Beneteau First 27 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 27 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 1990–1994 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.19 m (26.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.21 m (23.7 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.79 m (9.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 9 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 70 L (18.5 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 27 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 27 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 27 measures 8.19m (26.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1990 Island Packet 29 is 0.65m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 1990 Island Packet 29 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.84 and 35.0 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 Beneteau First 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 27 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 70L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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 Beneteau First 27 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.
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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 27 · 1990 Island Packet 29