2004 Bavaria 38 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Bavaria 38 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Island Packet |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | J&J Design | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.72 m (38.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.40 m (34.1 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 5 |
| Cabins | 3 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Bavaria 38 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is 2.88m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 2004 Bavaria 38 displaces approximately 95% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2004 Bavaria 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.70 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Island Packet 29, with an SA/D of 13.84 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2004 Bavaria 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2004 Bavaria 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2004 Bavaria 38 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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 2004 Bavaria 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2004 Bavaria 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 2004 Bavaria 38 · 1990 Island Packet 29