2010 Island Packet 485 vs 1978 Westsail 42 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Island Packet 485 | 1978 Westsail 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Westsail |
| Year | 2010 | 1978–1983 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.78 m (48.5 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.42 m (14.5 ft) | 3.81 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 15,422 kg (34,000 lbs) | 13,154 kg (29,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,169 kg (13,600 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 568 L (150.0 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Island Packet 485 and 1978 Westsail 42 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 2010 Island Packet 485 is a modern design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1978 Westsail 42 is a 1970s offering from Westsail from USA. The 2010 Island Packet 485 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1978 Westsail 42 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 2010 Island Packet 485 measures 14.78m (48.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.42m, compared to the 1978 Westsail 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 2010 Island Packet 485 is 1.98m longer than the 1978 Westsail 42. The 2010 Island Packet 485 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Island Packet 485 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.08 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Westsail 42, with an SA/D of 13.12 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2010 Island Packet 485 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Island Packet 485 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1978 Westsail 42 has a comfort ratio of 27.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.65. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2010 Island Packet 485 and 41.4% for the 1978 Westsail 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Island Packet 485 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 568L of water capacity and 340L of fuel. The 1978 Westsail 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Westsail 42 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 2010 Island Packet 485 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2010 Island Packet 485 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: 2010 Island Packet 485 · 1978 Westsail 42