Beneteau First 27 vs 1994 Island Packet 35 — Comparison
Beneteau First 27
1994 Island Packet 35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 27 | 1994 Island Packet 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 1990–1994 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.19 m (26.9 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.21 m (23.7 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.79 m (9.2 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) | 1.32 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) | 53.5 m² (576 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 9 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 70 L (18.5 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 27 and 1994 Island Packet 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1994 Island Packet 35 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 27 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1994 Island Packet 35 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 1994 Island Packet 35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1994 Island Packet 35 is 2.48m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 1994 Island Packet 35 displaces approximately 202% 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 1994 Island Packet 35, with an SA/D of 14.50 and 53.5 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 1994 Island Packet 35 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27 and 40.6% for the 1994 Island Packet 35, 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 1994 Island Packet 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Island Packet 35 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: The 1994 Island Packet 35 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.