1988 Swan 38 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1988 Swan 38
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Swan 38 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Island Packet |
| Year | 1988–1993 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.2 m² (680 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Swan 38 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Swan 38 is a 1980s design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1988 Swan 38 was penned by German Frers. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1988 Swan 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1988 Swan 38 is 2.71m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 1988 Swan 38 displaces approximately 94% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Swan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 63.2 m² of sail area. The 1990 Island Packet 29, with an SA/D of 13.84 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1988 Swan 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Swan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1988 Swan 38 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Swan 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Swan 38 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 1988 Swan 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 Swan 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.