If you’re looking for a sailboat that can handle offshore sailing, you might want to consider an Island Packet. These are sturdy, spacious, and comfortable yachts that have a loyal following among cruisers. But what is an Island Packet sailboat and why do cruisers like them so much?
An Island Packet sailboat is a type of cruising yacht that is built by Island Packet Yachts, a company based in Florida. They are known for their distinctive design features, such as a full keel, a cutter rig, and a cream-colored gel coat. They range from 34 to 52 feet in length and have spacious interiors with lots of storage and amenities.
They are known for their distinctive design features, such as a full keel, a cutter rig, and a cream-colored gel coat.
Cruisers like Island Packets for offshore sailing for many reasons. Some of the most common ones are:
- They are well-built and reliable. Island Packet Yachts has been making sailboats since 1979 and has a reputation for quality and durability. They use proprietary materials and techniques, such as their PolyClad3 gelcoat system, that protect the hull from osmosis and blistering. They also have a strong customer service and warranty program.
- They are easy to sail and handle. Island Packets have a full keel that provides stability and directional control in rough seas. They also have a cutter rig that allows for versatile sail configurations and balance. They have a moderate displacement and sail area that make them responsive and maneuverable.
- They are comfortable and livable. Island Packets have generous headroom, beam, and freeboard that create spacious living areas below deck. They have large berths, galley, head, and salon that can accommodate long-term cruising. They also have plenty of ventilation, natural light, and storage space.
Island Packet 44 – Offshore Sailing Machine
Island Packet sailboats are well-known for their quality, comfort and performance. They come in different models and sizes, each with its own specifications and features. One of the popular models is the Island Packet 44, which is a 44-foot cruising sailboat designed by Robert Johnson.
It has a beam of 13 feet and 3 inches, and a draft of 5 feet. It has a sail area of 1,018 square feet and a displacement of 28,500 pounds. The Island Packet 44 is equipped with a Yanmar diesel engine that provides 62 horsepower. It has a spacious interior with two cabins, two heads, a large salon and a galley.
The Island Packet 44 is a versatile and seaworthy sailboat that can handle various sailing conditions and destinations. It can take you pretty much anywhere as you sailboat travel the oceans.
Let’s look at three models of Island Packets and see whether they are perfect for offshore cruising and sailing.
Island Packet 27 for Offshore Sailing?
The Island Packet 27 is a monohull sailboat that was designed by Robert K. Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts from 1984 to 1992.
It is a cutter-rigged boat with a long keel and a displacement of 3,629 kg. The sail area is 37.6 m² and the auxiliary power is provided by an 18 HP Yanmar diesel engine. The boat has a water capacity of 117 l and a fuel capacity of 72 l.
The Island Packet 27 is a coastal cruiser that offers a big-boat feel and comfortable accommodation. But is it a coastal cruiser? Or is it the perfect pocket cruiser for offshore travel? What do you think? There are many known problems with Island Packets, but do their strengths outweigh their weaknesses?
Is an Island Packet 40 the Perfect Sailboat?
The Island Packet 40 is a sailboat designed by Bob Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts. It is a cruising boat that can handle long-distance ocean sailing as well as coastal cruising. The boat has a full keel, a cutter rig, and a spacious interior with two cabins and two heads.
The Island Packet 40 is known for its quality construction, comfortable ride, and good performance in various wind and sea conditions.
Some of the features that make the Island Packet 40 good for ocean sailing are its large fuel and water tanks, its sturdy hull and rigging, its ample storage space, and its well-equipped galley and navigation station.
Is the Island Packet 485 the Perfect Ocean Sailboat?
The Island Packet 485 is a 15.9-meter (52-foot) center-cockpit monohull sailboat designed by Robert K. Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts starting in 2002. It is the largest and most luxurious model in the Island Packet range, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations for long-term cruising. The boat has a full-foil keel, a cutter rig with a Hoyt staysail boom, and a traditional buff-colored hull with teak accents.
The Island Packet 485 is well suited for ocean sailing, as it has proven its seaworthiness and performance in several offshore rallies, such as the Caribbean 1500. The boat has a moderate displacement of 20 tons, a generous sail area of 1,269 square feet, and a mast height of 63 feet 6 inches. This sailboat can balance well off the wind as well as close-reaching and has a comfortable motion in waves. The boat also has a shallow draft of 5 feet 3 inches, which allows it to explore coastal waters and anchorages.
The Island Packet 485 is not a cheap boat, as it costs around $500,000 for a used model. However, it offers a lot of value for the money, as it has first-rate systems, ample storage space, and high-quality craftsmanship.
The boat has a large aft owner’s cabin with an island queen berth and an ensuite head with a separate shower stall. The forward guest cabin has a Pullman berth and access to another head with a shower. There is also a third cabin that can be used as an office or a workshop. The main saloon has a U-shaped settee with a fold-down table, a straight settee opposite, and a navigation station. The galley is well equipped with a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, a refrigerator, a freezer, and plenty of counter space and cabinets.
The Island Packet 485 is a boat that can be truly called home on the water. It is ideal for couples or families who want to sail around the world in comfort and style. It is not a fast boat, but it is a safe and reliable boat that can handle any weather conditions. It is also a beautiful boat that has a classic and elegant look.
The Island Packet 485 is one of the best cruising sailboats on the market today (do you disagree? drop a comment below).
It is not easy to find another boat that can match its quality, space, and features. It is definitely worth considering if you are looking for your dream boat.
Tell Us Your Thoughts
I hope this blog post has given you some insight into why Island Packet sailboats are good for offshore sailing and why cruisers like them.
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
- Would Island Packet be your first choice for offshore cruising?
- What sailboat would you choose over an island packet for offshore sailing?
Happy sailing!
Image Credits: Yacht World