The new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 that will be introduced to the North American cruising audience at the Miami Boat Show next week (February 15 to 19) is the big sister of the SO 440 that was introduced to rave reviews at last fall’s Annapolis sail boat show. Both boats are the start of the next generation of Sun Odysseys and share many innovative design attributes
The 490’s hull has a chine the full length of the hull that adds to intital stability and to interior volume. The hull has full sections forward that will keep her decks dry and the beam is carried well aft to add power when reaching in a fresh breeze.
The side decks slope aft until they meet the cockpit floor just aft of the twin wheels. This means you don’t have to climb over the coaming to get in and out of the cockpit. Why didn’t anyone think of this before? Very cool. The cockpit has a huge table and a fold-down transom to make it a great outdoor living space.
The accommodations plan shows either a two-cabin version or the three cabin layout. The forward cabin is huge and will make a great master suite. The saloon has the galley amidships right across from the large dinette. The chart table and after head are on either side of the companionway.
The new 490 (with the 440 and the rest of the Jeanneau fleet) will be on display in the sailing section of the Miami Boat Show and will be available for test sails after the show. Read more.
