1992 Valiant 47 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
1992 Valiant 47
2000 Island Packet 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1992 Valiant 47 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Valiant | Island Packet |
| Year | 1992–2002 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Perry | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.33 m (47.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.5 m² (996 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Modified full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 568 L (150.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1992 Valiant 47 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1992 Valiant 47 is a 1990s design by Valiant from USA, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1992 Valiant 47 was penned by Bob Perry. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1992 Valiant 47 measures 14.33m (47.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 1992 Valiant 47 is 2.75m longer than the 2000 Island Packet 38. The 1992 Valiant 47 displaces approximately 74% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1992 Valiant 47 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.47 and 92.5 m² of sail area. The 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1992 Valiant 47 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1992 Valiant 47 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1992 Valiant 47 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1992 Valiant 47 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 568L of water capacity and 303L of fuel. The 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Valiant 47 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 1992 Valiant 47 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1992 Valiant 47 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.