Island Packet vs Beneteau

[CapnRon47]

Picking up from another thread, what are peoples thoughts in comparing an IP vs Beneteau, both 31' from sailing, comfort and quality views.

[labatt]

There is no comparison in quality. While I'm not a huge lover of the design or look of the IP's (at least the newer ones), they are well put together and are bluewater cruisers for the most part. Beneteau's are mostly coastal cruisers and are "flimsy" comparatively. A Beneteau will generally sail faster and higher than an IP - fin keel vs. full keel, higher SAD, sloop rig vs. cutter and for many other reasons. A Beneteau will probably also be more comfortable from an interior volume perspective, but an IP will be far more comfortable sailing in moderate to heavy weather. Resale value will also be higher on an IP. Others, I'm sure, will chime in as to the apples and oranges comparison between these two vessels. If you were going to do daysails or a week in decent weather and want a boat comfortable at the dock, pick the Beneteau. If you want to do anything more, go with the IP.

[Giulietta]

Beneteau for sure...I saw the IP in Boston....pfffff I rather buy SD's tri....

Diahorrea yellow paint???? what's with that??? Ugly boats. Weird rudder and keel.

Wasn't very impressed.

[camaraderie]

Better sailing boat...Bene
Better cruising boat...IP

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

Beneteau for sure...I saw the IP in Boston....pfffff I rather buy SD's tri....

Giu-

you say that like a trimaran is a bad boat... I'm so hurt... I'd rather have my boat than an IP or a BendyToy... They're slow....

[TrueBlue]

An S-class Mercedes is heavier and much more luxurious than say, a Chevy Malibu - but the Chevy will probably hit 60 mph at a quicker rate. Which would I choose to do a cross-country road trip in? Certainly not the Chevy.

I certainly wouldn't want to do it in a motorbike with flanking side cars either -

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by TrueBlue

An S-class Mercedes is heavier and much more luxurious than say, a Chevy Malibu - but the Chevy will probably hit 60 mph at a quicker rate. Which would I choose to do a cross-country road trip in? Certainly not the Chevy....-

Does your decission change if the MB was limited to 45 MPH?

To me the problem with the IPs is that they are soooo sloooowww they are not satisfactory as sailing boats. For example, the IP 35 rates 186 while my CS 36T rates 123. IMO the CS is just as capable for distance cruising as the IP, why would you want to live with such a slow boat? My hit on IPs remains, that I rarely see them sailing, they are usually under power...

[sailortjk1]

Not much comparison, the Bendy is a far superior vessel.
Spoken like a proud Bendy owner. So, take that with a grain of salt.

I will say, there is an IP of about 44 feet with a Blue Awlgrip hull on our docks that is a pretty good looking boat.
The interior Build quality of the IP is going to be better and
Heavy weather sailing on the IP will be better.

I don't know about you, but in the close quarters at our marina, I prefer the manouverability of the Benny.

I had a close encounter with an IP a couple of weeks ago.
On a gusty day I was making the turn into the fairway on approach to our slip. My vision was limited by all the boats in their slips as I was making a left turn, my wife on the bow as a look out gave the heads up, somebody is coming out. I do a quick stop and wait, and wait, and wait. There is a fellow in the fairway who is haveing all kinds of trouble trying to manouver his IP in the congested area. He had to be saved by about 6 people on the docks, granted, I don't think he had a clue as to what he was doing, but it was obvoius that his boat was giving him problems in the confinded area and a gusty cross wind.

We simply waited till the all clear was given and motored right into our slip.

The sailing carecteristics and the mauverablity in close quarters will be better on the Bending Toy.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by labatt

While I'm not a huge l but an IP will be far more comfortable sailing in moderate to heavy weather. .

We're talking 31 ft boats here. Doubt if the IP would be much more comfortable in mod to heavy weather. Doubt if any 31 ft boat would be comfortable in those conditions. As for comparisons, they both should float, other than that you're looking at entirely different concepts in sailing..... a sturdy yellowish tub with teak highlights that won't back up vs a sleek, very white Clorox bottle that goes straight frontwards or backwards.

[kd3pc]

Cap

Test sail them both in some wind...the IP will ride better, the B will float and drop quickly as the IP will cut through. IP a bit heavier...better ride. The IP is better built overall, and if the money is the same, go for the IP. It will hold value better than the B.

I owned a 1999 36CC, same hull as the 361 and although it was a good boat, I would of bought the similar IP, if I could swing it (>50% cost - new)

Try them both...

dave