1984 MacGregor 26 vs 1988 Island Packet 32 — Comparison
1984 MacGregor 26
1988 Island Packet 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 MacGregor 26 | 1988 Island Packet 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | MacGregor | Island Packet |
| Year | 1984–1995 | 1988–1997 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Roger MacGregor | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 0.61 m (2.0 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 227 kg (500 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 22.3 m² (240 ft²) | 44.5 m² (479 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Centerboard | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 5 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 MacGregor 26 and 1988 Island Packet 32 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1984 MacGregor 26 is a 1980s design by MacGregor from USA, while the 1988 Island Packet 32 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1984 MacGregor 26 was penned by Roger MacGregor. The 1988 Island Packet 32 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1984 MacGregor 26 measures 7.80m (25.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1988 Island Packet 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1988 Island Packet 32 is 1.95m longer than the 1984 MacGregor 26. The 1988 Island Packet 32 displaces approximately 445% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1984 MacGregor 26 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 22.70 and 22.3 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 1984 MacGregor 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1984 MacGregor 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 8.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.04). The 1988 Island Packet 32 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 22.8% for the 1984 MacGregor 26 and 41.7% for the 1988 Island Packet 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1984 MacGregor 26 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The 1988 Island Packet 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Island Packet 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 1984 MacGregor 26 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.