Beneteau First 24 vs 1990 Island Packet 29 — Comparison
1990 Island Packet 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 24 | 1990 Island Packet 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.20 m (23.6 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.45 m (21.2 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.40 m (4.6 ft) | 1.12 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 460 kg (1,014 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 24 and 1990 Island Packet 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 24 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1990 Island Packet 29 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 24 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1990 Island Packet 29 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 24 measures 7.20m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1990 Island Packet 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1990 Island Packet 29 is 1.64m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The 1990 Island Packet 29 displaces approximately 175% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 24 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 21.93 and 27.0 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 Beneteau First 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The 1990 Island Packet 29 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24 and 41.2% for the 1990 Island Packet 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L of water capacity and 20L 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 Beneteau First 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1990 Island Packet 29 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: Beneteau First 24 · 1990 Island Packet 29