Just came back from a week with a
Jeanneau SO 349. Sailing was excellent even in high winds (max 8+) and with pretty much used
sails (charter). Very stable and the rudders are working easy and direct.
Interior is crap.
Cheap build and there is not even a minimum of atmosphere inside.
Also the mainsheet system is nothing I would like to have on my
boat. Sluggishly and, with all lines redirected to the
helm, very uncomfortable with only one winsh per side. All the lines on the flor. If rough conditions with no time to clear them up. Dangerous if you need to change from one side to the other. Steady Woolings!
Reefing systems is also very sluggishly. Need smaller ropes. Standard is 10-12mm. Far to thick.
But sailing, after all the trimming
work was done, was a real pleassure.
But another but..... we also sailed a 47 years old Contest 33 the week before. In similar conditions at 5-6 Bft, up to one meter waves. Same course, same
wind direction. The Contest did up to 1.5
knot faster on the same
wind angle till about 75 degrees. Much better upwind speed and stability and allmost the same downwind speed (both with only main/genoa).
The SO 349 is a good
boat with good
hardware but wrong (single hand)
concept and discounter
interior.