1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1998 Island Packet 37 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | 1998 Island Packet 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Island Packet |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1998 Island Packet 37 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1998 Island Packet 37 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1998 Island Packet 37 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 1998 Island Packet 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1998 Island Packet 37 is 2.13m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The 1998 Island Packet 37 displaces approximately 115% 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 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 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 1998 Island Packet 37 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 40.0% for the 1998 Island Packet 37, 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 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 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: The 1998 Island Packet 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · 1998 Island Packet 37