1996 Island Packet 40 vs 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 — Comparison
1996 Island Packet 40
1990 Pacific Seacraft 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1990–2007 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 6,350 kg (13,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 51.5 m² (554 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 is a 1990s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is 1.83m longer than the 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34. The 1996 Island Packet 40 displaces approximately 64% 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 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34, with an SA/D of 15.26 and 51.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 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 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 has a comfort ratio of 27.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 42.9% for the 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34, 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 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 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 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 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.