1986 Valiant 40 vs 1982 Island Packet 31 — Comparison
1986 Valiant 40
1982 Island Packet 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Valiant 40 | 1982 Island Packet 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Valiant | Island Packet |
| Year | 1986–2001 | 1982–1994 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Perry | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.71 m (12.2 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 70.3 m² (757 ft²) | 49.2 m² (530 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Modified full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Valiant 40 and 1982 Island Packet 31 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1986 Valiant 40 is a 1980s design by Valiant from USA, while the 1982 Island Packet 31 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1986 Valiant 40 was penned by Bob Perry. The 1982 Island Packet 31 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1986 Valiant 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.71m, compared to the 1982 Island Packet 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1986 Valiant 40 is 2.74m longer than the 1982 Island Packet 31. The 1986 Valiant 40 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Valiant 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.42 and 70.3 m² of sail area. The 1982 Island Packet 31, with an SA/D of 15.32 and 49.2 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Valiant 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Valiant 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1982 Island Packet 31 has a comfort ratio of 25.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Valiant 40 and 41.5% for the 1982 Island Packet 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Valiant 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 1982 Island Packet 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L 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 1986 Valiant 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1986 Valiant 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.