1986 Island Packet 27 vs 1974 Morgan 33 — Comparison

1986 Island Packet 27
VS
1974 Morgan 331974 Morgan 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Island Packet 271974 Morgan 33
General
ManufacturerIsland PacketMorgan
Year1986–19941974–1980
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerBob JohnsonCharlie Morgan
Dimensions
LOA8.23 m (27.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft1.07 m (3.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)
Ballast1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area29.0 m² (312 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Island Packet 27
13.64
1974 Morgan 33
14.19
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Island Packet 27
40.00
1974 Morgan 33
39.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Island Packet 27
0.79
1974 Morgan 33
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Island Packet 27
21.72
1974 Morgan 33
22.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Island Packet 27 and 1974 Morgan 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1974 Morgan 33 is a 1970s offering from Morgan from USA. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1974 Morgan 33 was designed by Charlie Morgan.

In terms of size, the 1986 Island Packet 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1974 Morgan 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1974 Morgan 33 is 1.83m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 1974 Morgan 33 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

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 1974 Morgan 33, with an SA/D of 14.19 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1974 Morgan 33 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 1974 Morgan 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27 and 39.1% for the 1974 Morgan 33, 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 1974 Morgan 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1974 Morgan 33 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 1974 Morgan 33 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1974 Morgan 33 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 · 1974 Morgan 33