1990 Dehler 31 vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Dehler 31 | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Island Packet |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Dehler 31 and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1990 Dehler 31 is a 1990s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1990 Dehler 31 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1998 Island Packet 37 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1990 Dehler 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1998 Island Packet 37 is 1.83m longer than the 1990 Dehler 31. The 1998 Island Packet 37 displaces approximately 109% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Dehler 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.05 and 44.0 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 1990 Dehler 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Dehler 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Dehler 31 and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Dehler 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L 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 1990 Dehler 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Island Packet 37 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: 1990 Dehler 31 · 1998 Island Packet 37