2005 Island Packet 370 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison
2005 Island Packet 370
Beneteau First 35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Island Packet 370 | Beneteau First 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Beneteau |
| Year | 2005–2012 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.3 m² (671 ft²) | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Island Packet 370 and Beneteau First 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2005 Island Packet 370 is a 2000s design by Island Packet from USA, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2005 Island Packet 370 was penned by Bob Johnson. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
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 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The 2005 Island Packet 370 is 0.60m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 2005 Island Packet 370 displaces approximately 65% 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 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 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 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2005 Island Packet 370 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, 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 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L 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 35 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.