2010 Dehler 32 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
2010 Dehler 32
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Dehler 32 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Island Packet |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.16 m (10.4 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Dehler 32 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2010 Dehler 32 measures 9.90m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.16m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2010 Dehler 32 is 1.06m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 2010 Dehler 32 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Dehler 32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.06 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Island Packet 29, with an SA/D of 13.84 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2010 Dehler 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Dehler 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Dehler 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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 Dehler 32 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.