Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 boat test

As the entry and exit point for a bevy of buyers, the smallest model in a boat range often carries the heaviest weight of expectations. Added to this, in the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350’s case, is the burden of replacing a best-selling predecessor.

That the all-new, 10.4m cruising yacht succeeds with aplomb is testament to the Lombard Design Group and in-house experts who were smart enough to keep both the baby and the bathwater when looking to improve the former SO349 – a design that recorded 1180 sales over a 10-year run.

Notably, some of the key features from Jeanneau’s larger models are integrated into the smaller envelope, including an uninterrupted bow-to-stern walkway that doesn’t impact the cockpit’s space or functionality. Easy on the feet, but no easy feat.

The first significant change of many is evident at the bow, where the SO349’s stainless steel sprit has been replaced by a GRP moulding that holds the anchor clear of the reverse-raked stem. There’s also attachments for code sails and asymmetrics.

Further aft, the deep angled anchor locker allows chain to fall freely and offers room for a windlass that’s operable from the cockpit. An inner forestay can be attached for a storm jib and extra mast support.

Absent on the cabin roof or sidedeck are headsail tracks, which eliminates a prime source of leaks and also toe stubs. Instead, the SO350 uses a tweaker system with friction rings. Nor is there a mainsail traveller – rather, a rope bridle is strung above the companionway. 

To appreciate just how good the sidedeck/cockpit access is, imagine you have to singlehandedly pick up a mooring. Usually that involves jumping onto the seat, leaping over the coaming like a lemming, and bolting forward while clutching a boat hook.

Not here. Take a step to the left or right of either offset wheel, then stroll up a slight incline until the wide sidedecks level out and you pass the external chainplates without so much as kicking a cleat, track or shroud.

The spacious cockpit seating area scores equally high marks for safety, being devoid of mainsheets and winches. It can be shielded by a combination of canvas dodger, extended bimini and side clears to create a cosy al fresco dining and cocktail nook for six people.

The wheels are located well aft, offering both a transom quarter seat for the skipper and room to stand. The starboard steering console houses the throttle, a multifunction display and chain counter; to port are the sailing instruments.

A transom gate lowers like a drawbridge, using a pulley system, and finishes a step below the cockpit sole for use as boarding platform and SUP launch pad. Exploiting the hull’s 3.59m beam, there’s ample room to don snorkelling gear, and a boarding ladder is recessed so as not to present a trip hazard.

It may feel larger but this isn’t a 35-footer as the name suggests – hull length is under 33ft, or 9.99m to be precise, so the space utilisation is remarkable. The interior design execution is modern and hard-edged, trending more toward clinical than classical yet nevertheless timelessly contemporary.

The new hull is beamier (by 15cm) than the SO349 and its sections are fuller overall to increase volume. As an example, the V-berth gains 15cm of width over its predecessor and the compartment has twin bulkhead doors for privacy.

Twin aft cabins are optional, however this sacrifices the shower compartment. The single aft cabin version would be my preference as it also provides a wider berth.

Where the SO349 carried a 21hp Yanmar, standard power has been upgraded to 28hp, again Yanmar and again shaft drive to reduce service costs and potential raw-water intake issues. That’s plenty of grunt for a 5.6t hull and encourages you to operate in the rpm sweet spot to conserve the 130lt of fuel.

Water capacity is 206lt, which a family would soon consume, so optioning the additional 130lt tank is advisable.

As an entry-level family sailboat, the SO350 allows for crew inexperience while also catering for older folk who might sail short- or single-handed. The sail systems couldn’t be more efficient or manageable.

There’s no backstay and a self-tacking headsail option is available, as is in-mast furling. The classic rig has twin swept-back spreaders and a 110 per cent overlapping genoa. Racing crews can specify a performance pack with a square-topped main and upgraded sail material.

Then comes a choice of keels, ranging from a shoal draft of 1.49m and a standard draft of 1.98m to a hinged lifting keel that goes from 1.28m to 2.54m. Our test boat had the deeper fixed keel with 1580kg of cast iron ballast and was definitely no slouch. It pointed well, with no discernible leeway, span easily through tacks and accelerated smartly.

Two spade rudders maintain light and precise command of the full-bodied hull, even when heeled. That said, you lose the benefits of propwash flowing over the rudder when reversing under motor.

We saw speeds of 6.5 knots (12km/h) on a close reach in moderate airs and the polars show that 8s and 9s are within the 350’s hitting zone.

All of this adds to the appeal of a relatively affordable, exceptionally handsome and immensely likeable yacht that seems ideal for either big, happy families or empty-nesting couples. The smallest Sun Odyssey it may be, but the 350 accommodates six at a pinch, passengers can sit clear of lines and sheets, and you can move about comfortably without tripping over something or someone.

If any boat can surpass the 349’s popularity, this one can.

Price correct as of March 2025

• Priced from: $357,283
• Price as tested: $434,464
  

• LOA: 10.4m
• Hull length: 9.99m
• Beam: 3.59m
• Displacement: 5656kg
• Draft (as tested): 1.49m
• Power: 29hp Yanmar diesel
• Fuel capacity: 130lt
• Water capacity: 206lt

• A FULL REVIEW OF THE JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 350 RAN IN THE FEBRUARY-MARCH (VOLUME 40.1) ISSUE OF CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
• VISIT JEANNEAU AUSTRALIA FOR MORE INFORMATION.