1978 Albin Ballad 30 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1978 Albin Ballad 30
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Albin Ballad 30 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Albin | Island Packet |
| Year | 1978–1984 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Rolf Magnusson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.07 m (29.8 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.5 m² (414 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 was penned by Rolf Magnusson. The 1990 Island Packet 29 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 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is 0.23m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 1990 Island Packet 29 displaces approximately 13% 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 1990 Island Packet 29, with an SA/D of 13.84 and 33.5 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 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 42.7% for the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, 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 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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: 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: 1978 Albin Ballad 30 · 1990 Island Packet 29