1975 Westsail 32 vs 1988 Island Packet 32 — Comparison
1975 Westsail 32
1988 Island Packet 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Westsail 32 | 1988 Island Packet 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Westsail | Island Packet |
| Year | 1975–1985 | 1988–1997 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.2 m² (530 ft²) | 44.5 m² (479 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 25 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Westsail 32 and 1988 Island Packet 32 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1975 Westsail 32 is a 1970s design by Westsail from USA, while the 1988 Island Packet 32 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1975 Westsail 32 was penned by William Crealock. The 1988 Island Packet 32 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1975 Westsail 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1988 Island Packet 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1975 Westsail 32 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Westsail 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 12.33 and 49.2 m² of sail area. The 1988 Island Packet 32, with an SA/D of 14.61 and 44.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1988 Island Packet 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Westsail 32 offers a comfortable motion suitable for extended cruising (comfort ratio: 33.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.65). The 1988 Island Packet 32 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Westsail 32 and 41.7% for the 1988 Island Packet 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Westsail 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1988 Island Packet 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Westsail 32 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 1988 Island Packet 32 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.