Hunter 356 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison

Hunter 356Hunter 356
VS
1990 Island Packet 291990 Island Packet 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 3561990 Island Packet 29
General
ManufacturerHunterIsland Packet
Year2000–20051990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonBob Johnson
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL9.30 m (30.5 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.53 m (11.6 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.12 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)33.5 m² (361 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)132 L (34.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 356
17.40
1990 Island Packet 29
13.84
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 356
40.00
1990 Island Packet 29
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 356
0.80
1990 Island Packet 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 356
16.38
1990 Island Packet 29
21.60

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 356 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 356 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Hunter 356 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.

In terms of size, the Hunter 356 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.53m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Hunter 356 is 1.98m longer than the 1990 Island Packet 29. The Hunter 356 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 356 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 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 Hunter 356 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 356 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) 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 40.0% for the Hunter 356 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 356 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L 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 Hunter 356 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hunter 356 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 356 · 1990 Island Packet 29