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Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50 DS - offshore passagemaker?

26K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  THAMMER  
I have a 49DS that is equipped in such a way that I consider it an offshore passagemaker. As mentioned earlier, the fuel tankage is quite small but for my purposes I am going to convert the 3rd water tank in the aft bunk into a fuel tank. That still leaves me with over 400l of water (for one person, with a watermaker) so I am comfortable with doing that.
 
The 49DS has dual helms. I find myself sailing with the equivalent of 3 or even more reefs in the mainsail with none or just one in the Genoa in heavier weather and seas. Once the sails are balanced the boat sails like a dream. Pounding is limited, somewhat less than the 43DS, and the relatively high freeboard along with the rear cockpit make it a dry sail (even without a dodger). The downside is that the main cabin is huge and getting around below decks at sea can be tricky - Jeanneau has put in a lot of handholds but the ergonomics were done for someone at least 6'2" with arms as long as a gorilla.
 
Was the starboard watertank replaced or just converted? I still haven't decided how I am going to do this and if the original water tank material is acceptable.