1988 Island Packet 32 vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Island Packet 32 | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Island Packet |
| Year | 1988–1997 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.5 m² (479 ft²) | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | 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 | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Island Packet 32 and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1988 Island Packet 32 is a 1980s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1988 Island Packet 32 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1998 Island Packet 37 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1988 Island Packet 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1998 Island Packet 37 is 1.53m longer than the 1988 Island Packet 32. The 1998 Island Packet 37 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Island Packet 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.61 and 44.5 m² of sail area. The 1998 Island Packet 37, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1988 Island Packet 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Island Packet 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1988 Island Packet 32 and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Island Packet 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1998 Island Packet 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Island Packet 37 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 1988 Island Packet 32 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: 1988 Island Packet 32 · 1998 Island Packet 37