1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
1985 Pacific Seacraft 37
2000 Island Packet 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pacific Seacraft | Island Packet |
| Year | 1985–2007 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 58.2 m² (627 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 265 L (70.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 is a 1980s design by Pacific Seacraft from USA, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 was penned by William Crealock. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 0.30m longer than the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.15 and 58.2 m² of sail area. The 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 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 1985 Pacific Seacraft 37 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.