Beneteau First 20 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
Beneteau First 20
1986 Island Packet 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 20 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 2014 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Sam Manuard | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 5.90 m (19.4 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.39 m (17.7 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.34 m (7.7 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.30 m (4.3 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 660 kg (1,455 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 165 kg (364 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 19.5 m² (210 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Lifting | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 4 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 10 L (2.6 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 3 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 20 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 20 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 20 was penned by Sam Manuard. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 20 measures 5.90m (19.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.34m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1986 Island Packet 27 is 2.33m longer than the Beneteau First 20. The 1986 Island Packet 27 displaces approximately 381% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 20 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.16 and 19.5 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 Beneteau First 20 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 20 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 10.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.08). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 25.0% for the Beneteau First 20 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 20 provides 3 berths in 1 cabin with 10L of water capacity and unspecified fuel capacity. 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 Beneteau First 20 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1986 Island Packet 27 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.