1986 Valiant 40 vs 2006 Island Packet 420 — Comparison
1986 Valiant 40
2006 Island Packet 420
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Valiant 40 | 2006 Island Packet 420 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Valiant | Island Packet |
| Year | 1986–2001 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Perry | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.71 m (12.2 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 70.3 m² (757 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Modified full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Valiant 40 and 2006 Island Packet 420 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1986 Valiant 40 is a 1980s design by Valiant from USA, while the 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1986 Valiant 40 was penned by Bob Perry. The 2006 Island Packet 420 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 2006 Island Packet 420 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 0.61m longer than the 1986 Valiant 40. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 20% 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 2006 Island Packet 420, with an SA/D of 14.89 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 2006 Island Packet 420 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Valiant 40 and 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420, 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 2006 Island Packet 420 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Valiant 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.