1986 Island Packet 27 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Island Packet 27 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Ranger |
| Year | 1986–1994 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Island Packet 27 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 1986 Island Packet 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1972 Ranger 29 is 0.61m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Island Packet 27 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 13.64 and 29.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Island Packet 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Island Packet 27 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L 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 1972 Ranger 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Ranger 29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1986 Island Packet 27 · 1972 Ranger 29