1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Island Packet |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 0.31m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The 1990 Island Packet 29 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · 1990 Island Packet 29