The Jeanneau Attalia 1983 vs Jeanneau Rush 1979 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Jeanneau Attalia 1983 at 31,1 ft versus Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 31,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Jeanneau Attalia 1983 tips the scales at 9 590 lbs — 2 535 lbs more than the Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 7 055 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 18 hp for the Jeanneau Attalia 1983 and 18 hp for the Jeanneau Rush 1979. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Jeanneau Attalia 1983 carries 12 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Jeanneau Rush 1979. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Jeanneau Attalia 1983 displaces 9 590 lbs — a 2 535-lb difference over the Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 7 055 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,8 ft and 5,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Jeanneau Attalia 1983 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,8 knots for the Jeanneau Rush 1979 and 6,7 knots for the Jeanneau Attalia 1983.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Attalia 1983 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 9 590 lbs displacement and 31 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 7 055 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.