2003 Dufour 34 vs 2006 Island Packet 420 — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
2006 Island Packet 420
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | 2006 Island Packet 420 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Island Packet |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and 2006 Island Packet 420 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2006 Island Packet 420 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the 2006 Island Packet 420 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 2.50m longer than the 2003 Dufour 34. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 98% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 m² of sail area. The 2006 Island Packet 420, with an SA/D of 14.89 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2003 Dufour 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2006 Island Packet 420 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The 2006 Island Packet 420 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2006 Island Packet 420 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 2003 Dufour 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 2006 Island Packet 420 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.