Short answer: A Sun Odyssey 349 buyer must identify the exact rig, keel and mainsail configuration before using published model figures or choosing an easier-handling inventory. Use published data to check plausibility, never to approve final sail dimensions.
Published model reference values
| Published hull length | 9.98 m |
|---|---|
| Published beam | 3.44 m |
| Published air draught | 15.42 m |
| Published sail area | 55.30 m²; 64.80 m² performance version |
Rig changes, furlers, mast rake, hardware, class updates and previous owner work can change the usable luff, foot, clew and sail controls. The sailmaker should reconcile the actual boat, existing sails and current rules.
Define the replacement sail's job
The Sun Odyssey 349 appears in standard and performance sail-plan references, with different keel options and boats fitted with different mainsail and deck systems. That makes configuration identification the first task. Short-handed cruisers should define whether the replacement must improve reefing, light-air drive, visibility, tacking load or reaching coverage rather than ordering from a generic model database.
What the sailmaker needs to verify
Record the hull and spar identifiers, keel and rig version, backstay arrangement, mast track, boom, reef system, furler, forestay and all sheet leads. The owner's manual gives useful overall dimensions but is not a sail order form. Photograph swept spreaders and shroud contact points, because an apparently modest change in headsail area or clew can alter sheeting and chafe.
- Standard or performance sail-plan version
- Keel, model year and spar identification
- Backstay and swept-spreader clearance
- Mainsail track, reefing and lazy-bag interfaces
- Furler, maximum hoist and headsail lead range
- Forward tack point and reaching-sail load approval
Worked buyer scenario
Hypothetical owner: a family cruiser has a standard rig, conventional slab-reefing main and furling headsail. They want easier manoeuvring without losing every light-air option. The brief compares a moderate everyday headsail with a furling reacher, includes two tested mainsail reefs and asks the loft to verify the lazy-bag, luff system and sheet-track range on the boat.
Questions to put in the quote brief
- Which actual-boat measurements will you take or require the owner to take?
- What exact cloth, weight, construction and reinforcement are proposed?
- What full-size and reduced wind range is the sail designed to cover?
- Which hardware, covers, freight, fitting and commissioning are included?
- How are fit adjustments, recuts, repairs and warranty handled in Australia?
Sources and verification
Published values above were checked against these references. Confirm current rules and manufacturer information before relying on them.