1981 Pearson 303 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Island Packet |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 0.91m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 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 1981 Pearson 303 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 1981 Pearson 303 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Pearson 303 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: 1981 Pearson 303 · 1986 Island Packet 27