Hunter 260 vs 1994 Island Packet 35 — Comparison
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 260 | 1994 Island Packet 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Island Packet |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.32 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) | 53.5 m² (576 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 260 and 1994 Island Packet 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Hunter 260 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1994 Island Packet 35 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Hunter 260 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1994 Island Packet 35 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Hunter 260 measures 7.85m (25.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 1994 Island Packet 35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1994 Island Packet 35 is 2.82m longer than the Hunter 260. The 1994 Island Packet 35 displaces approximately 256% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 260 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of sail area. The 1994 Island Packet 35, with an SA/D of 14.50 and 53.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 260 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 260 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.87). The 1994 Island Packet 35 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.8% for the Hunter 260 and 40.6% for the 1994 Island Packet 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 260 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1994 Island Packet 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Island Packet 35 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 Hunter 260 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1994 Island Packet 35 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: Hunter 260 · 1994 Island Packet 35