2000 Island Packet 38 vs 1981 Valiant 32 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2000 Island Packet 38 | 1981 Valiant 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 2000–2008 | 1981–1992 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2000 Island Packet 38 and 1981 Valiant 32 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1981 Valiant 32 is a 1980s offering from Valiant from USA. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1981 Valiant 32 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 2000 Island Packet 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1981 Valiant 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 1.83m longer than the 1981 Valiant 32. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2000 Island Packet 38 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.62 and 60.5 m² of sail area. The 1981 Valiant 32, with an SA/D of 14.12 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2000 Island Packet 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2000 Island Packet 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1981 Valiant 32 has a comfort ratio of 24.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38 and 41.7% for the 1981 Valiant 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2000 Island Packet 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 1981 Valiant 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Valiant 32 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 2000 Island Packet 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2000 Island Packet 38 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: 2000 Island Packet 38 · 1981 Valiant 32