Beneteau 393 vs Island Packet 35

[Patman]

Greetings All, yes you read that right. I'm looking for the next boat and both of these have caught my eye. I know they are about as far opposite each other as you can get and still float but they both have unique qualities I like. As for using the boat, the Admiral and I will be living onboard for a few years then hopefully head south to the islands and this across to the western Caribbean. I'm trying to look at the qualities of both and decide which is more important to me. Of course the IP is a bit older than the Bene but they are both used boats and appear to be well maintained.

[Greenhand]

Given your plans, I think it is fine to focus on which one feels more like home.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Patman

As for using the boat, the Admiral and I will be living onboard for a few years then hopefully head south to the islands and this across to the western Caribbean. I'm trying to look at the qualities of both and decide which is more important to me.

The only one who can answer this for you is ............................... the admiral. You should ask her!

[Patman]

I agree sailorboy but she likes them both as well.

[Fritz Gahagan]

If you take her out in the trades or higher winds in each, she will make up her mind very quickly. Mine certainly did.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Fritz Gahagan

If you take her out in the trades or higher winds in each, she will make up her mind very quickly. Mine certainly did.

Yea, having more fun beam reaching and downdwind in the Benea with light loads on the gear with the small sails up. Easy steering and fast. Maybe that's not what you meant

[Fritz Gahagan]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Yea, having more fun beam reaching and downdwind in the Benea with light loads on the gear with the small sails up. Easy steering and fast. Maybe that's not what you meant

Ah yes, the Admiral thrills to sail a vessel with the sensitivity and responsiveness of a racing dinghy over the broad seas! She never tires of the sheer joy of it.

[a64pilot]

Those are very different boats, perhaps consider how much their value is likely to change in 5 or 10 yrs just in case you decided to get another boat

[MarkJ]

If you get on each boat and have a look it will become obvious. Its more difficult to do it in text or photos.

393 LOA 38.16' / 11.63m LWL: 35.08' / 10.69m Beam: 13.00' / 3.96m displ 17152 lbs./ 7780 kgs.

IP35 LOA: 35' LWL: 30' Beam: 12' Displ 17,500 lbs


they are actually 2 hugely different boats the only similarity is they both have the same displacement and both have masts.

I would guess the interior volume of the 393 would be double the IP35 (Why dont they ever have useful stats like that?!). But the only way you can see is get aboard both and have a look.


Mark

[robert sailor]

Very hard to compare these boats but you can expect the Benni to be light and lively compared to the IP. By that I mean it will sail well in light air and be light on the helm. The IP will be a bit stodgier and heavier feeling which in some conditions will be nice. The Benni will turn on a dime and the IP will back up like a drunken elephant. The IP will probably hold a course with less rudder work downwind in normal conditions but will be slower on all points of sail. Both boats have a substantial following. Many folks would consider the IP to be a tougher built boat but I guess it depends on how tough you need it to be.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Fritz Gahagan

Ah yes, the Admiral thrills to sail a vessel with the sensitivity and responsiveness of a racing dinghy over the broad seas! She never tires of the sheer joy of it.

Sheer joy, good to hear. The extra 5 to 10 degrees of heal along with being able to extend the passage time by 20% offers even more opportunity for joy on the IP.

[a64pilot]

From my little experience, I think Robert pretty much hit it pretty close to home.
Only thing I would differ on if light on the helm means light pressure on the wheel the IP due to it having a balanced spade rudder is light, but the helm position is in my opinion pretty horrible, but you get that wonderful rack and pinion steering because of it.

[Suijin]

As mentioned it's going to come down to your gut reaction when you get out on both boats. There is no doubt that the Benny is going to be more fun to sail...waaay more fun, although the tradeoff is going to come in the form of pounding if the weather picks up in a seaway.

If I were in your shoes with your planned usage I would take the Beneteau hands down. More room, newer, faster, lots of modern design features.

[letsgetsailing3]

Seems to me that if you look at these two boats, one will tug at you a bit harder.

For sailing in the islands, it would be difficult to give up the amount of space the Beneteau gives you.

[Jentine]

The real truth of the matter is that more than 90% of your time aboard is at anchor. Which boat is the most comfortable to live on. Do you plan to have company? If so, it is nice to have separate heads and cabins for the crew and guests. Also, much of your time will be spent in the cockpit. Which is more comfortable. Keep in mind that sailing from place to place is a very, very small part of the trip.