2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
1990 Island Packet 291990 Island Packet 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 381990 Island Packet 29
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsIsland Packet
Year2015–20201990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenBob Johnson
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.12 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)33.5 m² (361 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)132 L (34.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
1990 Island Packet 29
13.84
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
1990 Island Packet 29
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
1990 Island Packet 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
1990 Island Packet 29
21.60

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.

In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is 2.74m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 102% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · 1990 Island Packet 29