2010 Island Packet 485 vs 1990 Valiant 39 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Island Packet 485 | 1990 Valiant 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Valiant |
| Year | 2010 | 1990–2000 |
| Type | Cutter | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.78 m (48.5 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.42 m (14.5 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 15,422 kg (34,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,169 kg (13,600 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 568 L (150.0 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Island Packet 485 and 1990 Valiant 39 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 2010 Island Packet 485 is a modern design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1990 Valiant 39 is a 1990s offering from Valiant from USA. The 2010 Island Packet 485 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1990 Valiant 39 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 2010 Island Packet 485 measures 14.78m (48.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.42m, compared to the 1990 Valiant 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 2010 Island Packet 485 is 2.89m longer than the 1990 Valiant 39. The 2010 Island Packet 485 displaces approximately 79% 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 1990 Valiant 39, with an SA/D of 15.95 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Valiant 39 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 1990 Valiant 39 has a comfort ratio of 23.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2010 Island Packet 485 and 40.0% for the 1990 Valiant 39, 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 1990 Valiant 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Valiant 39 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 1990 Valiant 39 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 · 1990 Valiant 39