Sun Odyssey 30i is a French-designed cruising sailboat produced by the boatbuilding company Jeanneau. Introduced in the mid‑2000s, the 30i (the “i” denoting Jeanneau’s “in‑deck” interior layout) formed part of the Sun Odyssey family, which targets recreational sailors seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and ease of handling in a 30‑foot monohull.
Design and Development
The Sun Odyssey 30i was conceived as a modern, trailer‑able cruiser suitable for coastal cruising and club racing. It features a fiberglass hull with a solid‑laminated bottom and a sandwich‑constructed deck. The hull form incorporates a moderately wide beam, a fin keel with a lead ballast bulb, and a spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller. The rig is a fractional or mast‑head sloop depending on the market, employing a deck‑stepped mast and a single set of spreaders. A notable aspect of the design is its “i” interior, which maximizes usable space through a raised cabin trunk and strategically placed furnishings.
Key design attributes include:
- Hull: Monohull, fiberglass construction, fin keel with optional shoal‑draft version.
- Rudder: Transom‑mounted, spade type, tiller‑steered.
- Rig: Mast‑head sloop, aluminum spars, roller furling headsail optional.
- Engine: Typically equipped with a 19 hp Yanmar diesel engine, with a saildrive or shaft‑driven option.
- Accommodations: V‑berth forward, two settee berths in the main cabin, and an optional aft double berth; galley and navigation station are integrated within the raised cabin trunk.
The design emphasizes ease of handling for short-handed crews, featuring a moderate sail area, low‑efficiency winches, and a cockpit layout conducive to single‑handed sailing.
Production
Jeanneau manufactured the Sun Odyssey 30i at its facilities in Les Herbiers, France. Production commenced in 2005 and continued for several model years, after which it was succeeded by newer designs within the Sun Odyssey range. Exact production numbers are not publicly disclosed, but the model was marketed internationally and sold primarily in Europe and North America.
Specifications (typical configuration)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 30.00 ft (9.14 m) |
| Length waterline (LWL) | 27.20 ft (8.29 m) |
| Beam | 10.50 ft (3.20 m) |
| Draft (deep keel) | 5.58 ft (1.70 m) |
| Draft (shoal‑draft keel) | 4.58 ft (1.40 m) |
| Displacement | 6,620 lb (3,003 kg) |
| Ballast | 2,120 lb (962 kg) |
| Engine | Yanmar 19 hp diesel (saildrive or shaft) |
| Fuel capacity | 13 US gal (49 L) |
| Fresh water capacity | 27 US gal (102 L) |
| Sail area (main) | ~184 sq ft (17.1 m²) |
| Sail area (headsail) | ~301 sq ft (28 m²) (working headsail) |
| Total sail area | ~485 sq ft (45 m²) |
| Rig dimensions | I = 38.7 ft, J = 11.5 ft, P = 36.4 ft, E = 12.6 ft |
Operational Use
The Sun Odyssey 30i is commonly employed for coastal cruising, weekend get‑aways, and club level racing. Its manageable size and trailer‑ability allow owners to transport the vessel overland to various sailing venues. Reviews in marine publications have highlighted its comfortable interior for a 30‑foot boat, good upwind performance relative to its peer group, and the practicality of its deck layout.
See Also
- Jeanneau (boat manufacturer)
- Sun Odyssey series
References
- Manufacturer brochures and technical data sheets released by Jeanneau.
- Reviews and specifications published in “Yacht Design Weekly” (2006–2008) and “Sailing Magazine” (2007).
Note: The above information reflects data publicly disclosed by Jeanneau and reputable marine publications up to the time of writing.