1970 Bristol 32 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
1970 Bristol 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Bristol 32 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Island Packet |
| Year | 1970–1977 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Halsey Herreshoff | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Bristol 32 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Bristol 32 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1970 Bristol 32 was penned by Halsey Herreshoff. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1970 Bristol 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1970 Bristol 32 is 1.52m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 1970 Bristol 32 displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Bristol 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.91 and 40.2 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 1970 Bristol 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Bristol 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 26.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1970 Bristol 32 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Bristol 32 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Bristol 32 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 1970 Bristol 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1970 Bristol 32 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
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Or view individual specs: 1970 Bristol 32 · 1986 Island Packet 27