1982 Island Packet 31 vs 1990 Valiant 39 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 Island Packet 31 | 1990 Valiant 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 1982–1994 | 1990–2000 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.2 m² (530 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 25 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 Island Packet 31 and 1990 Valiant 39 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1982 Island Packet 31 is a 1980s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1990 Valiant 39 is a 1990s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1982 Island Packet 31 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1990 Valiant 39 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 1982 Island Packet 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1990 Valiant 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1990 Valiant 39 is 2.44m longer than the 1982 Island Packet 31. The 1990 Valiant 39 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 Island Packet 31 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.32 and 49.2 m² of sail area. The 1990 Valiant 39, with an SA/D of 15.95 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Valiant 39 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 Island Packet 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1990 Valiant 39 has a comfort ratio of 23.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1982 Island Packet 31 and 40.0% for the 1990 Valiant 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 Island Packet 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1990 Valiant 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Island Packet 31 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 1990 Valiant 39 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1990 Valiant 39 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1982 Island Packet 31 · 1990 Valiant 39