1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 1995–2001 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.27 m (10.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 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 | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 1998 Island Packet 37 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.27m, compared to the 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1998 Island Packet 37 is 1.60m longer than the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321. The 1998 Island Packet 37 displaces approximately 94% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 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 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L 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 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 · 1998 Island Packet 37