The Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 380 hp, the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 has a 326-hp advantage over the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008's 54-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 carries 211 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 has a documented displacement of 19 676 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 draws 7,0 ft, compared to 2,8 ft for the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009. That 4,2-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
For auxiliary power the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 carries a 380-hp engine against 54 hp on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 carries 105 gallons versus 94 gallons on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS 2008 at 42,4 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 at 39,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.