1972 Islander 24 vs 1977 Westsail 28 — Comparison
1972 Islander 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Islander 24 | 1977 Westsail 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Islander | Westsail |
| Year | 1972–1977 | 1977–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Alan Gurney | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.94 m (19.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.36 m (7.7 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 635 kg (1,400 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 23.5 m² (253 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 7 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Islander 24 and 1977 Westsail 28 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1972 Islander 24 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 1977 Westsail 28 is a 1970s offering from Westsail from USA. The 1972 Islander 24 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 1977 Westsail 28 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1972 Islander 24 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.36m, compared to the 1977 Westsail 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1977 Westsail 28 is 1.21m longer than the 1972 Islander 24. The 1977 Westsail 28 displaces approximately 243% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Islander 24 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.55 and 23.5 m² of sail area. The 1977 Westsail 28, with an SA/D of 11.16 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1972 Islander 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Islander 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1977 Westsail 28 has a comfort ratio of 36.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.66. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Islander 24 and 41.7% for the 1977 Westsail 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Islander 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 23L of fuel. The 1977 Westsail 28 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Westsail 28 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 1972 Islander 24 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: 1972 Islander 24 · 1977 Westsail 28