1966 Islander 33 vs 2005 X-Yachts X-35 — Comparison
1966 Islander 33
2005 X-Yachts X-35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1966 Islander 33 | 2005 X-Yachts X-35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Islander | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1966–1974 | 2005–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | Joseph McGlasson | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.59 m (34.7 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.40 m (30.8 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 65 L (17.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1966 Islander 33 and 2005 X-Yachts X-35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1966 Islander 33 is a classic design by Islander from USA, while the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1966 Islander 33 was penned by Joseph McGlasson. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1966 Islander 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 at 10.59m (34.7ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is 0.53m longer than the 1966 Islander 33. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1966 Islander 33 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35, with an SA/D of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1966 Islander 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1966 Islander 33 and 36.4% for the 2005 X-Yachts X-35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1966 Islander 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L water and 65L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1966 Islander 33 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.