Anyone heard of Iona?

Oct 23, 2014
4
Catalina 30 Marina Del Rey, CA
I am looking seriously at buying a larger boat. I looked over a 30 ft listed near me.
It is an Iona, 1977. The current owner calls it an Islander Iona since he believes it was built from Islander molds. I can find little information on this company and virtually no info on the 30.
This boat has a Tumblehome hull, inboard diesel, and dark wood throughout cabin. There is a striking resemblance to a boat called a Bystedt, but that one was built in Canada and the Iona was built in Costa Mesa, CA.
If anyone can point me in the direction of more info on this model I would appreciate the help.
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
I thought the Iona was an Islander 32. There used to be one parked across the slip from me. Check Yachtworld and do a search for the Islander Iona. Other than that, I don't have any information either about the Iona.
 
Dec 7, 2012
515
Kittiwake 23, Irwin 43 .. Indianapolis / indianatown, fl
hello all

try this information from sailboatdata.com


IONA 32



Hull Type: Fin Keel Rig Type: Masthead Sloop
LOA: 32.00' / 9.75m LWL: 25.20' / 7.68m
Beam: 10.00' / 3.05m Listed SA: 382 ft2 / 35.49 m2
Draft (max.) 4.50' / 1.37m Draft (min.)
Disp. 7800 lbs./ 3538 kgs. Ballast:
SA/Disp.: 15.59 Bal./Disp.: Disp./Len.: 217.59
Designer: Joseph McGlasson
Builder: Iona (USA)
Construct.: FG Bal. type:
First Built: 1973 Last Built: # Built:
RIG DIMENSIONS KEY
I: 37.40' / 11.40m J: 12.30' / 3.75m
P: 32.40' / 9.88m E: 9.40' / 2.87m
PY: EY:
SPL: ISP:
SA(Fore.): 230.01 ft2 / 21.37 m2 SA(Main): 152.28 ft2 / 14.15 m2
Total(calc.)SA: 382.29 ft2 / 35.51 m2 DL ratio: 217.59
SA/Disp: 15.60 Est. Forestay Len.: 39.37' / 12.00m
DESIGNER
More about & boats designed by: Joseph McGlasson
SEE ALSO:
Related Boat: ISLANDER 32
NOTES

Similar to the original ISLANDER 32 (1963) and usually sold in kit form.



hope this helps

sincerely
Jess
 
Oct 23, 2014
4
Catalina 30 Marina Del Rey, CA
I have found some info on the 32, as you have also. This one is a 30. Defiantly an oddity.
Looks nothing like an Islander of that era.
For those of you with curiosity and who search the web, it is the Yellow one you will find online.
 
Jun 23, 2014
9
IONA 30 CT
I know everything there is to know about the IONA 30. Outstanding boat. Until last year I owned a 1978 IONA 30 for 30 years. It was designed by Robert Perry. The IONA 30 was originally designed for a company named "BYSTEDT". When Bystedt went down, the molds were transferred to IONA. I had hull # 59. Outstanding heavy weather boat. On sailboatdata.com, if you review the Bystedt 30 stats, you have the IONA 30. They are exactly the same boat. The San Juan 30 is similar in statistics to the IONA 30. The Iona 30 is a half tonner designed to beat the IOR rules. Draft = 5'4" fin. Performs extremely well to windward. Points to 32 degrees in heavy air efficiently. As a half tonner, it carries the same base PHRF rating as a J24. The boat is a challenge in winds below 8 knots. There are so many modern boats made to perform in light air, that this boat is slightly competitive in light air. Over 12 knots, the boat is very competitive. Of course, this could be my bias because of my sailing skills. What would you like to know?