1986 Valiant 40 vs 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 — Comparison
1986 Valiant 40
1999 Pacific Seacraft 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Valiant 40 | 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Valiant | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1986–2001 | 1999–2007 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Perry | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.71 m (12.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 70.3 m² (757 ft²) | 70.0 m² (754 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Modified full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Valiant 40 and 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1986 Valiant 40 is a 1980s design by Valiant from USA, while the 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 is a 1990s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1986 Valiant 40 was penned by Bob Perry. The 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1986 Valiant 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.71m, compared to the 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 displaces approximately 5% 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 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40, with an SA/D of 15.83 and 70.0 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 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Valiant 40 and 40.5% for the 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40, 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 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1999 Pacific Seacraft 40 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.