Jackdaw]

No problem. Note that while I've been on both, I've only sailed the 38.

One other thing that might factor.. The 38 with outboard shrouds is designed to only fly non-overlapping headsails. The 379 has either a 90% self tacker, OR can fly a bigger genoa back to tracks. This bigger genoa might help you in light airs, or while reaching if you do not plan on having a light air reaching on a furler on the 38.

I own a boat with a non-overlapping-only rig, and it's spectacular most of the time. But cannot imagine not having a reaching sail for light airs.

 

[mgacka]

I'm starting my homework in preparation for purchasing a new boat. I'm still at early stage and can be persuaded over different makes and models. So far my front runner is Bavaria Vision 42, but I don't think I want to spend this kind of money. So the two runner ups are the Oceanis 38 and SO 379. Any information or experience you have with either would be appreciated. I sailed the Oceanis 38 and liked it, but never sailed a Jeaneau.

I just made a similar decision between and Jenneau and Beneteau in the 45' range. After sailing on both there was absolutely no question about the direction I would go; the Beneteau is a MUCH more comfortable boat to sail!