1996 Island Packet 40 vs 1985 Valiant 37 — Comparison
1996 Island Packet 40
1985 Valiant 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 1985 Valiant 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 1985 Valiant 37 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1985 Valiant 37 is a 1980s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1985 Valiant 37 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1985 Valiant 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.47m beam. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is 0.91m longer than the 1985 Valiant 37. The 1996 Island Packet 40 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Island Packet 40 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.64 and 68.8 m² of sail area. The 1985 Valiant 37, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Valiant 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Island Packet 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1985 Valiant 37 has a comfort ratio of 23.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 41.2% for the 1985 Valiant 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Island Packet 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1985 Valiant 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Valiant 37 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 1985 Valiant 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1996 Island Packet 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.