The Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015 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 479 2015'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 63 gallons in the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015. 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 479 2015 is rated for 14 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 479 2015 could be the deciding factor.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015 has a documented displacement of 23 830 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 479 2015 draws 7,4 ft, compared to 2,8 ft for the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009. That 4,7-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 479 2015. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 31,0 knots for the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 and 8,6 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015 carries 162 gallons versus 105 gallons on the Jeanneau Prestige 39 2009 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 479 2015 at 47,4 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.