1996 Hunter 290 vs 1994 Island Packet 35 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
1994 Island Packet 35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | 1994 Island Packet 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Island Packet |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.32 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 53.5 m² (576 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and 1994 Island Packet 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1994 Island Packet 35 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1994 Island Packet 35 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1994 Island Packet 35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1994 Island Packet 35 is 1.83m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 1994 Island Packet 35 displaces approximately 108% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Hunter 290 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 38.9 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 1996 Hunter 290 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Hunter 290 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1994 Island Packet 35 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 40.6% for the 1994 Island Packet 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Hunter 290 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 1996 Hunter 290 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.