2006 Island Packet 420 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
2006 Island Packet 420
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2006 Island Packet 420 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Beneteau |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2006 Island Packet 420 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2006 Island Packet 420 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 2006 Island Packet 420 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 2.36m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 96% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 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.