1996 Island Packet 40 vs 2010 Island Packet 485 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 2010 Island Packet 485 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Island Packet |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2010 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 14.78 m (48.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.42 m (14.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 15,422 kg (34,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 6,169 kg (13,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 568 L (150.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 2010 Island Packet 485 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 2010 Island Packet 485 is a modern offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 2010 Island Packet 485 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2010 Island Packet 485 at 14.78m (48.5ft) with a 4.42m beam. The 2010 Island Packet 485 is 2.59m longer than the 1996 Island Packet 40. The 2010 Island Packet 485 displaces approximately 48% 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 2010 Island Packet 485, with an SA/D of 15.08 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2010 Island Packet 485 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 2010 Island Packet 485 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 40.0% for the 2010 Island Packet 485, 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 2010 Island Packet 485 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 568L water and 340L 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 2010 Island Packet 485 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2010 Island Packet 485 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 · 2010 Island Packet 485