Jeanneau
Sun Odyssey 379
Before stepping aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379, look under the stern: the number of rudder blades tells you more about the boat than any brochure. One deep rudder marks the performance cruiser near 1.95 m draft. Two blades mean either the shoal version near 1.50 m or the Swing lifting keel with a working range about 1.10–2.25 m. Marc Lombard did not only draw chines - he tied steering architecture to the keel's job: twin rudders here are not fashion, they keep a wide stern controllable in shallow water and when heeled. Until you match blade count to the yard plate and draft, you have not chosen a boat - you have chosen a model name.
Chines starting just aft of the mast add form stability when heeled and the interior volume that made the Sun Odyssey line a family and charter favourite. In the 2011–2015 window the yard also used Prisma Process injection decks: finish on both faces, less raw glass in lockers, and more even stiffness than older open laminates. That is French series quality where salon shine is secondary to what you read underwater and on the plate.
On the used market the trap often starts on the card. Listings write "from 2012" or leave the end year open; the yard window for this form is 2011–2015, and from 2016 the same platform is sold as Sun Odyssey 389 with cosmetic transom and trim updates. Another trap is the Quick BTQ-185 bow thruster on late-2015 and early-2016 hulls: some batches used a brittle plastic prop. Look for a "50" mark on replacements and for invoices - do not trust "all original" without a look. Layouts also fork: a two-cabin with a large port "garage" locker versus a symmetrical three-cabin. Rudders and keel first, cabin photos second.
This page is for buyers choosing a French family ~37 ft Lombard who refuse to buy the wrong draft under a pretty salon. Hull counts from a stranger's advert are not invented here.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2011–2015
- LOA
- 11.34 m
- Beam
- 3.76 m
- Model
- Sun Odyssey 379
Key takeaways
- Best for: Marc Lombard bright social French cruiser (2011–2015)
- Common issue: charter-exit variance, deck-hardware bedding, and Quick BTQ-185 prop batch
- Typical price: ~37 ft LOA band; reject open end-year cards and bare 389 labels without papers
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 11.34 m
- Beam
- 3.76 m
- Production years
- 2011–2015
Design history
The Sun Odyssey 379 was built from 2011 to 2015 to Marc Lombard's design: chines aft of the mast, a wide stern, and a hard link from keel type to rudder count. The deep fin near 1.95 m carries one blade; shoal near 1.50 m and Swing (about 1.10–2.25 m) carry two. Decks in that window use Prisma Process (injection, balsa core, gelcoat both sides). In 2016 the yard renamed the platform Sun Odyssey 389: essentially the same hull with cosmetic transom and interior updates. Broker lines that start at 2012, leave the end year empty, and mix-ups with the 389 badge, are not a substitute for a 2011–2015 plate.
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Why is a listing that says "2012–..." or leaves the end year open not enough for a Sun Odyssey 379?
The yard window for this form is 2011–2015. Cards often start in 2012 or leave the end blank; from 2016 the same platform is sold as Sun Odyssey 389. Match the plate and hull papers, not the broker summary line.
- How do rudder count and keel type lock together?
One rudder signals the deep version near 1.95 m. Two blades signal shoal near 1.50 m or Swing about 1.10–2.25 m. A mismatch between blade count and stated draft is a reason to stop before the survey continues.
- What should I check on a Quick BTQ-185 bow thruster?
Late-2015 and early-2016 hulls sometimes carried a brittle plastic prop. Look for a "50" mark on replacements and for service invoices; without them treat the risk as near-term spend.
- How do the two- and three-cabin layouts differ?
The two-cabin keeps a large port "garage" locker; the three-cabin is symmetrical. The fork is family cruising versus charter density, not a default better/worse ranking.
- What belongs on a Prisma Process deck survey?
Injection reduces classic open-laminate surprises, but moisture at fittings, chainplates, and joints still matters. A smooth locker is a plus, not a forever-dry verdict.
- What else matters on a Swing keel beyond ordinary keel bolts?
Smooth travel, pivot pins, and the keel box across about 1.10–2.25 m; grounding marks and play beat pretty antifouling.
Annual ownership costs
Annual cost for a Sun Odyssey 379 depends on the keel. Twin-rudder versions (shoal and Swing) double anodes, bearings, and rudder antifouling - the price of shallow water and, for Swing, drying out on a tide. Figures below are a family-cruise band, not a yard quote.
| Item | From (€) | To (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berth (11.34 m) | 3,500 | 8,000 | Region and marina |
| Twin-rudder service | 400 | 900 | Anodes, bearings, labour |
| Winter storage | 1,500 | 3,000 | Crane and hardstand |
| Engine service | 500 | 1,200 | Yanmar consumables |
| Annual total | ~5,900 | ~13,100 | Baseline cruising band |
Hours only from this hull's service book. Beyond the purchase price sit rigging, sails, and a sudden thruster-prop swap if the 2015/2016 batch is undocumented.
Pre-purchase survey checklist
Pre-purchase checklist: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 (Lombard, 2011–2015)
Name, years, rudders
- Plate year inside 2011–2015; reject cards that start in 2012 with an empty end year or a bare 389 label without papers.
- Rudder blade count versus stated draft (~1.95 m = one; shoal/Swing = two).
- If Swing - travel and pin condition across ~1.10–2.25 m.
Hull, keel, thruster
- After a dry haul-out, map underwater moisture; marks on keel toe and heel.
- Open sole panels: keel bolts/joint; an exterior seam alone is not proof.
- Quick BTQ-185 thruster: prop, "50" mark, chips in plastic.
Prisma Process deck and systems
- Moisture at chainplates, cleats, and mast step; windows and hull-deck joint.
- Standing-rigging and sail invoices; undocumented ex-charter gear is near-term spend.
- Yanmar service: seals, impeller, exhaust after winter storage.
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.8/10: Count rudders under the stern on a Marc Lombard Sun Odyssey 379 (2011–2015, 11.34×3.76). One blade near 1.95 m; twin blades shoal or Swing. Buy survey and thruster prop mark, not a sunny card.
- Pros
- Social layout volume, wide used choice, and a clear keel-to-rudder fork a buyer can check before stepping aboard.
- Cons
- Charter-exit wear, deck-hardware bedding variance, and Quick BTQ-185 props on late-2015 / early-2016 hulls that need the reinforced mark.
- Who it suits
- Coastal families who want volume and light below and will match blade count to draft before the deal. Unknown: seal and rig calendar age until invoices open.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial, Last reviewed: 2026-09-10
Owner reviews
Share your experience owning this model. Reviews are moderated before publication.
- Charter history aware★★★☆☆
Ex-charter history showed in worn cushions but solid mechanics after saildrive service. Price reflected deferred cosmetic work we planned anyway.