The Jeanneau Rush 1979 vs Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 measures 37,2 feet overall (1984), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 31,4 feet (1979). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 tips the scales at 9 039 lbs — 1 984 lbs less 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 Rush 1979 and 18 hp for the Jeanneau Selection 37 1984. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 7 gal and 10 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Jeanneau Rush 1979 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 7 055 lbs for the Jeanneau Rush 1979 and 9 039 lbs for the Jeanneau Selection 37 1984. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,7 ft and 6,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Jeanneau Rush 1979 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 7,3 knots for the Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 and 6,8 knots for the Jeanneau Rush 1979.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Selection 37 1984 at 37,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Jeanneau Rush 1979 at 31,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.