1994 Passport 42 vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
1994 Passport 42
1998 Island Packet 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Passport 42 | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Passport | Island Packet |
| Year | 1994–2003 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | Taiwan | USA |
| Designer | Robert Perry | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 75.3 m² (811 ft²) | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Modified full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Passport 42 and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1994 Passport 42 is a 1990s design by Passport from Taiwan, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1994 Passport 42 was penned by Robert Perry. The 1998 Island Packet 37 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1994 Passport 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1994 Passport 42 is 1.52m longer than the 1998 Island Packet 37. The 1994 Passport 42 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Passport 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.57 and 75.3 m² of sail area. The 1998 Island Packet 37, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1994 Passport 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Passport 42 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.6% for the 1994 Passport 42 and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Passport 42 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1998 Island Packet 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Passport 42 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 1994 Passport 42 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 Passport 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.