2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison

2010 Beneteau Oceanis 312010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
VS
1986 Island Packet 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2010 Beneteau Oceanis 311986 Island Packet 27
General
ManufacturerBeneteauIsland Packet
Year2010–20161986–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe FinotBob Johnson
Dimensions
LOA9.68 m (31.8 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL8.60 m (28.2 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.90 m (9.5 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,300 kg (9,480 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area45.5 m² (490 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
17.48
1986 Island Packet 27
13.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
32.56
1986 Island Packet 27
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
0.81
1986 Island Packet 27
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
17.05
1986 Island Packet 27
21.72

Detailed Comparison

The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.

In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is 1.45m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 45.5 m² of sail area. The 1986 Island Packet 27, with an SA/D of 13.64 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Island Packet 27 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 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 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: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 · 1986 Island Packet 27