2003 Dufour 34 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Island Packet |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2000 Island Packet 38 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 1.28m longer than the 2003 Dufour 34. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 57% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 m² of sail area. The 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2003 Dufour 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2000 Island Packet 38 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 2003 Dufour 34 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.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 2003 Dufour 34 · 2000 Island Packet 38