2006 Island Packet 420 vs 1982 Cape Dory 36 — Comparison
2006 Island Packet 420
1982 Cape Dory 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2006 Island Packet 420 | 1982 Cape Dory 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 1982–1990 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) | 55.5 m² (597 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2006 Island Packet 420 and 1982 Cape Dory 36 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1982 Cape Dory 36 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2006 Island Packet 420 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1982 Cape Dory 36 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2006 Island Packet 420 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1982 Cape Dory 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 1.83m longer than the 1982 Cape Dory 36. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 60% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2006 Island Packet 420 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.89 and 72.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Cape Dory 36, with an SA/D of 15.70 and 55.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 Cape Dory 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2006 Island Packet 420 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1982 Cape Dory 36 has a comfort ratio of 24.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420 and 40.0% for the 1982 Cape Dory 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2006 Island Packet 420 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1982 Cape Dory 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Cape Dory 36 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 1982 Cape Dory 36 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.