1996 Island Packet 40 vs 1990 Valiant 39 — Comparison
1996 Island Packet 40
1990 Valiant 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 1990 Valiant 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1990–2000 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified 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 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 1990 Valiant 39 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1990 Valiant 39 is a 1990s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1990 Valiant 39 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 1990 Valiant 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is 0.30m longer than the 1990 Valiant 39. The 1996 Island Packet 40 displaces approximately 21% 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 Valiant 39, with an SA/D of 15.95 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Valiant 39 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 Valiant 39 has a comfort ratio of 23.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 40.0% for the 1990 Valiant 39, 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 Valiant 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Valiant 39 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 Valiant 39 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.