1982 Island Packet 31 vs 1981 Valiant 32 — Comparison
1982 Island Packet 31
1981 Valiant 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 Island Packet 31 | 1981 Valiant 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 1982–1994 | 1981–1992 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.2 m² (530 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 25 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 Island Packet 31 and 1981 Valiant 32 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1982 Island Packet 31 is a 1980s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1981 Valiant 32 is a 1980s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1982 Island Packet 31 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1981 Valiant 32 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 1982 Island Packet 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1981 Valiant 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1981 Valiant 32 is 0.30m longer than the 1982 Island Packet 31. The 1982 Island Packet 31 displaces approximately 8% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 Island Packet 31 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.32 and 49.2 m² of sail area. The 1981 Valiant 32, with an SA/D of 14.12 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1982 Island Packet 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 Island Packet 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1981 Valiant 32 has a comfort ratio of 24.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1982 Island Packet 31 and 41.7% for the 1981 Valiant 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 Island Packet 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1981 Valiant 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Island Packet 31 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 1982 Island Packet 31 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.