Catalina 34 MkII vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
1990 Island Packet 291990 Island Packet 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII1990 Island Packet 29
General
ManufacturerCatalinaIsland Packet
Year1995–20041990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasBob Johnson
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.12 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)33.5 m² (361 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)132 L (34.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
1990 Island Packet 29
13.84
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
1990 Island Packet 29
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
1990 Island Packet 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
1990 Island Packet 29
21.60

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 1.52m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 34 MkII has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Island Packet 29, with an SA/D of 13.84 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 34 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 34 MkII provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1990 Island Packet 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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 Catalina 34 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 34 MkII 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: Catalina 34 MkII · 1990 Island Packet 29