2005 Island Packet 370 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
2005 Island Packet 370
Beneteau First 33.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Island Packet 370 | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Beneteau |
| Year | 2005–2012 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.3 m² (671 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Island Packet 370 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2005 Island Packet 370 is a 2000s design by Island Packet from USA, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2005 Island Packet 370 was penned by Bob Johnson. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 2005 Island Packet 370 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The 2005 Island Packet 370 is 1.24m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The 2005 Island Packet 370 displaces approximately 93% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Island Packet 370 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.55 and 62.3 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Island Packet 370 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2005 Island Packet 370 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Island Packet 370 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Island Packet 370 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.