1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Island Packet |
| Year | 1976–1983 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1998 Island Packet 37 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1998 Island Packet 37 is 2.14m longer than the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter. The 1998 Island Packet 37 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.99 and 40.2 m² of sail area. The 1998 Island Packet 37, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 44.4% for the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1998 Island Packet 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter 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 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Island Packet 37 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: 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter · 1998 Island Packet 37