1996 Island Packet 40 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
1996 Island Packet 40
2000 Island Packet 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Island Packet |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 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) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is 0.61m longer than the 2000 Island Packet 38. 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 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1996 Island Packet 40 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 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, 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 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Island Packet 40 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 Island Packet 40 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.