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Odissey review
Sailing yacht · 42 ft (13 m) · Cancun
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Jeanneau
- Model
- Jeanneau
- Length
- 42 ft (13 m)
- Guests
- 2
- Cabins
- 2
Verdict
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42i is a practical, well-balanced cruising yacht with good cockpit space, a manageable sail plan and comfortable liveaboard potential. It is not the lightest or most exhilarating 42-footer, but it remains a solid charter and family cruiser with decent value and generally predictable handling.
Pros
- +Fractional sloop rig with manageable sail area for cruising
- +Wide cockpit and twin-helm layout support easy passage making
- +Two-cabin charter layouts offer more space per guest
- +54 hp Yanmar provides adequate power for a boat this size
- +Strong livability for short cruises and liveaboard use
Cons
- −Displacement and cruising setup limit sporty performance
- −Cabin count varies by configuration, so listings are inconsistent
- −Length and engine figures differ across sources and need verification
- −Not a high-immersion performance cruiser in light air
- −Older model, so condition matters more than brochure specs
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42i is a cruising-oriented 42-foot sailing yacht with the volume and cockpit layout expected of an early-2000s Jeanneau. Official and third-party specs place the boat around 42 feet overall, with a beam just over 13 feet, a fractional sloop rig, and a 54 hp Yanmar diesel. It is commonly listed with either two or three cabins depending on layout, which makes it adaptable but also means charter descriptions should be checked carefully.
Under sail, the 42i is best viewed as a steady, easy-to-manage cruiser rather than a sharp performance boat. Its moderate displacement, generous beam and sensible rig make it predictable and forgiving, especially for couples or small crews. It should handle coastal passages and relaxed offshore cruising competently, though it is unlikely to feel especially lively in very light air or compared with more performance-focused designs.
Comfort is one of its clearer strengths. The layout can support good sleeping capacity, with two bathrooms in many charter-ready versions, and the cockpit volume is strong for a boat of this length. With air conditioning and Wi‑Fi on some charter examples, the model is well suited to vacation use. Overall value is good if the individual boat has been maintained properly, but the age of the platform and the variation in listings mean condition and exact configuration matter a great deal.
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