jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490

DESCRIPTION

To be the flagship of the walk around series, the Sun Odyssey 490 had to set the bar for innovation, performance, and comfort. Phillippe Briand and Jean-Marc Piaton took on the challenge and designed a boat that not only sets the standard for the Sun Odyssey range, but redefines what is capable in the 50 foot cruising market. In this design, Lombard added even more hull volume to the Sun Odyssey lines, delivering greater sailing performance, more interior space for guests comfort, and more lounge areas on topside.

As with every Sun Odyssey, the cockpit ergonomics are second to none. Every sheet is cleverly led to the helm station, where the boat can be easily single or double handed. The massive cockpit lounge is framed by the iconic walk around decks, which make movement around the boat easier than ever before. However, the game changer comes when the convertible coamings, the unfolding seat backs, are set up as beds. The entire aft eight feet of the boat transform into a cushioned sun bathing deck.

The open concept interior is bathed in light, as the main salon features many rows of windows and hatches. The central U-shaped galley is optimally placed for comfort while under way, as well as serving meals in the salon. In the 490, the nav station is particularly emphasized, as there is an aft facing bench added to it, elevating this feature into a coffee nook or home office.

However, it’s the forward stateroom where this boat really sets itself apart. The square queen bed has plenty of space to walk around on all sides, and the large central armoire is perfect for mounting a television for viewing in bed. The gorgeous shower stall is placed on centerline, allowing for 6’6” headroom; a luxury usually only found on much larger boats.

ADDITIONAL INFO

For many experienced sailors, bigger is always better. Larger boats sail faster, cover more miles, and offer more comfort, space, and accommodations than smaller boats where compromise is always a factor. To be really comfortable for living aboard, or extended cruising, nothing beats a larger boat. And with families that seem to quickly grow up, and cruising with friends, enjoying time together on the water often includes the need for privacy, and cabins where crew can get away and not live on top of each other.

The Sun Odyssey 490 is the largest in Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey line, and at 48 feet might be the most boat comfortably sailed by a couple, or a family with kids still learning the sport. It takes all of the best qualities of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey design and lets each feature showcase its value. And while it is the largest Sun Odyssey, it is certainly not the largest yacht one finds in a beautiful anchorage. It is a sailor’s sailboat and can be handled smartly by an experienced couple or family. Jeanneau intentionally designed and built this boat with everything to make it simple, safe, and less work. Fun is still a key foundation of the Sun Odyssey concept.

The hull has the full chine found on all Sun Odyssey models, for improved initial stability and speed under sail. The wide stern is typical of modern European cruisers, with twin spade rudders to keep one rudder fully immersed no matter the angle or direction to the wind. To steer the boat properly there are twin helm stations, one in each corner of the stern, with outstanding visibility on all points of sail and while motoring. The design of the steering system, especially with the optional lightweight composite wheels makes for delightful fingertip control appreciated by all sailors.

The slippery underbody is available with a standard deep keel with 7’4” draft, or a shoal draft keel of only 5’4”. The MidAtlantic dealer, Crusader Yachts in Annapolis, recommends buyers choose the shoal draft option, as it is great for sailing on Chesapeake Bay, as well as the rest of the East Coast. As most buyers dream of future cruising in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and perhaps the Caribbean, it will be most appreciated to have the shoal draft version of the cast iron, L-shaped keel.

Crusader Yachts has experienced brokers and support staff who know both our waters and the Sun Odyssey line. They can assist you when exploring the choices among the Jeanneau fleet, and help sort through the many layouts, options, and packages that Jeanneau put together to help personalize each Sun Odyssey sailboat. They can help find the right balance between realistic cruising functionality and ultimate sailing performance.

Crusader’s team is particularly helpful when looking through the trim and equipment packs that go into the outfitting of each boat. There are downwind packs to equip the boat for spinnaker and Code 0 sails with necessary rigging, halyards and sheets, and performance packs with a taller mast and performance sails for getting the most out of each boat. There is also the full complement of Harken winches, hardware, and tracks to make all the difference when sailing short handed. All controls are purposely run back to the cockpit for simplified sailing, and electric winches are an attractive option.

Cruising packs are integral to making each boat fit the plans for each couple. It may encompass a combination of quality canvas work for cockpit protection from weather and sun, a removable forestay to put up a staysail in heavy weather, selecting solar panels, or choosing an outdoor galley to make the most of every day on the water. Your broker can help design a Sun Odyssey 490 to match your sailing and cruising plans for now and the future.

As one expects in a larger boat, there are several accommodations plans to make the interior work for owners and their plans. These layouts include a perfect couple’s interior of a forward master cabin with aft guest cabin, up to a four-cabin layout with three heads. The six basic layouts provide all the living space options one might need to create the perfect boat.

A U-shaped galley is standard, and there is a list of equipment to create a galley loved by anyone who prepares meals on this boat. From dishwasher to extra refrigeration and freezer space, the galley and provision storage can match how this boat will be used, from weekending local waters to a world cruise spanning a couple of years. The cruising knowledge of Crusader’s staff is most beneficial when discussing one’s plans.

Interior fit and finish are also typical of the Sun Odyssey line, with choice of woodwork in teak or gray cedar and a choice of low-maintenance laminated flooring. Each interior is designed to be bright, contemporary, and take advantage of the many windows, ports, and hatches into the living spaces. No dark traditional saloon interiors on this boat!

Standard power comes from a Yanmar 57hp diesel saildrive with a fixed, three-blade propeller. With a fuel tank of 63 USG, range is more than enough for most owners. But Jeanneau’s understanding of its owner community means they do not stop there. There is an optional 80hp Yanmar diesel saildrive available for the Sun Odyssey 490, as well as an extra 63-gallon fuel tank and a folding Flexofold propeller for extended range, efficiency under sail, and ability to motor against wind and current.

Retractable electric bow and stern thrusters are available, making light work of tight quarter maneuvering with its L-shaped keel and twin rudders. Docking and getting around marinas has never been easier than at the helm of the Sun Odyssey 490.

Spend time onboard the 490 and see how Jeanneau’s design team added enough unique features to make this boat stand out among the competition in the 50-foot cruising market. Many of the trends in sailboats today are shared among the European builders, but Jeanneau makes a point to add even more value and utility beyond these trends.

Uncluttered walk-around side decks make it easy to safely move around the boat, from cockpit to foredeck, with no need to climb around or over structures or standing rigging. Visibility from either helm is superb under sail or power from the helm seating.

The wide transom has a hinged swim platform that provides unparalleled and safe access to the water from the boat and is ideal for family members who can’t stay out of the water. Such an arrangement is also the preferred place to board or get out of the dinghy. Gone are the days of unwieldy folding ladders and lack of grab rails when coming aboard.

The Sun Odyssey 490 should be at the top of one’s bucket list for enjoying the benefits of a larger boat. It is an outstanding choice in the 50-foot sailboat market, offering clever design and intelligent deck layout for ease of use, safety above all else, and providing for lasting fun on the water. Crusader Yachts is proud to offer this cruising sailboat to its customers and stands ready to provide sales and support for now and years to come as one’s horizons grow more distant.

For many reasons, the Sun Odyssey 490 may be the perfect platform for cruising adventure. It is perfect for weekends on the Bay with family and friends, yet it is also quite capable of going long distance in style and safety.

With a CE certification of Class A Offshore, it will show up wherever its owners decide is the next port of call. No matter if that is the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Marsh Harbour in the Abacos, or the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVIs.

Or even further over the horizon.