where are island packet yachts built

Island Packet Yachts: 5 Things You Should Know

The history of Island Packet Yachts

Island Packet Yachts is an American boat-building company, headquartered in Largo, Florida. Bob Johnson, a naval architect founded Island packet in 1979.

Hake Maine, the Parent company of Seaward Yachts purchased Island Packet Yachts in 2016. Besides Seaward Yachts, and Island Packet Yachts, Hake Maine also owns the Blue Jacket line of cruising sailboats.

In 2017, Darrell and Leslie Allen took ownership of the Island Packet Yachts. They are the majority shareholders of Hake Maine LLC. They changed its name to Island packet and Seaward Yachts.

Table of Contents

Is seaward yacht still in business?

Seaward yachts are no longer in business. Seaward yachts consolidated with Island packet yachts in 2016 .

Seaward yachts are famous for their lifting keels, and spacious layout on their models such as 32RK, and 46RK. The designer of this boat is Nick Hake.

Hake Marine, the parent company of Seaward Yachts closed its Stuart, Florida production facility and moved all of its production to the Island Packet Yard facility in Largo, Florida.

Where are Island Packet yachts made?

Island Packet yachts are made at their largo, Florida production facility. This boat production facility occupies 5 acres of ground with 52,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space.

There are four sections of this facility: fiberglass, hull and deck, wood shop, and assembly.

Most people on google give good reviews on this large facility. The people working there are very nice and friendly. It doesn’t matter whether you are going to purchase their boats or not, they are happy to show you around their facility and tell you about their boat-making processes.

Here is a good Island Packet largo factory tour video

Popular models of Island Packet Yachts (IPY)

There are four models of yachts produced by Island Packet Yachts: IP349, IP439, Blue Jacket 40, and 42 motor Sailer. Among these, IP349 and IP439 are the most popular ones.

• IP349 was named Cruising World’s 2019 Domestic Boat of the Year
• Total overall length is 38’3″
• Displacement 20,000lbs
• Fuel Capacity 55gal.
• Water Capacity 100gal.
• Special features include an exclusive full foil keel for exceptional safety, strength, and stability.
• Another highlight of this design is the steps and handrails added when boarding from the deck.
• A new IP349 with standard equipment is priced at $39,9000.
• IP439 model won Cruising World’s 2021 Best Full-Size Cruiser of the Year.
• Total overall length is 47′
• Displacement 32,000lbs
• Fuel Capacity 160gal.
• Water Capacity 220gal.
• Holding Capacity 50gal.
• Many customization options include rig design, rig colors, navigation station or additional storage, interior wood material, etc.
• A new IP439 with standard equipment is priced at $59,9000.

Here is a good video in which the president of IPY Darrell Allen walks you through this custom-designed IP439

• Blue Jacket 40 is a sailboat with an overall length of 39’10”.
• Displacement is 17,900lbs
• Fuel Capacity 40gal.
• Water Capacity 110gal.
• Holding Capacity 25gal.
• The highlight features of Blue jacket 40 are its one-piece hull, and one-piece deck model for superior strength and stiffness.
• A new Blue Jacket 40 with standard equipment at a price of $49,9000.
• IP42 motor sailer is designed for long-distance, offshore cruising.
• Total overall length at 42’5″ with a displacement of 23,000lbs
• Fuel Capacity 320gal.
• Water Capacity 130gal.
• The highlight features of IP42 MS are its 110 HP Yanmar turbo diesel engine, and 320 gallons tankage capacity.
• A new IP42 motor sailer with standard equipment at a price of $69,9000.

Do Island Packet Yachts sail well?

A great number of boat owners said that the Island packet is a sturdy, well-made sailboat that sails slowly.

There is a mixed good and bad review towards Island packets yachts.

Good Reviews

Everybody agrees that Island packet is a sturdy, well-made sailboat. It is very comfortable to live in.

It is noticeable of IP’s craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Some Island Packet’s hulls built in 1985 still shine today.

Full keel, very stable sailboat, with plenty of space, storage, and tankage.

You can get the right parts or supplies that retain the quality and value of your boat.

Bad Reviews

Poor windward performance

Not light air boats

It takes strong wind such as 7 knots for Island Packet to start sailing

Island Packet Yachts is a solid-built, shoal draft, full keel sailboat. People who like the features of a well-made, traditional full keel sailboat would pay a premium price to have one Island packet yacht.

Island Packet Yachts is also great for a family weekend out. It is spacious and roomy, with a lot of storage space, wonderful for a long-distance voyage.

If you prefer racing to comfort then the Island packet may not be a good fit. Quite a few people complained about the speed of Island Packet.

Related Articles

You may also find the following articles helpful on other brands of sailboats

Nautor Swan: 7 Questions Answered (For Beginners)

Catalina Boat: 9 Questions Answered (For Beginners)

Jeanneau Boat: 11 Things You Should Know

Beneteau Boat: 11 Things You Should Know

Everything You Need to Know About J Boats (With Prices)

Hallberg-Rassy: 9 Questions Answered (For Beginners)

www.ipy.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_Packet_Yachts

How an Island Packet and Seaward Yacht Sailboat is Built

If you’ve been reading this blog, then you know that we sailed across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia (The Marquesas, The Tuamotu’s & the Society Islands) then Hawaii, and back to San Diego, CA in our 1996, Island Packet 37 cutter rig sailboat.

When we returned home, we sold our sailboat and purchased an RV.  After traveling across the United States, Canada, and Alaska, we wanted to find out more about our Island Packet Yacht and decided to travel to the factory in Largo, Florida. We initially purchased our sailboat from Suncoast Yachts in San Diego, CA and we were impressed and thankful we decided on the safety of an Island Packet.

This mini-documentary How an Island Packet and Seaward Yacht Sailboat is Built explains our experiences at the factory which includes interviews with employees from engineering, gelcoat, parts, and metal fabrication, the plant manager, and the Island Packet Yachts owner, Darrell Allen. During the tour, there were several yachts being constructed including a Seaward 26RK, the Island Packet 349 and others were on deck.

First, we experienced the gelcoat application followed by the fiberglass layers. We also met the metal fabrication expert and lead engineer. Many employees have worked at Island Packet for 10 to 35 years and some even worked with their own family members for 3 generations.

The steps to build an Island Packet Yacht include:

Design and Engineering

Tooling/Molds

Tankage and Chainplates

Rudder installation

Structural floor grid

Wood mill and materials

Interior assembly

Deck assembly

Decking Detail and

Quality control

Ready for transport

The TOP TEN Safety Features of an Island Packet Yacht:

1. Full Foil Keel/ Integrated hull and keel (one piece)

2. Protected propeller and rudder

3. Hand steering in the seat in case of emergency

4. Hole in engine compartment for fire suppression

5. Rudder with hole for emergency lines to pull rudder back and forth

6. Cockpit size enables safety underway

7. All lines and halyards got to the cockpit

8. easy to reef mainsail due to in mast furling system

9. Anchor windless can be controlled from the helm or forward

10. Hand pump at helm for the bilge

More: Resistance to capsize

Direct Steering system: geared rack and pinion steering

Cream color gelcoat for ease on the eyes

Sturdy hand holds throughout

Immediate anchor access; tangle free ground tackle storage

Two anchor bow rollers

Made in America

S alpeda wood is standard with Cherry and Teak options

Customization

Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/theadventuretravelers

The following is a list of the safety features we review in this video:

Rack and pinion steering

Emergency tiller steering

Safe, tight cockpit

Continuous cockpit seating/lounging

Stainless steel, safety “D” rings in the cockpit and galley

Locking hatch boards Sea Safe® anchor rollers

Foot controlled windlass at the bow

Cockpit controlled windlass

Glassed in, stainless steel chain plates

Up to 14 stays on the mast, including twin back stays

Emergency rudder steering

Full Foil Keel ® with skeg rudder

Triaxial knitted laminate integration

All controls leading to the cockpit

Stainless steel, in-house fabricated hand rails throughout (interior and exterior)

Slip resistant, diamond shaped deck floor

Safety glass

Fuel and water tanks at mid ship

Easy access to the engine

Oxygen deprivation hole to the engine

Bronze flange sea cocks that are thru bolted, double clamped and labeled

High stanchions and lifelines

Low center of gravity

High quality ports and hatches

Oversized mast and boom

Closed in transom with molded in swim step

Abundant storage to safely put away gear and provisions

Solid wood grooved cabin sole for grip

Exterior lighting at gates and cockpit

Fiddles on countertops in galley and head

Island Packet ivory deck color, which is easiest on the eyes when at sea.

Check out our the beginning of our sailing journey to Baja, Mexico .

Looking to purchase an Island Packet Yacht?

Check out Island Packet Yachts in the 20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000 reviews from our friends at #BoatLife

2 thoughts on “ How an Island Packet and Seaward Yacht Sailboat is Built ”

Thanks! We really appreciate it. This video and blog post was a lot of fun to make.

Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂

Please leave a comment that is helpful to others. Cancel reply

Share this:.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

Island Packet 485

• By Darrell Nicholson
• Updated: June 23, 2003

You can’t help but like a boat that balances off the wind as well as it does close-reaching. And for true long-term cruising, a boat that packs a tremendous payload not only extends your range but also opens all kinds of options when you finally get where you want to be.

For these and other reasons, I quickly grew attached to the Island Packet 485, a 20-ton, 51-foot-LOA center-cockpit sloop that’s as well mannered as it is amply proportioned. I sailed the 485 this winter in the Atlantic waters off of Miami, where it didn’t take much imagination to envision an open-ended cruise that could last for years. Although notably bigger than any Island Packet to date, the 485’s 5-foot-3-inch draft and 63-foot-6-inch mast height make it as adept at exploring the Intracoastal Waterway as it is pointing its bow toward Tahiti.

In its 25 years, Island Packet has been highly regarded for building strong, seaworthy sailboats that are tuned to the cruising sailor’s needs. With first-rate systems and enough storage space to keep a cruising family comfortable for months at a time, the 485 is a well-appointed escape pod. No, you won’t shatter any speed records round the buoys, but the boat fits the bill for the couple or family looking for a boat that they could truly call a home.

The first center-cockpit model to come out of Island Packet’s factory in Largo, Florida, the 485 doesn’t veer from the Island Packet philosophy. The boat’s cruiser-friendly attributes include what Island Packet president and designer Bob Johnson calls a “full foil keel,” a full keel with a hydrodynamic profile to generate lift, and a heavily reinforced integral bow pulpit. These features, along with the Hoyt staysail boom and the traditional buff color are among the most recognizable features of modern Island Packets.

Hull number one, Dancing in the Dark, which our Boat of the Year judges inspected, proved her mettle straight out of the factory, taking second in her class in the 2002 Caribbean 1500. A full report of the boat’s performance in the ocean rally from Virginia to Tortola appears on the Caribbean 1500 website (www.carib1500.com/c1500/ 2002.htm).

Apart from the center cockpit and a flatter sheer line, the 485 makes few significant changes to the Island Packet look. Teak caprail, step pads, and handholds give the boat a traditional accent. Whitewater Marine stainless-steel ports accentuate this salty look, although Boat of the Year judges recommended that the interior frames be through-bolted instead of screwed into a plywood backing plate. The builder points out that the installation, which is sealed with an adhesive, meets European Union requirements for Category A ocean sailing and that the company’s installed roughly 20,000 of them with this method without a failure or other problem.

The 485 takes advantage of the center cockpit by leaving the fantail unobstructed, providing an ideal place for stowing a dinghy (up to a length of 10 feet 6 inches) on deck. A clever boom extension allows one person to lift the dinghy onto the deck and position it.

A deck hatch amidship in the fantail opens to a lazarette the size of a New York studio apartment. Not only does this space afford excellent access to the 2-inch-diameter stainless-steel rudderstock for inspection; it’s also big enough to hold a second roll-up dinghy, dive gear, surfboards, a ton of rode, and on and on. A stamped stainless-steel plate at the bottom of the ladder to this compartment offers sure footing and protects the gelcoat from the various items that will surely get dropped into this well.

On either side of this huge compartment are two gasketed hatches with overboard drains, one of which is dedicated for holding two 10-pound propane tanks. The boat I sailed had a loop in the propane-locker drain line, an oversight that was later corrected. In the event of a gas leak, the loop could allow leaking gas to settle in the line, posing a potential fire hazard.

The deep cockpit is two steps up from the deck. Well-placed teak pads ease this transition. The cockpit’s 7-foot-long seats allow plenty of room to stretch out. Cockpit stowage includes a spacious locker for a valise-packed eight-man life raft. Movement forward and around the wide side decks was satisfactory. The stainless-steel mast pulpits offer something to brace against while tending halyards, but the tight squeeze makes winch operation unnatural. Also, the top corners of these bars have protruding end caps at kidney height; smooth curved corners would solve this.

Forward of the mast, Island Packet’s rugged bowsprit and anchoring setup is bigger and beefier than previous models. The broader bow pulpit and small sprit keep anchors and tackle from banging topsides as they rattle and clang aboard, and the huge divided locker allows ample room for tackle, chain, and rode.

The staysail on the Hoyt boom offers the benefits of self-tacking and roller furling and remedies some of the trimming problems associated with a traditional club-footed staysail. The two-spreader mast has an after-intermediate shroud to counteract loads on the staysail stay. A belts-and-suspenders approach for extreme conditions would include running backstays for this service as well, although Island Packet reports its design team has carefully engineered the mast section to eliminate this need. All shrouds may be adjusted at deck level. The double backstay not only provides an extra measure of mast protection but also allows easy access to the transom swim platform.

The roller-furling headsail is sheeted to the gunwale outside of the shrouds. This wide sheeting base impacts the boat’s ability to point, but bashing to windward in record time isn’t usually high on the list of a cruiser’s priorities. In the light conditions off of Miami, the boat tacked through about 100 degrees, an angle that I’d expect to improve in more breeze.

Storage Galore

For a person who has trouble deciding what he can live without, the 485 eases the transition to living aboard. From the convenient wet locker at the base of the companionway to the linen bins below the berths, thoughtfully designed storage space turns up at every corner. And if you intend to telecommute from faraway ports, the standard layout of the 485 features a spacious office just forward of the mast to starboard. There is a dedicated space for an optional washer/dryer, and I could imagine the office being used as a small workshop, as well. Upper and lower bunk berths are also an option here.

Naturally lit by the large windows in the raised deck, the main saloon is flanked by settees on either side and a table that drops down from the bulkhead. A stowaway coffee table can be mounted on either side of the main saloon. At sea, either table would provide another handhold for moving fore and aft, essential in such a spacious cabin.

My favorite spot in the boat was the navigation station, which features a plush, high-back chair upholstered in Ultra-Leather and a full-size chart table. Ample vertical space surrounds the navigation station for mounting electronics. As Carol Hasse, one of the BOTY judges, observed, “This was obviously set up with long passages in mind.”

The fore-and-aft galley is two steps down to starboard, so the cook is near eye level with those sitting in the main cabin. With twin deep sinks, Corian countertops, and a fail-safe manual pump to back up the pressure system, the galley is well set up for cruising. One detail I liked was the small Isotherm pullout drawer on the reefer, which allows discreet access to cold drinks when the cook is busy with the counterspace over the top-loading fridge or freezer. Three opening ports over the galley provide ample ventilation. Functional, nonslip fiberglass is employed for the cabin sole in the fore and aft heads, the galley, below the companionway, and at the nav station. The main saloon and cabins have soles of teak and holly veneer.

The aft cabin features a spacious athwartship island berth, with an overhead hatch, two cowl vents, and opening ports. A hanging locker, armchair, and a spacious head with separate shower round out the arrangements. A small door leading aft from the cabin opens to the large lazarette. This lets you access the super-lazarette “garage” when the dinghy is stowed and covering the deck hatch. As one would expect of a Florida builder, ventilation on this boat is excellent, and integral shades on all hatches and windows keep the main cabin from turning into a solar cooker.

In light air, the engine, a 100-horsepower turbochar-ged Yanmar, will be the ticket. And with 300 gallons of fuel at your disposal, you’ll have sufficient range for motoring. Under power, the boat cruised at 7.6 knots at 3,000 rpm and responded well to the helm. Backing does introduce some prop walk, but not as much as I expected with the long keel. For those who frequently lie dockside, the optional bow thruster is worth considering. The boat registered relatively high engine noise in the aft cabin during our Boat of the Year tests, but Island Packet has since fixed that by adding insulation, reducing vibration, and installing a sound barrier beneath the cabin sole. Engine noise was within the normal range during my sail.

Off the wind in light air, an asymmetric cruising spinnaker will help get the boat on her feet. By the end of our sail, the southeast sea breeze had filled in to about 12 knots, and the IP 485 footed along quite nicely, holding about 5.6 knots on a reach. In-mast roller furling, well-placed winches (three of which are electronic), and convenient sheeting made sail adjustments a snap. As the boat came alive, I let go of the wheel as the boat tracked west without wavering. She sailed that way for 10 long minutes, and she probably would have kept going had I let her. And I would’ve, except for one sad detail: a large continent between Tahiti and me.

Certainly, you don’t have to cross an ocean to appreciate all the Island Packet 485 has to offer. This is a true liveaboard long-range cruiser that will please her owners wherever they decide to drop the hook. She reminds us why full-keeled heavy-displacement boats still make sense on the world’s oceans. When a steady trade finally takes a firm hold of the port quarter, slightly overtrim the staysail, let go of the wheel, and you’ll see for yourself: For the offshore cruiser who wants room to stretch, the IP 485 offers a healthy balance.

Darrell Nicholson is Cruising World’s senior editor.

Island packet 485 specs.

LOA 51′ 7″ (15.72 m.) LWL 43′ 2″ (13.16 m.) Beam 15′ 4″ (4.67 m.) Draft 5′ 3″ (1.60 m.) Sail Area (working) 1,267 sq. ft. (118 sq. m.) Displacement (light) 39,000 lb. (17,690 kg.) Ballast 16,000 lb. (7,258 kg.) Ballast/Disp. .41 Disp./L 216 SA/Disp. 17.6 Water 340 gal. (1,287 l.) Fuel 300 gal. (1,135 l.) Mast Height 63′ 6″ (19.35 m.) Designer Bob Johnson Price (sailaway) $600,000 Island Packet Yachts (727) 535-6431 www.ipy.com

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 41 - 50 ft , Bluewater Cruising , Island Packet , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Modern Multihulls: The Future’s Electric

A Gem in New England

Thinking of a Shift to Power?

TradeWinds Debuts 59-foot TWe6 Smart Electric Yacht

Cruising World On Board: Windelo 50

Into the Mystic: A Pacific Northwest Adventure

How to Ride a Wave

Lifelong Cruiser and Adventurer Bruce Kessler Dies at 88

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Island Packet 380: The best liveaboard cruiser out there?

• Rachael Sprot
• June 17, 2022

When it comes to liveaboard credentials, is the Island Packet the cream of the crop? Rachael Sprot went to find out...

Product Overview

With their ivory colour and tall, rounded coachroof, the Island Packets are nothing if not distinctive and the Island Packet 380 is a fine example of the popular marque.

Designed and built in Florida, they’re sought after across the pond for blue-water cruising but a few of them have migrated to colder climes.

I joined Jalan Jalan , an Island Packet 380, to find out how they perform in our northern waters.

The first Island Packet was built in 1979. Designed by Bob Johnson, it was a 26-footer with a cutter rig, long keel and 10ft beam!

The yard soon made a name for itself producing well-built, spacious cruising yachts. From the outset, safety and stability were front and foremost in the design.

The 380’s wide beam gives her plenty of stability with a relatively low angle of heel. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The Island Packet 380 came along some 20 years later and was a highly successful model – 169 were built between 1998 and 2004.

My first impression of the boat was just how much boat there is – she dwarfed the Sigma 38 next-door.

The bow platform and davits mean she’s about a metre longer than her 38ft title suggests, and with a 4m beam she considerably out-girths her rivals too.

The result is a boat with a huge interior volume. Unlike other boats of these proportions though, she has the underwater profile to match.

The ‘full foil’ keel, which Johnson espoused, means there’s a lot more going on below the surface than meets the eye.

Forwards visibility is restricted due to the large sprayhood. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The keel-hung rudder is well-protected from encounters with floating objects and the encapsulated keel is another sound feature for blue-water cruising.

Despite her substantial size, the hull itself has a nice touch of sheer emphasised by the rubbing streak, and the stern has a wineglass shape which counterbalances the boxy coachroof.

Simple solutions

There’s seamanship in evidence in much of the design: the bow platform has twin bow rollers as standard, and the chain locker below is split in two thereby accommodating both sets of chain.

A sloping shelf beneath the hawse pipe helps the chain to self-stow and there’s easy access through the forward cabin if it doesn’t.

It’s the kind of simple, practical solution which comes from a designer who goes cruising himself.

There are five mooring cleats on each side, each one with a stainless chafe protector guarding the teak toerail beneath.

The self-tacking staysail makes the cutter rig easy to handle on the Island Packet 380. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The low-profile toerail is attractive but I’d have liked a more substantial brace on an ocean-going yacht.

The high coachroof has an excellent handrail which gives good security on the side decks though.

Four full-size dorades with storm blanks provide good ventilation below and there’s room for a liferaft or rolled up dinghy under the boom.

Safety over sportiness

The cockpit is carried all the way aft to the pushpit. It’s a big space, which is exactly what you want in the lower latitudes where you spend more time outdoors, but it feels wide when heeled.

There are two huge lockers under the cockpit seats and there’s space beneath the cockpit sole for a generator.

A split backstay and small sugar scoop makes getting on and off the transom easy.

The wheel is fairly small and because the sprayhood is necessarily wide to take in the big coachroof, forwards visibility is restricted.

The Island Packet 380 is ideal for blue-water cruising, with a keel-hung rudder and encapsulated keel. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

We found ourselves standing with a foot on either cockpit bench in order to keep a proper lookout.

A bigger wheel would have made it easier to steer and peer around the side of the sprayhood. However, it does mean there’s good access when berthed stern-to.

Davits and solar panels are easily accommodated, and her volume means she copes well with all the cruising gear.

The companionway hatch is a heavy duty, GRP moulding which can be bolted into position to secure the washboards beneath.

It’s a reassuring feature on an ocean sailing boat – you may encounter green water before arriving at your blue-water cruising grounds.

The short traveller forward of the companionway is another feature which prioritises safety over sportiness.

No back rest makes the chart table impractical at sea. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Island Packet pride themselves on their superior construction standards.

The hull is solid laminate, which is heavier than a cored hull, but this means damage is easily repaired.

The trademarked Polyclad 2 gelcoat system below the waterline is reported to offer better protection against osmosis, and above the waterline Durashield gives a high-gloss finish.

The hull is a single moulding, as is the deck, and they’re bolted and bonded together.

The deck is cored with Polycore, which is supposed to be impervious to rot.

The davits, solar panels and sprayhood add windage. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The chain plates are another example of robust design: the single spreader rig is stayed with forward and aft lowers and together with the cap shrouds are terminated to three separate chain plates.

The separate chain plates are welded and braced together with a framework that locks into the hull to deck joint before being glassed to the hull – very much a belts and braces solution.

It’s below decks that the Island Packet 380 wins her admirers, though.

The high coachroof gives an unparalleled sense of space, feeling more like a 42-footer. The saloon is bright and comfortable with lots of natural light.

There’s a mixture of solid teak joinery and GRP mouldings which gives a feeling of excellent quality without making them prohibitively expensive.

Sturdy structure

There’s a structural ‘pan’ which forms the sole, and the bulkheads, structural webbings and many of the bunks and seats are bonded to the hull to give more rigidity.

It’s a more labour-intensive process than the ‘tray’ style construction of many production boats, but the result is a much stronger structure.

The headlining is a single moulding, which is durable and easy to maintain. It also means the underside of the deck is well insulated and during the cold March nights I spent on board the only condensation was on the hatches and portlights.

The portlights themselves are a window into Island Packet’s philosophy.

Twin bow rollers point to the Island Packet 380’s seaworthiness. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The stainless steel frame has two threaded lock nuts to clamp them shut, in the moulding above there’s a perfectly positioned hook to hold them open.

They’re simple, tough and functional, with no friction hinges or plastic catches to wear out.

The fold-up table is versatile, creating lots of floor space when you need to get the tools out or for morning yoga sessions, although it’s a shame it doesn’t have a fiddle.

A small, aft-facing chart table utilises the end of the starboard saloon berth, maximising the seating in the saloon, but making it impractical at sea: there’s no back rest and nothing to stop the charts from sliding off the top.

It’s a strange oversight on what is otherwise a well-thought-out interior.

The deck of the Island Packet 380 feels secure, with plenty of hand holds. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

For many though, the vast U-shaped galley makes up for any shortcomings.

It’s a fantastic area with a double sink, lots of locker space and plenty of surface area for food prep.

The top-loading fridge and freezer are bigger than most boats’ cockpit lockers.

There’s a roomy master cabin in the forepeak with an island bed which allows you to get up in the middle of the night without disturbing the other person – a nice feature for a liveaboard.

The heads is also vast with two access doors, one to the forward cabin and one to the saloon.

Access on and off the Island Packet 380 is easy with a split backstay and small sugar scoop. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

It would be nice to see some sort of wet-locker arrangement or hanging rail though, especially in our colder, wetter climes.

The aft cabin is also a generous double which runs athwartships. Beneath it there’s excellent access to the gearbox, stern gland and back of the engine .

The front and sides of the engine box have access panels too.

However, it looked like removing the engine entirely would involve dismantling some of the joinery.

Spotless condition

Despite Jalan Jalan ’s fairly high mileage, there wasn’t so much as a scuff in the gelcoat or joinery.

They’re the kind of boats that attract conscientious owners and many of the examples on the market have been well looked after.

The accommodation on offer is as much about what you don’t see as what you do see.

The deep bilges are cleverly compartmentalised and the storage space extends well below the waterline.

The high coachroof makes the saloon feel roomy. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

I managed to extract a cruising chute, spinnaker sheets and storm jib from underneath one corner of the port seating!

The Packet boats of the 18th and 19th centuries were originally designed to take cargo, passengers and mail up and down the coast, and the Island Packet 380 pays more than a nod to this heritage.

The flip side to this is the windage.

Jalan Jalan ’s sprayhood doesn’t fold down easily, and once you’ve added in davits and solar panels she’s challenging in confined spaces.

The long keel helps to stabilise her, so she doesn’t skate around as much as a fin-keeled yacht, but she’s hard to turn in strong winds.

The 56hp Yanmar is hefty for a boat of this displacement, but with the large wetted surface area and drag from the superstructure, she needed 2,500rpm to achieve 6 knots in calm conditions, which doesn’t leave a lot of headroom for when it’s windy.

With a little help from the bow-thruster she did follow her rudder in astern, although she was slow to respond to helm inputs.

A 4 metre beam means there is plenty of space in the master cabin. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

As with most long-keeled boats, steerage in reverse is a privilege and not a right, and it’s one which may be withdrawn at short notice.

The million-dollar question though, is how does she sail? The answer is: better than you think.

She doesn’t want for sail area: there’s a 16 per cent sail area/displacement ratio just taking the mainsail and fore triangle into account.

Continues below…

Najad 390: A pedigree cruiser for serious sailing

Thirty-nine feet is often thought of as the golden size for short-handed cruising. Rachael Sprot tests the Najad 390 to…

Moody S38: a good all-round family cruising boat

Looking for a good all-round family cruising boat with a good turn of speed, there are plenty of strong contenders,…

Salona 380: the 38 footer which has a lot to offer

From a yard that’s still relatively unknown in the UK, the Salona 380 looks set to present the established performance…

Understand your boat and her statistics

Nigel Calder and Chris Beeson explain how to use boat statistics to understand your boat, or choose the right boat…

If you add in an overlapping genoa and the staysail, it pushes up to 18 per cent.

The headsail track is on the toerail and with her 1.4m draught, it is an early indicator that she isn’t designed to be close-winded.

The heads can be accessed from the saloon and forward cabin. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

She likes to be sailed ‘full and by’ according to the manual.

Apparent wind angles of 50-55° were optimum where she made a comfortable 5.5-6 knots upwind in a Force 4 and above.

A slab reefing main instead of in-mast furling , and some crisp new sails would have given better performance.

Impressive in light airs

The self-tacking staysail sheets are closer to the centreline, so in stronger winds you’d achieve better tacking angles from this.

Off the wind we reached along at 6.5-7 knots in blustery Force 6, but there was a law of diminishing returns above that.

In light airs she was impressive though, managing 3.5-4 knots in 6-8 knots breeze, which is valuable on long passages where you don’t want to reach for the throttle every time the wind drops.

The Polycore deck should last, and it is reported to be impervious to rot. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Thanks to her beam she has plenty of form stability, keeping the angle of heel relatively low. She’s also well ballasted and forgiving in gusty conditions.

The large rudder gripped the water even when a 30-knot squall hit, never threatening to round up.

With in-mast furling it was easy to balance the sail plan to minimise weather helm.

She’s never going to point like a Sigma 38, and she needs to be sailed accordingly, giving lee shores a wider margin, but blue-water sailing is best done by tortoises, not hares.

The Island Packet 380 is superbly well adapted for tradewind sailing, exploring shallow atolls and spending long periods of time afloat.

The galley has plenty of stowage and has decent fridge and freezer space. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

There’s a trend these days to pair high volume interiors with a flat, racy bottom and deep fin keel.

Comfort and performance: it’s a seductive mixture, but like all good cocktails the innocuous first impression could leave you with a headache offshore.

Not this boat – it is unapologetically safe, sensible and seaworthy.

The Island Packet 380 is a Marmite kind of a boat, but like it or loathe it, there’s a lot to admire in the design, not least that it isn’t trying to be something it’s not.

Expert opinion on the Island Packet 380

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA) www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

Over the years I’ve surveyed several of these for both pre-purchase and insurance claims.

Ben Sutcliffe- Davies has been in the marine industry for over 40 years as a long- time boat builder, has been surveying craft for over 20 years and is a Full Member of the YDSA.

These vessels have a distinctive off-white/cream hull moulding colour; while attractive, it can be a headache for yards to colour match when damaged.

When viewing, look carefully for areas of repair. The strength of the hull is unquestionably reliable.

I’ve surveyed several which have been bounced on the bottom, against rocks or quay sides, and the boat has upheld the stresses surprisingly well.

I am not keen on the method of laying the ballast into the keel moulding.

During hammer testing the keel moulding arrangements, I have had a couple where the ballast is not very tight within the moulding.

Surveying two Island Packet 380s after groundings, I have found water was able to easily ingress into the keel void and soften the lean mix of sand and cement used around the lead ingots.

The Island Packet 380 is ideal for living aboard long term and tradewind sailing. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

This has been a very hard job to sort and in both cases quite expensive to deal with.

Protect the boat’s teak cappings before liftout as they can be damaged.

Have some carpeted blocks made and place below the strakes to stop the strops lifting the cappings off under load.

Lastly, be aware of the skeg fitting fastenings that can weep into the keel void, the security of her deck fittings and, most importantly, moisture in the deck core around fittings, especially around winches and the portlights.

Alternatives to the Island Packet 380

Moody 38 mk1.

All controls on the Moody 38 lead aft. Credit: David Harding

Moody was to the British what Island Packet was to the Americans: reliable, solidly built cruising boats.

They had a prodigious output, over 160 Mk 1 Moody 38s came out of the mould in the 1990s, and a further 37 of the Mk 2 version in the 2000s.

Owing to the centre cockpit, the master cabin is aft rather than forwards.

Described by the original Yachting Monthly review in 1992 as ‘truly splendid’, it’s still impressive today with lots of stowage and a portlight in the transom.

Like many centre-cockpit boats the cockpit lockers are sacrificed, with two deep but narrow lazarettes in each quarter instead.

Another compromise is that the companionway steps descend quite steeply.

Forwards there’s a generous V berth and second heads – useful if you’re cruising as more than a couple.

There’s a proper, forward-facing chart table to keep the fuddy-duddies (like me) happy too.

The 38 came with a masthead rig with double spreaders and fixed backstay as standard. Credit: David Harding

Below the waterline there’s a stout fin keel and semi-balanced rudder on a partial skeg. The masthead rig has the least sail area of all the boats in this selection.

The small mainsail area is partly because they came with in-mast furling as standard and they were also designed to have a generous genoa.

Once you add an overlapping headsail into the equation she has a better sail/area:displacement ratio. The smaller main will also make her easier to handle in a blow.

The modest draught will slightly limit upwind performance, but most cruisers aren’t concerned about losing a few degrees of pointing and it gives better access to tidal harbours.

The hull is solid laminate but the deck is balsa-cored, so you’ll need to watch out for moisture ingress.

The Plymouth-built hulls met Lloyd’s construction standards so should stand the test of time.

Although Moody didn’t splurge out on the joinery, they didn’t skimp on it either: the fit-out is good.

If you’re looking for an affordable fin-keeler with plenty of space but that’s easy to handle under power and sail, this is a great option.

Nauticat 39

A deep forefoot means the Nauticat 39 handles well in heavy weather. Credit: David Harding

Nauticat is not a name you normally associate with handsome sailing yachts.

They’re better known for their quirky motor sailors but in the 1980s and 1990s a touch of thoroughbred was introduced to the stables of the Finnish design team.

A series of much more athletic boats appeared, including the Nauticat 39.

With a narrow beam, relatively light displacement and large sail area she’ll likely outsail her contemporaries, especially upwind.

The deep forefoot makes her sea-kindly in heavy weather and the bulbed fin keel is substantial, giving better than average directional stability.

The joinery below decks is of Scandinavian quality with all teak sourced from the same trunk so that the colour and grain matches.

The master aft cabin has an en suite heads, with a second heads forward to serve the V berth and single cabin down the port side.

The major selling point of the boat is the wheelhouse, where you can sip a gin and tonic, enjoying the sunset in whichever beauty spot you’ve arrived in.

It’s quite ambitious to fit one of these on a boat under 40ft, so the seating area of the raised saloon is smaller than that of a conventional saloon.

It also means that the galley is buried in the belly of the boat which, whilst snug in heavy weather, is a bit lonely when the rest of the crew are enjoying sundowners on deck.

The interior helm station will appeal to anyone missing those working-from-home pyjama days – with a throttle control and hydraulic steering link you can wear your slippers on watch.

With her performance credentials, though, she’ll reward those who want to play on deck too.

Hunter Legend 41

The Legend 41 was designed for easy handling shorthanded. Credit: Graham Snook

Another American cruiser which has been popular in Europe is the Hunter Legend 41.

Like the Island Packet 380, it’s broad-shouldered and beamy with high topsides. The interior is voluminous.

The B&R rig is a trademark feature of the Hunter brand.

Originally designed by Swedish engineers Lars Bergstrom and Sven Ridder, it removes the need for a backstay by substituting aggressively swept back spreaders and a web of reverse diagonals.

The result is a sail plan that’s heavily weighted in favour of the mainsail, thanks to a big roach and small foretriangle.

It’s intended to make sail handling easier because there’s no large headsail to sheet in.

However, careful mainsail management may be required in order to reduce weather helm close-hauled.

The stainless-steel cockpit arch keeps the mainsheet clear of the crew yet still within reach of the helm.

Innovative rig design aside, the deck layout is fairly standard for this type of cruising yacht.

Accommodation-wise there’s little to fault.

The L-shaped galley has acres of work-space and a full-height storage locker. The saloon seating wraps around the table and could easily accommodate eight.

Big overhead windows let in lots of natural light. There are two big double cabins, one forward, one aft, both with an en suite heads.

A deck saloon version gives 7ft of headroom in the saloon! The shoal draught version comes with a bulb keel, whilst the full-fin keel will give better upwind performance.

She’s flighty for tricky offshore sailing, but would make a comfortable island-hopping liveaboard.

Enjoyed reading Island Packet 380: The best liveaboard cruiser out there?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Pearson Rhodes 41/Rhodes Bounty II Used Sailboat Review

Hallberg-Rassy 42 Used Sailboat Review

How to Perform Your Own Pre-Buy Inspection

Beneteau 323 Used Boat Review

How Does the Gulf Stream Influence our Weather?

Can You Run a Marine Air-Conditioner on Battery Power?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

Your New Feature-Packed VHF Radio

Practical Sailor Classic: The Load on Your Rode

Anchor Rodes for Smaller Sailboats

Ground Tackle Inspection Tips

Shoe Goo II Excels for Quick Sail Repairs

What Oil Analysis Reveals About Your Engine

An Unusual Sailboat Shines a Light On A Sustainable Future

Is It Time to Get an Electric Dinghy Motor?

Bottom Paint 30-Month Update

Battle of the Teak Cleaners — Snappy Teak-Nu vs. Star Brite

New Seacocks for the Offshore Sailor

Bottom Paint Care

Are E-bikes Worth the Extra Weight and Cost?

How to Handle the Head

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

• Sailboat Reviews

Island Packet 31

A beamy, shoal-draft cruiser whose fanatical followers find little wrong except upwind sluggishness..

In the 13 years since naval architect Bob Johnson founded Island Packet Yachts, he’s developed quite a following. We’ve had many requests to review one of his boats, mostly from satisfied owners. The others have come from couples considering the boat for living aboard and cruising. In a period when most boatbuilders are foundering, Island Packet has found a niche and is servicing it admirably.

Bob Johnson is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before founding Island Packet Yachts he worked as a designer for Endeavour Yachts and Irwin Yachts. In 1979 he launched his own company, Traditional Watercraft, with the 21-foot Lightfoot. A year later he followed with the beamy 26-foot Island Packet (originally called the Bombay Express). Its catboat lines, complete with barn door rudder, caught everyone’s attention. But it was the completely redesigned Mark II version that really catapulted the company to success.

In 1983 Johnson followed with the Island Packet 31. Orders for 14 were taken at that year’s U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis. It remained in production until 1989, after 262 boats had been built. The 31 was replaced with the Island Packet 32. In case you hadn’t noticed, successful builders must at some point introduce new models, even if only a foot shorter or longer, so as not to compete with their own used boats. At present, the company builds a 27, 29, 32 and 35, though, like most owners of boats with bowsprits, you’ll find owners referring to the same models as 30, 32, 35 and 38, generously adding the three-foot length of their bowsprits for LOA (length overall). This is where you need to add LOD (length on deck) to the specifications.

In 1990, the company enjoyed its best year, building  163 boats. At a time when most are losing ground,Traditional Watercraft continues to prosper.

The entire Island Packet line springs from that first catboat-like 26. You’ll rarely see other boats with the beam of an Island Packet. The overhangs are very short, and the bottom is what the company calls “Ushaped.” The bow is almost plumb and the stern is vertical, in line with the trailing edge of the keel attached rudder. Add a coachroof parallel with the waterline and a cutter rig and you have all the makings of a traditional looking yacht. There is no doubt that this look has found favor with the boatbuying public, and to a large degree is responsible for the company’s success.

Let’s discuss, for a moment, the wide beam of the 31. At 11′ 6″, it exceeds many other boats of this length. The reasons for it are several. First, a boat derives its stability from two sources—ballast and beam. Both help resist heeling. Johnson obviouslystarted his design with the premise that the boat would be a shoal-draft cruiser. The centerboard version draws just 3′ 0″ board up, and the fixed keel draws just 4′ 0″. With either configuration (about half built were centerboards), it isn’t possible to concentrate ballast very low in the boat, especially since iron ingots set in concrete are used (in the deep keel model only) instead of the customary lead, which has a much higher specific gravity.

Given the shallow draft, additional stability is achieved by adding to the beam. This brings us to the second reason for the wide beam—greater volume, which is always desirable in a live-aboard boat.

There is nothing inherently wrong with shallow draft and wide beam, assuming you know what you’re trading off. In this case, it’s upwind sailing performance and the increased possibility of achieving inverse stability, that is, the tendency of a hull form to remain upside down and not right itself. Beamy, shallow boats have a greater potential to  achieve inverse stability than narrow hulls with deep, heavy keels.

On the face of it, all this suggests that the Island Packet 31 is a fine coastal cruiser, but is less suited to severe offshore work than a narrower hull with a deep, heavy keel.

Few remarks seem to vex readers more than our stating a boat design is best suited to coastal sailing. “What do you mean I can’t take this boat offshore?” they say, incredulous.

We didn’t say you couldn’t. The operative phrase is “best suited.” People have crossed oceans in rowboats, sailboards and mini-boats that were hardly more than bathtubs with decks and spars. Sure you can take this boat offshore (the definition of which is yet another semantical quagmire. For the purposes of this argument, let’s say offshore is anywhere away from the coast from which one cannot make harbor at the approach of severe conditions). And probably do so quite happily.

All the talk of capsize screening formulas and righting moment and the like are essentially responses to yachting disasters, such as the famous 1979 Fastnet Race, in which racing boats were damaged by heavy storm conditions, sometimes with the loss of life. Often poor engineering and construction (in the pursuit of light weight) is to blame. In some instances it’s design. Good seamanship probably is more important than either engineering or design.

That said, the Island Packet 31 is a handsome, rugged boat that is, according to readers, a delight to sail, well built, and emminently suited to the cruising life.

Construction

The Island Packet hull is solid fiberglass, using triaxial cloth and polyester resin. The deck is “cored” with a mixture of polyester resin and microballoons (called by the company PolyCore) that the company says weighs about the same as a deck with 1/2-inch balsa core. The intent of this innovative method is to avoid using the more common end-grain balsa. This makes for a chemically coupled deck structure without possibility of delamination, common in older boats with balsa cores. No readers have reported problems with their decks. Similarly, we do not have any reported cases of blisters.

The interior is developed by means of a PolyCore liner tabbed to the hull. We are not fond of such liners, because they do not absorb sound as well as wooden soles, make modification of the layout much more difficult, and, if the builder hasn’t carefully planned his tooling, they can obstruct access to some parts of the hull (always imagine that if you struck an object in such and such location, could you reach the hole to plug it). However, Johnson has done a nice job tooling his liners. We like especially the fact that the liner isn’t brought up to window level, but terminates at the backrest of settees so that wood and fabrics hold the eye at mid-heights rather than large, austere panels of fiberglass. The liner also incorporates structural stringers that are bonded to the hull. The sand color of all Island Packet interior and exterior moldings is a trademark, and if you had to commit to one color, this one is easy on the eyes.

The ballast, as mentioned, is encapsulated in the keel cavity. The rudderstock is 1 1/2-inch stainless steel. The semi-balanced rudder has a high-density foam core and is covered with fiberglass. A stainless steel box functions as a “lobster strap.” This connects the keel to the rudder and prevents lines from riding up into the propeller. The centerboard is built essentially the same way, with some lead at the tip.

A 22-hp Yanmar diesel was standard in the 1984 boats, which one owner said was inadequate power. The next year a 27-hp Yanmar was installed, which provided better power. Island Packet owners cited few problems with their Yanmars.

Hardware is for the most part of good quality—Edson rack and pinion steering, Ronstan blocks, Isomat spar, etc. One owner complained of his Par toilet. Few builders can justify installing expensive models—no one buys a boat for its toilet, despite the fact that malfunctions with the toilet are one of the most onerous repair jobs imaginable. We think the investment in a top quality toilet is repaid many times over.

Readers report overall construction as excellent. Many said that the company pays close attention to detail. Nearly all report good response from Bob Johnson and his staff in resolving problems.

Performance

The Island Packet 31 was offered as a cutter or sloop. Most owners seemed to have chosen the cutter. One reader wrote: “The boat is not a true cutter, but a double-headsail sloop with a 110-percent lapper and a free-set staysail. I recommend either a staysail stay and a hanked-on staysail or disposing with the staysail and sailing her as a proper sloop with roller reefing 150-percent genoa.”

This is technically correct, though the line between cutter and double-headsail sloop is not always clear. On a cutter, the mast is usually stepped near the center of the boat.

On a double-headsail sloop, the mast is stepped farther forward, which is the case with the Island Packet 31. There are no running backstays, but the company says the Isomat spar was engineered to withstand the loads of the inner forestay without additional support.

Owners report being very happy with the cutter rig. Some admit to having to learn the nuances of proper trim of the staysail and jib. While not necessarily as efficient as a large genoa on a sloop, the advantage of two sails occupying essentially the same area is that trimming is easier, and when the wind pipes up, the jib can be dropped altogether.

Not surprisingly, the Island Packet 31’s best point of sail is a reach. Owners say she’s quite fast. Upwind is a different story. One reader said, “Forward wide beam slows boat in seas.” Another said she’s slow in light air, fast in heavy air.” Several reported difficulty tacking through the wind, finding it easy to end up in irons. Full-keel boats don’t tack as readily as fin keel boats, but on the Island Packet this tendency seems to be exacerbated by the wide beam forward.

The boat balances well. Readers say she will steer herself for miles with little attention to the helm. One wrote: “Sometimes we thought the autopilot was on and then discovered she was just tracking on her own.” And she is stiff. “I can’t intentionally wet the rail,” said one reader.

Performance under power is rated as good, as is engine accessibility and reliability.

The only complaint is control in reverse, which is to be expected of a full keel design with the propeller in an aperture. But for a serious cruising boat, that’s exactly where you want the prop—backing down be damned.

Besides looks and quality, many readers chose the Island Packet for its voluminous interior.

There’s nothing particularly unusual about the layout, which is fine. It works. There are 6′ 6″ Vberths forward, a generous head compartment with shower, settees in the main cabin, a doubled quarter berth aft to starboard, and a U shaped galley in the port quarter.

The quarter berth doubles as a nav station, and can be enclosed by a folding door. Headroom in the cabin is 6′ 3″.

“The icebox is huge and exceptionally well insulated (we have Adler-Barbour refrigeration),” wrote one owner. “Used as an icebox it is also great. The interior design is user friendly.”

We have reviewed few boats whose owners are more uniformly enthusiastic. This applies to the company as well as the boat itself.

“Ask any owner how they feel about their boat,” wrote one owner. “All Island Packet owners are the sales force of the company. Sit aboard one for an hour, sail one and it’s yours.”

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

What Is The Best Folding Bike For Your Sailboat?

The No Expense Spared Antigua 60 Cruising Sailboat Soolaimon

How To Buy Sails – With Joe Cooper

Bavaria C42: What You Should Know | Boat Tour

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Common Issues With Island Packet Yacht Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Island Packet sailboats have been popular for decades, and they’re still available now. But what common issues do these boats have?

Island Packet sailboats are considered solid and well-built and have always used high-quality parts. However, age and design flaws cause problems like leaking port lights, fiberglass rot, keel separation, and electrical failures over time.

In this article, we’ll cover all of the common issues that Island Packet sailboats are known to suffer from. We’ll go over why these problems happen, how to spot them, and how to repair these issues before they become severe. We’ll also cover the best ways to avoid having them in the future.

We sourced the information used in this article from our own experience with Island Packet sailboats, along with the testimony of the online sailing community.

Table of contents

‍ Island Packet Sailboat Quality

Island Packet Yachts is one of the iconic American sailboat builders of the later fiberglass era. During the 1980s and 1990s, they produced hundreds of typical production vessels for the consumer market.

They were mid-range sailboats at the time and very similar in build quality to other well-known brands of the era, such as Catalina, Islander, and O’Day. Like Catalina, Island Packet Yachts still produces some models today, such as the 350.

As far as quality is concerned, Island Packet boats were roughly the same as the other manufacturers of the time. Design, construction, and materials were generally solid, and these vessels have the ability to last quite a long time when properly maintained. In fact, many sailboat owners consider Island Packet Yachts to be slightly above average in terms of build and material quality.

That said, these vessels suffer from a few common ailments that are common to boats of their era and design. But overall, Island Packet sailboats are generally considered to be high-quality sailboats, and maintenance has the biggest effect on their future usability.

Island Packet Sailboat Electrical Problems

Electrical problems are relatively common on older Island Packet sailboats. This has less to do with the quality of the boat and more to do with the condition. Extended periods of moisture exposure, especially below decks in the cabin, can do a number to your boat’s electrical system.

Salty air is the main culprit when it comes to electrical degradation. Usually, exposed electrical contacts (such as fuse boxes and terminals where wires meet) become corroded. Light sockets and plugs are also commonly affected, as are switches and exposed wiring.

Other common causes of electrical issues include owner modifications. This issue is suspect, especially when shoddy workmanship is evident. Look for signs of tampering, such as random electrical tape, wires twisted together, and loose wiring hanging out of cracks and crevices.

How to Fix Island Packet Electrical Issues

If you’re comfortable working on electrical systems, you can retire parts or all of your Island Packet sailboats by hand. Doing so is fairly cost-effective and shouldn’t take too long if the problem is isolated.

Issues like intermittent navigational lights can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the bulb socket, and bad interior lights can be repaired with a new switch or replacing the fixture.

Electrical work should be done by someone who’s qualified and knows the proper safety procedures. This could be you or an experienced boatyard. Simple repairs, such as contract cleaning and battery terminal replacement, can usually be accomplished by laymen.

Island Packet Aluminum Tank Issues

Aluminum fuel and water tanks have a limited service life and should be replaced to avoid leaks or contamination. Most older Island Packet sailboats have reached the age where such tanks must be replaced or at least inspected.

Any competent boatyard can perform a rudimentary tank inspection and check for leaks or corrosion around the outside of the tank.

How to Repair Aluminum Tanks

Aluminum tanks, regardless of the type, should only be repaired by professionals. Aluminum can’t be welded using steel welding equipment, and the precision must be high to avoid leaks or defects.

Dissimilar metal corrosion, which often occurs with aluminum, can be difficult to spot. Plus, cutting or welding a fuel tank is inherently hazardous and should be left to professionals.

If you need a new aluminum fuel or water tank and you can’t find one that fits, try consulting a metal shop that works with aluminum. Most fabricators will make you a custom tank if you provide them with plans—or even better, provide them with the old tank. This job can cost anywhere from $500 to a few thousand, depending on the size and shape of the tank and the gauge required.

Island Packet Outfitting Issues

Outfitting issues are problems with parts installed during the outfitting phase of construction. These include issues with winches, deck blocks, thru-hull fittings, port lights, vents, and so on. Generally speaking, Island Packet sailboats were constructed well and with the correct materials.

However, some owners report small manufacturing oversights that can cause leaks and other problems down the line. This includes some models which used the wrong kind of screws for installing port lights. Proper port lights are installed with bolts, which are secured on both ends.

Port lights that are screwed on instead of bolted can cause the fiberglass around them to crack when stressed. Additionally, they can back out or strip their original holes, causing leaks and other issues around upper-deck thru-hull areas.

How to Repair Island Packet Outfitting Issues

Outfitting issues vary widely, but they’re generally easy to repair. Most of their jobs require no more than some sanding, drilling, or bolt replacing. Most items on Island Packet sailboats (such as deck vents) are standard marine parts that can be ordered through vendors such as West Marine.

If you encounter an issue with the port lights, there are a few ways to go about fixing it. The easiest way (and the riskiest) is to remove the affected screw and tap in a larger diameter screw if the hole is stripped.

You could also drill out the hole and use a bolt and washers, which are stronger and more secure. Just be sure to re-seal the area before tightening it down again.

Fiberglass Issues with Island Packet Sailboats

Fiberglass problems happen to all sailboats of this type, regardless of the manufacturer. Luckily, Island Packet always used high-quality glass and resin in their production, so systemic issues are uncommon. However, damage to fiberglass that allows water to ingress into the core (especially on the deck) can quickly cause problems.

When water gets into a fiberglass deck core, it causes rot. Rot leads to soft spots and rapid decay and should be fixed as soon as possible. If your deck sags or feels spongy, chances are there’s a water ingress somewhere, and the core material will need to be replaced.

How to Repair Fiberglass on Island Packet Sailboats

Fiberglass core issues are difficult to repair. Usually, you have to cut out the affected core material to prevent rot from spreading. Some people consider a boat to be totaled when this happens, but a careful repair can rescue it. Additionally, the cause of the leak must be corrected to prevent further issues.

Other fiberglass issues, such as cracks or splits, can be easily repaired with a fiberglass and resin kit such as West System from West Marine . These materials are exceptionally expensive, so care should be taken to use them correctly the first time.

Keel Separation Issues on Island Packet Sailboats

Keel separation has been a systemic issue on many production fiberglass cruising sailboats from the second half of the 20th century. Very few of these boats had a full displacement keel or a semi-displacement keel. Instead, they utilized a fin keel, bulb keel, or some form of the long skeg.

Island Packet sailboats are no exception, as their keels are bolted to the boat and occasionally prone to separation. Keel separation occurs when the bolts holding the heavy keel blade loosen or corrode. If left unchecked, this can cause the keel to break off or water to enter through the bolt holes in the bilge.

Thankfully, Island Packet sailboats don’t suffer this issue as often as other brands. The “Catalina Smile” is rare on Island Packet boats, and it’s also easy to inspect. When purchasing an older sailboat, try to inspect it out of the water.

Look around the base of the keel for signs of stress or separation, which could be incidental but may also point to keel separation.

How to Repair Keel Separation on Island Packet Sailboats

Repairing keel separation can be easy or difficult, depending on how bad the issue is and what the initial cause was. If the keel is separating due to loosened keel bolts, simply tightening them down to spec should do the trick. However, if the problem is caused by corrosion, repair becomes more difficult.

An experienced boatyard should inspect the keel if there are separation issues. If corrosion is severe or leakage occurs, the bolts will probably have to be replaced. Fiberglass may need reinforcement as well.

The area around where the keel meets the hull may have damage due to flexing. If this is the case, the fiberglass should be replaced and patched—but only after tightening the keel bolts.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy