1978 Albin Ballad 30 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
1978 Albin Ballad 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Albin Ballad 30 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Albin | Island Packet |
| Year | 1978–1984 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Rolf Magnusson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.07 m (29.8 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.5 m² (414 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 was penned by Rolf Magnusson. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 measures 9.07m (29.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is 0.84m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 38.5 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 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.7% for the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Island Packet 27 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 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 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: 1978 Albin Ballad 30 · 1986 Island Packet 27