Dufour 310 Grand Large vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 310 Grand Large | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Island Packet |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 310 Grand Large and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Dufour 310 Grand Large measures 9.43m (30.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is 1.20m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The Dufour 310 Grand Large displaces approximately 31% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 310 Grand Large has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.74 and 40.0 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 310 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 310 Grand Large provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large 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.
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Or view individual specs: Dufour 310 Grand Large · 1986 Island Packet 27