1977 Cape Dory 22 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
1977 Cape Dory 22
1986 Island Packet 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1977 Cape Dory 22 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Island Packet |
| Year | 1977–1983 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.18 m (17.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 0.91 m (3.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 454 kg (1,001 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.2 m² (196 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 7 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1977 Cape Dory 22 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.13m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1986 Island Packet 27 is 1.52m longer than the 1977 Cape Dory 22. The 1986 Island Packet 27 displaces approximately 192% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 18.2 m² of sail area. The 1986 Island Packet 27, with an SA/D of 13.64 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1977 Cape Dory 22 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 19L of fuel. The 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Island Packet 27 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 1977 Cape Dory 22 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.