Jeanneau SO 37

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SimonD

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Looking for our next boat (having been without one for two years). Having a Labrador on board is a consideration, so, we need easy access into a dinghy, hence walk through transom. I'd like something from this century to cut down on maintenance (such as replacing droopy headlinings: been there, done that). Plenty of room for two and said Labrador, both in cockpit and below. Decent sized heads (with shower) and good sized cabin for us (dog can have the other). Something that sails reasonably well would be a bonus. This is initially for coastal cruising, but then longer term or even live aboard for the summer (maybe heading south at some point).

The Bavaria 37 (mid-2000's model) seemed to fit the bill, but I found the interior a bit 'flat pack' and lacking in ambience). The Dufour 36 classic is OK, but the interior layout is not for us (and the cockpit seemed a bit small. However, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, two cabin version, seems to tick all the boxes.

Does anyone have any experience of the Jeanneau (good or bad) and is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks

Simon
 
Try the previous generation Bavaria 37 or 36 (1999-2002). Very different boats inside, and if you are looking for rich mahogany ambience and lots of real wood. I have a 3 cabin 37, but there are quite a few 2 cabin ones around which have a really good saloon layout.

Have all the other standard features for type of boat - walk through transom, good cockpit, easy access to cabin etc. Will shortly find out whether our new Labrador pup likes it as well!
 
I have had my Sun Odyssey 35 since new in 2005. No change on the horizon, but I have spent a few thousand on improvements.
Mine is also a 2 cabin with the extra size heads and the large wet locker to Port.
 
We have the 2 cabin version of the bav 37 from 2000.
Sails ok - if it's got orig sails then you'd need to replace them.

I believe theres an era of flat pack mfi furniture inside the awbs from 2003ish onwards - but I understand they've gone away from that in current models.

There is a huge difference between the 2001 bav 36's and the earlier 37's despite being same hull mould.
 
The SO 37 ticks all the boxes for the accomodation... But she is a bit of a lorry to sail.....

The previous SO36.2 of circa 1999 is very similar but a better sailing boat...

As tranna says the Bav 37 circa 2000 would probably tick all those boxes... And then you might be able to get the linear galley if you fancied... Plus they are Lloyds certified boats so arguably better built...

For a bit more money a SO40 DS of say 1999 vintage would be a excellent choice... Very good sailing... Excellent for the uk with that big bright interior...

Not significantly bigger than the 37, and no more difficult to handle two up in my experience...


And yes, I have sailed all of these....

If I was top threeing that list I would say....
SO 40ds
SO36.2
BAV 37


In order of sailing ability....

If I was buying myself I would take the SO40DS...

If I didn't want the size I would take the Bav 37 which is significantly less than a good SO 37...

Though I wouldn't turn down a decent SO36.2 ( but they haven't worn as well as the BAV 37... The Bavaria interiors tend to stand up better than the SO's
IMHO...)
 
Hi, we've had our 1996 Sun Odyssey 37.1 for about 4 years. Roomy, comfortable boat, and so far no problems whatsoever. Our two dogs seem to like it.

Ours is the 3 cabin version. The heads are a little cramped but you can shower if you plan the operation well.

Build quality seems good, in fact she saw us through a difficult situation once, and came through unscaved.

Sails well (fin keel), but this is only our second boat so we are not that experienced.

In-mast furling sytem works ok, jammed once or twice , but easy to fix by tightening the furler and trying again.

Soloing is difficult as the winches are on the coach roof, away from the helm.
 
Thanks for the suggestion Tranona, but I'm just not keen on the interiors of the earlier Bavs: bit dark for me; just a personal taste thing. Good luck with the Lab!

Thanks for your suggestions Photodog. The SO40 is just a bit too big and the Bav doesn't do it for me. I'll take a look at the So36.2 though.

Why do you say the SO37 is "a bit of a lorry to sail"? The only review I've got (from YM in 2000) found it "a solid but unspectacular performer". I'd settle for that. The slight stiffness in the steering they found was fixed in later models.
 
The 2003 -2006 Bavs with the lighter veneer are much brighter inside and still have a more traditional feel before they went shopping in MFI for their interiors. Bit left field but the Hanse 37 of the same period is worth a look. A bit quirky and arguably not as well finished as Bavaria and Jeanneau, but when we bought ours it was second on our short list.

As it happens I am moored next to an SO 37, and the other side of him a Hanse 37 - would be difficult to choose "best"! - each has pros and cons.
 
Last edited:
SimonD said:
Why do you say the SO37 is "a bit of a lorry to sail"? The only review I've got (from YM in 2000) found it "a solid but unspectacular performer". I'd settle for that. The slight stiffness in the steering they found was fixed in later models.
Click to expand...

I think there quote sums it up well... :D

There are better sailing boats around that age and size.... It just a bit dull and plodding IMHO... Didn't point particularly well.. (or badly...)....

When you compare her preformance to something like the 2002-3 Bavaria 36, Or the previous generation SO 36.2, or inparticular the SO40... Then you can see there is no Need to be dull and boring to be a good family boat....

They are a nice big solid 37 footer with loads of space and aheads compartment to die for.... Best shower aboard..... But it's like driving a three ton lorry in comparison with the Bav 36..... And the 1999 year SO 40 is a great boat!
 
Hiya. I know its all down to personal opinion but heres a view.

I sailed a Bavaria 37 quite a bit, found the boat responsive under power, easy to sail especially with furling main and quite roomy. Wide saloon. Also found it to be a good seaworthy vessel on a trip from Canaries to Gib.

I have used a Sun Odyssey 37 a fair bit over the last few years, actually was out on the boat all last week. I find it is a better sailing boat than the Bav, more responsive and faster. Downside, less room in saloon and that example leaked a lot. Only one saloon berth suitable for kip.

Now for the biased bit, I own a 36.2 and she is fab! Fast and responsive, still light on saloon space but I dont care! New mainsail arrives tomorrow, looking forward to going even faster!

Anyway, if you fancy a 37 Sun Odyssey in Gib, I know of 2 for sale!

Good luck with whatever you decide, none of those choices (in my opinion) are bad.

CS
 
Many thanks for all the input. I should have mentioned that we have looked at the Hanse and Beneteau, but interiors are not to our taste. Sorry if the emphasis on accommodation sounds 'unseamanlike' but we spend more time at anchor than we do sailing. And the time sailing is usually undemanding.

I wouldn't argue that there are boats that sail better or faster, but the question (for me anyway) is: is it adequate, rather then is it the best? I think I'd be happy with average performance: maybe tacking through 90 degrees, makes 6 or so knots in medium winds and feeling safe in higher winds. I get the impression that the SO 37 will do that and be reasonably rewarding to sail.
 
SimonD said:
Many thanks for all the input. I should have mentioned that we have looked at the Hanse and Beneteau, but interiors are not to our taste. Sorry if the emphasis on accommodation sounds 'unseamanlike' but we spend more time at anchor than we do sailing. And the time sailing is usually undemanding.

I wouldn't argue that there are boats that sail better or faster, but the question (for me anyway) is: is it adequate, rather then is it the best? I think I'd be happy with average performance: maybe tacking through 90 degrees, makes 6 or so knots in medium winds and feeling safe in higher winds. I get the impression that the SO 37 will do that and be reasonably rewarding to sail.
Click to expand...

It should be fine. I didn't not enjoy sailing it... It was a great platform for two weeks in the west country.... A good relaxing boat, nicely finished, perfectly adequate performance for my missus!

Get a good one and you will have many years of decent sailing!
 
SimonD
Do go and have a chat with Nigel at Sea ventures, Hamble Point. He has been a Jeanneau dealer for years. He has sailed and raced many of them. When the SO37 first came out he of course tried one out personally but soon reverted back to the 36. If I recall he felt it did sail slightly better and was more solidly put together.
 
Many thanks Photodog. "I didn't not enjoy sailing it" is good enough for me!!

Good suggestion Resolution. I did actually look at a three cabin SO and a two cabin Sun Fast with Sea Ventures at the weekend. That's what decided me on a two cabin. I'll give Nigel a call.

Simon
 
Excellent - don't apologise for personal taste .. it's important that you're happy with the interior too.

I can understand why you're going for the two cabin - they put the heads in the aft space (and still have room for a massive cockpit locker) - our heads are big enough for 2 to shower in! :o
 
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