Beneteau First 33.7 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
Beneteau First 33.7
2000 Island Packet 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 33.7 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 2001–2006 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 33.7 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 33.7 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 33.7 measures 10.04m (32.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.32m, compared to the 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 1.54m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 83% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 33.7 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.92 and 55.0 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 Beneteau First 33.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 33.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 33.7 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2000 Island Packet 38 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 Beneteau First 33.7 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.