Sailboat Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 for sale

A giant leap forward: the Sun Odyssey 490

The Sun Odyssey 490 was unveiled by the French shipyard in 2018 and continued the shipyard’s drive for innovation at the time. This yacht has now been in production for almost 10 years and, despite some features that might be considered a little dated today, continues to enjoy great popularity on the market. It is modern and stylish, and, as a sort of ‘time capsule’, marks the exact point in Jeanneau’s history when the company seriously – and very successfully! – set about tackling the brand’s outdated image.

Much like the Sun Odyssey 410, which has already been superseded by the new Sun Odyssey 415, we expect a new variant of the 490 to be introduced in the not-too-distant future, which will then send this veteran of the 50-foot class into its well-deserved retirement. However, the shipyard is still actively marketing the Sun Odyssey 490 – and rightly so, for whilst it may have been overtaken in some respects by the current generation of cruising yachts, it certainly offers features that one might search for in vain in modern yachts. In this article, we aim to clarify what makes the Sun Odyssey 490 stand out – and where it seems to be showing its age.

Jeanneau’s all-rounder: the Sun Odyssey 490 concept

The yacht segment comprising sailing yachts between 14 and 15 metres in length is – or rather was, but more on that later – the most fiercely competitive in the entire mass-production sector. Why? 50-foot yachts are regarded by sailors as the dream size, as these boats are undeniably extremely luxurious given their size and specifications, whilst also being considered the ideal when it comes to the balance between size and stability in relation to single-handed or double-handed sailing. For the vast majority of sailors, if asked, 50 feet is the maximum dream size. And it’s true – yachts that are any larger require so much maintenance, upkeep and, in some cases, an external crew that they are no longer considered practical. Most private owners therefore dream of a 50-foot yacht.

In a sense, charter fleet operators prefer to buy precisely this size of vessel. Why? Because their customers want to ‘finally’ charter this very boat. This yacht size is also perfect for charter operations, as it finally allows operators to offer sufficiently spacious cabins for everyone on board; the level of compromise required of charterers is very low – and now operators can also charge charter rates and weekly prices that yield a higher margin than with smaller charter boats.

The major mass-market manufacturers are therefore going to great lengths to ensure that their range of boats between 14 and 15 metres in length is attractive, innovative, exciting and irresistible. It is also no surprise that the launch of new model generations usually takes place precisely in the 50-foot class, as demonstrated most recently by Beneteau at the end of 2025 with the new Oceanis 52. Incidentally, we shall be coming across this yacht more often in this article. Because there’s one thing you need to know about the Sun Odyssey 490: it was launched in 2018. And that makes it quite old by the yachting industry’s standards.

Marc Lombard gave the Sun Odyssey 490 a modern look

Back then, however, when it was launched, it caused quite a stir. Jeanneau had approached Marc Lombard’s design studio, evidently asking them not only to design a new generation of sailing boats, but also to revamp the brand’s entire image. Although the Sun Odyssey had, up to that point, certainly stood for good sailing performance and comfort, it was regarded as outdated, too traditional, boring and, at times, lacklustre. Anyone looking at the Jeanneau models from before 2010 will notice that the designs were very rounded and very feminine – quite unlike the rather angular, aggressive and very dynamic lines of today.

Lombard, in collaboration with interior designer Marc Piaton, caused quite a stir: Much like what Hanse Yachts did with its sailing yachts in the 2020s, when it switched from the now rather stodgy and ageing Judel/Vrolijk design to the French freshness of Berret-Racoupeau. The Sun Odyssey 490 has maintained this revolutionary step for Jeanneau to this day.

Marc Lombard conceals the hull’s high freeboard with a long chine (keel edge) running continuously from bow to stern – something unheard of and never before seen at the time. This breaks up the freeboard, making it appear narrower – aided by the large, long hull windows – and also serves as a trick to create more interior volume. He drastically flattens the cabin superstructure – which, in earlier versions, had often bulged like a run-off yoghurt – a move that complements the dynamic lines. The stem becomes vertical – standard practice today, but incredibly modern at the time. Voilà: the new Sun Odyssey 490!

Fierce competition in the market: what are Bavaria, Hanse and others doing?

All of this is common sense nowadays; the next generation of Jeanneau, for example, is already on the market with the Sun Odyssey 440 and the Sun Odyssey 455 .Here, you can see how things will continue for the successor to the 490: a reverse bow, convex deck camber, increased mast rake and, potentially, a shift in the balance of sail area between the mainsail and headsail in favour of the former. Meanwhile, however, the competition has hardly stood still since 2018…

Beneteau, a sister brand within the same group, is really shaking up the industry: the Oceanis 51.1 was launched in 2017 and, in our opinion, was already superior to all its competitors at the time – particularly in terms of the interior. By the end of 2025, the shipyard had launched the new Oceanis 52, which we would currently regard as the absolute benchmark in the 50-foot class: maximum volume, 30 per cent more cockpit space, a versatile layout and superb sailing performance. Wow!

With the Dufour 470 and the brand-new Dufour 48, Dufour offers a slightly smaller and a slightly larger yacht. In terms of design, both are regarded as the eccentric baots of their class. Built to a very high standard and offering excellent sailing performance, these yachts from La Rochelle show that it’s perfectly fine to be a little bold and individual. However, it’s not for everyone.

Bavaria is launching the Bavaria C50, designed by Cossutti. With its angular, edgy design – which may take some getting used to for many die-hard fans of the old cruiser style – this yacht boasts the largest interior volume and truly superb build quality. Whether its beefy hull can out-sail its competitors remains to be seen, but anyone looking for a luxury loft on the water shouldn’t overlook this model from Giebelstadt.

And finally, the Greifswald-based firm: Hanse Yachts has a similar problem to Jeanneau with the old Hanse 458, but with the new Hanse 510 it has a modern, superb yacht that is actually a size too big for this illustrious group.

Either way: the choice is yours! With a hull length of exactly 14 metres, the Sun Odyssey 490 is just the right size, but the trend among the others is clearly towards larger boats. That said, the Jeanneau should be very attractive in terms of price, as well as running costs and maintenance.

Buying a Sun Odyssey 490 – Hull, design, construction & sail plan

The switch to vacuum construction: The Sun Odyssey 490 is a modern design

The Beneteau Group has always been innovative. It is no coincidence that this French company from the Vendée region on the Atlantic coast has become the largest and most successful shipyard for pleasure boats. They are constantly working on modernisation and improving efficiency, something that, in essence, forms part of the group’s DNA: after all, it was Benjamin Beneteau who, 150 years ago, had the revolutionary idea of fitting engines to fishing boats. As Jeanneau has been part of the Beneteau Group since its insolvency in 1995, this brand also benefits from the company’s constant drive for improvement.

At Beneteau, and therefore at Jeanneau too, the production process is fully industrialised: a tightly scheduled assembly-line process using standardised modules. Efficient, fast and thoroughly up to date. It therefore comes as little surprise that, as long as 10 to 15 years ago, the group began moving away from the hand lay-up process then commonly used for hull and deck lamination, switching instead to the much more modern vacuum infusion and injection processes, which use less material and provide a more pleasant working environment for production staff.

The advantage is that the boats are lighter, the structures are stronger and there is virtually no risk of air pockets in the lay-up, which significantly reduces susceptibility to osmosis. Modern, vacuum-infused sailing yachts show virtually no signs of osmosis damage. The GRP components of the Sun Odyssey 490 are manufactured exclusively using this process. Then as now, this represents a product advantage over hand-laminated yachts.

The full range of sail options

The sail plan is also impressive, although it does show its age a little. The Sun Odyssey 490 comes as standard with a fully battened mainsail, which provides just under 57 square metres of sail area, and a genoa of just under 54 square metres. This means that the 11.3-tonne yacht is quick and nimble in moderate winds.

Alternatively, you could opt for a self-tacking jib measuring 38 square metres for sailing areas characterised by strong winds, which should be of interest to sailors in the North Sea, the Atlantic or even large parts of Greece. In strong winds, a jib is always better than a furled genoa.

Especially as the Sun Odyssey 490’s genoa is a large sail with 120 per cent overlap. These days, the ratio of mainsail to headsail tends to be the other way round. With genoas, too, one tends to opt for less overlap – 105 to 110 per cent – whilst increasing the mainsail area. This shifts the centre of pressure slightly aft and brings it closer to the iron hull shape and the resulting changes in the steering characteristics of these modern hulls. The Sun Odyssey 490 still has an old-style hull, which is not quite as wide and even tapers slightly towards the stern. Not by much, but it is noticeable. It can therefore be assumed that, on the 490, the centre of pressure lies noticeably further forward: better for upwind sailing, but also with more wind-seeking behaviour and a tendency to luff when there is excessive pressure in the rig.

Whether a casual holiday sailor would regularly push their Sun Odyssey to these limits whilst on family cruises is, however, open to question …

Furthermore, an in-mast furling mainsail is, of course, also available, which reduces the mainsail area to just 45 square metres. We tend to recommend these sails to owners who do not place much importance on the actual sailing experience. Anyone wishing to make the most of the modern hull’s potential should stick with the classic mainsail – or, for the furling mainsail, at least opt for vertically-battened cruising laminates. Dacron simply doesn’t offer much in the way of sailing pleasure here.

Walkaround cockpit: An absolute must!

Another new and previously unseen feature was Jeanneau’s walkaround cockpit, which has since become something of a trademark for the shipyard. The side decks rise gently from the helm towards the bow, so you can walk round the helm stations at the rear and proceed all the way to the bow without any obstacles. This is designed to improve circulation on board, enhance safety and, above all, ensure that guests in the cockpit are no longer disturbed.

We believe the Sun Odyssey 490 is the first Jeanneau in which this concept really comes into its own, even though the smallest Jeanneau already features the walkaround cockpit. Firstly, at 4.49 metres wide, the 490 is wide enough that the side decks no longer steal space from the interior. This is because on smaller yachts, particularly those under 40 feet, the amount of space available in the cockpit makes it quite clear that a few centimetres have been squeezed out of the outer decks.

On the other hand, Jeanneau has finally managed, for the first time on the 490, to position all the winches aft. On all other, smaller yachts, the working winches are always situated on either side of the companionway. This means that fiddling about, trimming, setting sails and reefing still has to take place in the cockpit – with a tangle of lines and plenty of cranking. So, in our view, the idea of leaving your guests in peace in the cockpit isn’t necessarily just a question of the walkaround, but above all one of the winch layout.

The Sun Odyssey 490 now offers, for the first time, the option of sailing the entire yacht from the stern – thereby keeping the cockpit in the guest area consistently and completely free of the hassle of cranks and tangled lines.

One of the first yachts (of this size) to be fitted with a stern thruster

We mentioned that 50-series yachts are joining charter fleets in large numbers. Electric mooring and unmooring aids are often a useful addition in such cases. Jeanneau offers a retractable stern thruster for the 490 as standard ex-factory. This is an innovation that even Beneteau did not include on the then-new 51.1. We recommend the combination of bow and stern thrusters to all owners who feel unsure or are new to sailing, who frequently have to contend with crosswinds when manoeuvring in and out of berths in high-wind areas, and, of course, to all those whose harbours and moorings are tight. Please don’t let false pride get the better of you here – anything that makes operating the boat safer is a good and sensible thing!

Buy a Sun Odyssey 490 – All the information for skippers and sailors

What sort of sailors does the Sun Odyssey 490 appeal to?

The Sun Odyssey 490 is a real all-rounder. This yacht is very popular in the charter industry because its multi-cabin layouts can accommodate crews of up to 10 adults (plus a skipper, if necessary). But private owners also appreciate the versatility of the 490’s layouts, which work just as well as a pure owner’s yacht with three cabins as they do as a family boat where everyone can have their own bathroom.

In terms of sailing performance, the 490 can still more than hold its own against the competition today. Weighing 11.2 tonnes, it is the second-lightest yacht in its class. It handles nimbly on its efficient twin rudders and – with its extensive range of sails and perhaps following an upgrade to high-performance cruising laminate instead of the standard Dacron – will certainly cut through the waves with ease. Marc Lombard’s track record when it comes to the performance of his hulls is beyond reproach. You can therefore expect good daily mileages in good winds of around 15 to 20 knots.

In our view, like all modern cruisers, a gennaker and a Code 0 should form part of the 490’s standard equipment. This is because, in light winds, the standard sail plan is no longer able to heel the boat sufficiently to reduce the lateral plan (the area of the hull in contact with the water). The friction is then so great that the boat can barely get going. Only a gennaker or Code 0 can prevent the diesel engine from being started at this point. However, when hoisted, these light-wind sails quickly bring the yacht up to a respectable speed. In very light winds – that is, below 8–9 knots – they often (depending on the wave conditions and the boat’s angle to the waves) reach the same speed as the wind itself. Impressive!

Not to be underestimated as a cruising yacht

If you’re looking for a yacht that will help you make your sailing dreams a reality, the Sun Odyssey 490 could be just the thing. As one of the last mass-produced yachts, it features a really lovely, spacious navigation area with its own chart table, a comfortable captain’s chair and access to the main control panel. This is positioned directly to the left of the companionway (and not somewhere at the front by the main bulkhead or, worse still, on the opposite side by the toilet wall), so you can quickly get below deck or back up to the helm at any time. Exemplary!

Furthermore, as a couple sailing together, you can opt for a two-cabin model here: this, too, is actually no longer common in this size of boat, where three fully fitted cabins are the minimum. With the Jeanneau, you can therefore buy a large storage locker with a huge storage capacity straight from the shipyard, which you can then fit out as a utility room or an on-board office. No other shipyard currently offers this in the 50-foot class.

Successful in the charter business

The fact that the Sun Odyssey 490 was very successful in the charter market is still clearly evident in the listed charter destinations across Europe. From 2018 onwards, around 100 to 120 units of this yacht were built each year, which means that some 700 to 900 Sun Odyssey 490 have been built to date. Of course, exact figures aren’t available from the shipyards – nevertheless, these numbers are impressive. Assuming that around 50 per cent of the boats are used for charter, there should be between 400 and 500 Sun Odyssey 490 operating as charter boats. Why might this be of interest to you? Well, if you’re thinking of buying a new Sun Odyssey 490, it’s advisable (as with any other boat) to charter one for a week or two before making your purchase decision. This is the only way to really find out whether the boat can actually do everything you’re hoping for. When chartering, make sure you get a boat from as recent a year of manufacture as possible, and that it has the layout and fittings you have in mind. Naturally, the 5-cabin ‘charter bomber’ feels quite different (namely, more cramped) than your 2-cabin version. Also, make sure you rent the type of rig that you intend to buy yourself later on.

On the other hand, the number of charter boats might be worth considering if you’re looking to buy a second-hand Sun Odyssey 490: whilst charter boats often require a lot of refurbishment, they do cost considerably less than second-hand owner-occupied yachts. Here, owners who are handy and patient could snap up a real bargain with boats that are taken out of service after 5 to 8 years. Your affordable entry into the 50-foot class?

Buy a Sun Odyssey 490 – Comfort below deck

Marc Piaton and Jeanneau: A relationship with its ups and downs

What bothers us about the ol Sun Odysseys is that they feel a bit cluttered inside. Marc Piaton opts for large pieces of furniture, particularly on Jeanneau’s smaller yachts (which is, of course, good for the available storage space), and this often leaves rather little free space. This isn’t a bad thing, especially in rough seas or storms, as you can always find something within easy reach to hold on to. The size of the galley is also exemplary – but it does detract from the impression of luxury. Modern, newer yachts – including those from Jeanneau, incidentally – offer considerably more headroom and thus a greater sense of luxury. Compare the Sun Odyssey 490 with an Oceanis 47 or the Hanse 460, and you’ll see what we mean. This is a concession to the boat’s age – but, as we’ve said, it may well be exactly what you find yourself missing in the new, modern yachts.

Plenty of light and space in the salon

We think the saloon has turned out rather nicely all the same. Piaton has incorporated a relatively large U-shaped galley (perfect for cooking sessions when the sea is rough) and, opposite, a lovely dinette with space for up to seven people. Nothing gets in the way, nothing interferes. Plenty of natural light streams in through the large hull windows; our only wish would have been for a few more skylights – Hanse and Dufour offer more light, fresh air and fantastic views of the rig.

The coffee table can, of course, be lowered. With the addition of extra cushions, this area can be transformed into a double bed, a place for those suffering from seasickness, or a cosy lounge area. Lovely!

The Sun Odyssey 490 already showcases Jeanneau’s characteristic new approach to colour schemes: the classic teak veneer (ALPI) is offered alongside light colours and, at times, fresh and bold combinations, such as light blue. Unprecedentedly progressive at the time, and even today a welcome change from the usual muddy shades (which are, of course, also available if you prefer them).

Six interior layouts!

The Sun Odyssey 490 really stands out and was already ahead of some of its competitors back then. From the owner’s layout with 2 cabins and 2 bathrooms to the charter behemoth with 5 cabins in the hull plus a skipper’s cabin in the foredeck, you can tailor the number of cabins and, above all, the number of bathrooms precisely to your intended use.

Exemplary: On the owner’s version and the 3-cabin family version, the two bathrooms (and therefore the toilets) are situated on the starboard and port sides respectively. This means that, depending on which way the yacht is facing, there is always a toilet that is very convenient to use. Unfortunately, Jeanneau no longer does this on its latest yachts either – like almost all other manufacturers, both toilets are now fitted on the same side of the boat for cost-saving reasons, which is simply nonsense and impractical from a nautical point of view. It’s a shame. But it’s certainly a clear plus point for 'real' sailors in the Sun Odyssey 490’s favour.

Things we don’t really like

You can tell from a few details that the Sun Odyssey 490 is starting to show its age. Not necessarily in terms of its lines and design, though: in that respect, this boat – which is almost 10 years old – still holds its own remarkably well against the latest designs.

However, the layout of the wet areas in the owner’s cabin, for example, is a little odd: whilst the toilet is (naturally) housed in its own lockable cubicle, the washbasin and shower are not separated from the owner’s cabin. This does create a strangely cosy atmosphere, but it’s just that strange. These days, completely separate shower and wet areas have become the norm, and for good reason. But perhaps you’ll actually like this open design?

Furthermore, exposed GRP sections in the floor are rather unacceptable. This is actually no longer done these days, at least not on yachts of this size: in the owner’s quarters, the aft cabins, but above all in the galley (watch your toes!), parts of the floor battens are exposed. Not only does this look cheap, but it also creates trip hazards and acts as a dirt trap. As I said, this is unacceptable nowadays for yachts of this size.

High-quality fit and finish: furniture and upholstery on board the Sun Odyssey 490

Apart from these minor imperfections, the build quality of the Sun Odyssey 490 is on a solid, mass-production standard. In areas subject to particularly heavy use and wear, the shipyard uses solid or laminated square-edged timber; the veneer makes a good impression. Pressed-on edge banding on the edges of cupboards and hatches is often a nuisance on mass-produced boats; it can easily come loose, particularly under mechanical stress or when wet – pay particular attention to this, especially on older second-hand boats. The upholstery is of average quality; in our view, Hanse and Dufour are currently the leaders in terms of thickness, comfort and workmanship. Nevertheless, the Sun Odyssey 490 embodies the motto ‘simple, practical, good’ – and that can’t be a bad thing.

Summary and conclusion

Could the Sun Odyssey 490 be your next boat?

With the Sun Odyssey 490, those of you looking to buy a large yacht for a long ocean voyage certainly can’t go wrong: The 490 is one of the last boats in the 14–15-metre range to still offer, straight from the shipyard, a genuine two-cabin layout with a galley and a superbly designed navigation area. In terms of sailing performance, this boat can easily keep up with modern yachts; in particular, the cockpit layout is designed entirely for single-handed sailing from the helm at the stern. The factory-fitted stern thruster option is also exemplary.

Families are also sure to appreciate the Sun Odyssey 490, although more modern rivals offer significantly more space for sunbathing and lounging. The Jeanneau therefore remains more of a sailing boat – in our view, anyone looking for a floating lounge for a relaxing, luxury holiday would be better off with the more contemporary offerings from other shipyards.

It remains to be seen when Jeanneau will replace the 490 with a new model, as this yacht has effectively reached the end of its product life cycle since 2018. If that does happen, it could have interesting implications for boats on the second-hand market and – in the short term – put downward pressure on prices for new stock yachts at dealers and on the final build slots at the shipyard.

Buying a Sun Odyssey 490 – What we particularly like about it

• Owner’s layout with 2 cabins and 2 bathrooms – very rare in this class!
• A timeless, modern design, inside and out.
• A one-handed layout in the cockpit, with all winches and lines at the stern.

Buying a Sun Odyssey 490 – You should take a close look

• It’s a bit cramped inside, but not cluttered yet.
• You’ve got to like the open-plan shower room and washbasin in the owner’s en suite.
• In some places, there are details that are no longer built like this today.

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