1996 Island Packet 40 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Dufour |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and Dufour 32 Classic represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is 2.49m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1996 Island Packet 40 displaces approximately 132% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Island Packet 40 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.64 and 68.8 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Island Packet 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Island Packet 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Island Packet 40 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1996 Island Packet 40 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: 1996 Island Packet 40 · Dufour 32 Classic