1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Island Packet |
| Year | 1976–1983 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter was penned by Carl Alberg. The 2000 Island Packet 38 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 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 2.44m longer than the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 111% 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 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 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 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 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 2000 Island Packet 38, 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 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L 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 2000 Island Packet 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter · 2000 Island Packet 38