The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 vs Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019 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 Sun Odyssey 379 2011 at 37,2 ft versus Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019 at 38,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019 tips the scales at 15 256 lbs — 485 lbs less than the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 at 14 771 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 — 29 hp for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 and 29 hp for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019. 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 — 34 gal and 34 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 11 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.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 14 771 lbs for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 and 15 256 lbs for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019. 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 — 6,5 ft and 6,6 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 uses a 2 wheels versus a 2 wheels1 on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 7,8 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019 and 7,8 knots for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011.
Bottom line: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 2011 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 389 2019 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.