Dufour 36 Classic vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison

Dufour 36 Classic
VS
1990 Island Packet 291990 Island Packet 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 36 Classic1990 Island Packet 29
General
ManufacturerDufourIsland Packet
Year1996–20031990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerUmberto FelciBob Johnson
Dimensions
LOA10.90 m (35.8 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.50 m (11.5 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.12 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)33.5 m² (361 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity110 L (29.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)132 L (34.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.16
1990 Island Packet 29
13.84
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 36 Classic
32.26
1990 Island Packet 29
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 36 Classic
0.76
1990 Island Packet 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.99
1990 Island Packet 29
21.60

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 36 Classic and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.

In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 2.06m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 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 Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L 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 Dufour 36 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 36 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: Dufour 36 Classic · 1990 Island Packet 29