I'm looking at an Island Packet 350 but am having a devil of a time finding reliable info on this boat. The stuff in Cruising World and other sailing publications is basically a bunch of fluff written as if the manufacturer did it themselves. I know the IP are heavy, slow in light air, don't point as well into the wind as a fin keel, and so on. I also know they are generally regarded as being well built with good factory support and supposedly are good blue water cruisers. But I'm really interested in input from people who really know them and what they really are like. For example, just how hard are they to dock? Is the cutter rig really hard to tack with both stay and head sails out? Are they really seakindly boats or are they just plain fat and heavy? Any input anybody can share would be most appreciated. It's too expensive a boat to take a chance on without knowing more.
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Review
If you looked for the antithesis of the J Boats approach to cruising yachts, you wouldn't have to look any further than the Island Packet series. J Boats targets performance by using the racing pedigree of its other designs as a benchmark. Island Packet targets factors and features developed from its existing successful line of heavier, full-keeled cruisers. Aft swim steps or boarding platforms are here to stay, and they work best when combined with a reverse transom. The Island Packet line features boats with handsome, traditionally raked transoms that preclude molded-in platforms. The new boat tries to combine the traditional lines of an Island Packet with a reverse transom. While I question the aesthetic value of this, the extra length that the feature adds to the run of this full hull will enhance sailing ability and prove a very practical design feature. If I use the approximate displacement of 16,000 pounds, the D/L of this boat is 283. Beam is more than ample at 12 feet and draft is a modest 4 feet 3 inches. You can further reduce the draft with the optional shoal keel and get 3 feet 6 inches. Consider for a moment that this boat is 34 feet 8 inches on deck, which is about 2 feet longer than the J/32. Now look at the interior. You can see what the displacement and extra 2 feet of LOD can buy you. The Island Packet 350 has a big galley with a huge refer box. The main cabin is spacious and includes a sit-down chart table. There are two double berths and lots of hanging locker space. The single head is big enough to include a roomy space to shower. This head layout is far better than a tiny head area and a tiny separate shower area. Two couples could cruise in plenty of comfort on this boat. For a moderately-priced American production yacht, Island Packet's joinerwork is top quality. This rig combines a lot of desirable cruising features, but whether or not it makes any sense to have a staysail on a boat this size is another thing. The reality is that most cruisers think they want a staysail for heavy-air sailing, but most sloop rigs don't leave room in the foretriangle for an effective staysail. The Island Packet 350 uses a bowsprit to stretch the foretriangle so that the staysail becomes a reasonably proportioned sail. Note that the Island Packet rig has evolved with the use of the Garry Hoyt-style staysail boom. This boom works well, as it provides a vanging vector to the staysail as it is eased. This makes for a very effective heavy-air reaching sail. The old-style jib-club arrangement would go almost straight up in the air as you eased the sheet. The SA/D of this design is 15.52. The boat is beautifully rigged and outfitted.
If you looked for the antithesis of the J Boats approach to cruising yachts, you wouldn't have to look any further than the Island Packet series. J Boats targets performance by using the racing pedigree of its other designs as a benchmark. Island Packet targets factors and features developed from its existing successful line of heavier, full-keeled cruisers. Aft swim steps or boarding platforms are here to stay, and they work best when combined with a reverse transom. The Island Packet line features boats with handsome, traditionally raked transoms that preclude molded-in platforms. The new boat tries to combine the traditional lines of an Island Packet with a reverse transom. While I question the aesthetic value of this, the extra length that the feature adds to the run of this full hull will enhance sailing ability and prove a very practical design feature. If I use the approximate displacement of 16,000 pounds, the D/L of this boat is 283. Beam is more than ample at 12 feet and draft is a modest 4 feet 3 inches. You can further reduce the draft with the optional shoal keel and get 3 feet 6 inches. Consider for a moment that this boat is 34 feet 8 inches on deck, which is about 2 feet longer than the J/32. Now look at the interior. You can see what the displacement and extra 2 feet of LOD can buy you. The Island Packet 350 has a big galley with a huge refer box. The main cabin is spacious and includes a sit-down chart table. There are two double berths and lots of hanging locker space. The single head is big enough to include a roomy space to shower. This head layout is far better than a tiny head area and a tiny separate shower area. Two couples could cruise in plenty of comfort on this boat. For a moderately-priced American production yacht, Island Packet's joinerwork is top quality. This rig combines a lot of desirable cruising features, but whether or not it makes any sense to have a staysail on a boat this size is another thing. The reality is that most cruisers think they want a staysail for heavy-air sailing, but most sloop rigs don't leave room in the foretriangle for an effective staysail. The Island Packet 350 uses a bowsprit to stretch the foretriangle so that the staysail becomes a reasonably proportioned sail. Note that the Island Packet rig has evolved with the use of the Garry Hoyt-style staysail boom. This boom works well, as it provides a vanging vector to the staysail as it is eased. This makes for a very effective heavy-air reaching sail. The old-style jib-club arrangement would go almost straight up in the air as you eased the sheet. The SA/D of this design is 15.52. The boat is beautifully rigged and outfitted.
You might also ask this question
on SailboatOwners.com in the Cruiser's Forum. http://cruising.sailboatowners.com
on SailboatOwners.com in the Cruiser's Forum. http://cruising.sailboatowners.com
Don't hit a rock!
An IP29 hit rocks here in Casco Bay in May and found out the hard way what happens to internal CEMENT ballast. First the cement shatters and falls out in chunks then the ballast area fills with water. The boat sat and drained for nearly a month and a half before they could even begin repairs.... I'll stick with external lead thanks..
An IP29 hit rocks here in Casco Bay in May and found out the hard way what happens to internal CEMENT ballast. First the cement shatters and falls out in chunks then the ballast area fills with water. The boat sat and drained for nearly a month and a half before they could even begin repairs.... I'll stick with external lead thanks..
Charter One
I have been on a couple IP's and they are beautiful. But most of the ones that I've seen on the water (all) have been motoring. Friends have a larger one (42' I think) and it is wonderful. That said, after 6 months they still hadn't sailed the thing. It was sailed over from the Carribean straight across the gulf to Panama city. But I've known plenty of boats to sail across the gulf. Look around and you'll probably find a company to charter a boat. My brother chartered a smaller IP in Tampa. Also the dealer might allow extensive sea trials. Look carefully at your sailing plans. If you want performance a J-32 is hard to beat for speed. It was embarassing the way one blew by us on our Pearson 323. But for comfort the IP. If you sail in light winds the IP will probably require a lot of motoring. My experience along the gulf Coast from Mobile to St Joe is that there are a lot more days that you are wishing for more wind than days that you need a reef.
I have been on a couple IP's and they are beautiful. But most of the ones that I've seen on the water (all) have been motoring. Friends have a larger one (42' I think) and it is wonderful. That said, after 6 months they still hadn't sailed the thing. It was sailed over from the Carribean straight across the gulf to Panama city. But I've known plenty of boats to sail across the gulf. Look around and you'll probably find a company to charter a boat. My brother chartered a smaller IP in Tampa. Also the dealer might allow extensive sea trials. Look carefully at your sailing plans. If you want performance a J-32 is hard to beat for speed. It was embarassing the way one blew by us on our Pearson 323. But for comfort the IP. If you sail in light winds the IP will probably require a lot of motoring. My experience along the gulf Coast from Mobile to St Joe is that there are a lot more days that you are wishing for more wind than days that you need a reef.
Try before you buy
We have sailed on two different IP boats. In general, the boats: Workmanship seems very good, to my eye. Sluggish in light air. Track straight. Tack slowly and headsail can get caught on staysail (new larning curve). Have good layouts for galley, head and cabinspace. First, was a friend's IP 420. In the Gulf of Mexico for a race, the boat handled heavy wind and rain prior to the start with all 3 sails up. I would have reefed for more comfort, but I was not the skipper. Motoring in the ICW was comfortable. This boat was easier to dock since she had a bow thruster. Second, was an IP 380 chartered from Island Yachts in St. Thomas, USVI. We were slated for an IP 350, but she was out for repairs. The 380 was really big for just me and my wife - lots of storage room - 170 gallons of water tankage. Motoring/motor sailing into chop was good, the boat tracked straight. Sailing in light air was slow - fresh air was good, but will not point as high as fin keel boats. Access to engine area was quite good. The only problem we had was on our last day. Trying to turn the boat around in a crowded harbor to get to the fuel dock, the boat just would not turn tightly, especially with a 20 knot wind blowing into the harbor. It wasn't pretty, but we didn't crash. The charter company crew moved the boat from the fuel dock to the tight fairway very smoothly, so it just shows to me that experience certainly helps. Island Yachts in St. Thomas charters only IP boats, so consider chartering a boat from them for a week before you buy.
We have sailed on two different IP boats. In general, the boats: Workmanship seems very good, to my eye. Sluggish in light air. Track straight. Tack slowly and headsail can get caught on staysail (new larning curve). Have good layouts for galley, head and cabinspace. First, was a friend's IP 420. In the Gulf of Mexico for a race, the boat handled heavy wind and rain prior to the start with all 3 sails up. I would have reefed for more comfort, but I was not the skipper. Motoring in the ICW was comfortable. This boat was easier to dock since she had a bow thruster. Second, was an IP 380 chartered from Island Yachts in St. Thomas, USVI. We were slated for an IP 350, but she was out for repairs. The 380 was really big for just me and my wife - lots of storage room - 170 gallons of water tankage. Motoring/motor sailing into chop was good, the boat tracked straight. Sailing in light air was slow - fresh air was good, but will not point as high as fin keel boats. Access to engine area was quite good. The only problem we had was on our last day. Trying to turn the boat around in a crowded harbor to get to the fuel dock, the boat just would not turn tightly, especially with a 20 knot wind blowing into the harbor. It wasn't pretty, but we didn't crash. The charter company crew moved the boat from the fuel dock to the tight fairway very smoothly, so it just shows to me that experience certainly helps. Island Yachts in St. Thomas charters only IP boats, so consider chartering a boat from them for a week before you buy.
the Lincoln Town Car of sailing
I'll let others describe her sailing qualities but my impression in spending a couple of hours on a friend's new IP cutter (about a 35 footer) is that the "beige" gelcoat is not neutral and is very hard to look at for any length of time; the salon is deep down in the hull and has the feel of being in some kind of Spanish galleon from buccaneer days; The helmsman's "throne" is dowdy and unseamanlike; the woodwork wasn't very sophisticated for the price. All in all, the styling was neither leading edge nor traditional; I would describe an IP as analogous to a Lincoln Town Car, which most of us will hate while their owners tool around in them being pleased and oblivious to the real impression they make. Not my cuppa tea, mate...
I'll let others describe her sailing qualities but my impression in spending a couple of hours on a friend's new IP cutter (about a 35 footer) is that the "beige" gelcoat is not neutral and is very hard to look at for any length of time; the salon is deep down in the hull and has the feel of being in some kind of Spanish galleon from buccaneer days; The helmsman's "throne" is dowdy and unseamanlike; the woodwork wasn't very sophisticated for the price. All in all, the styling was neither leading edge nor traditional; I would describe an IP as analogous to a Lincoln Town Car, which most of us will hate while their owners tool around in them being pleased and oblivious to the real impression they make. Not my cuppa tea, mate...
Thanks guys about Island Packets
I sure appreciate the candid input you all gave me about the pros and cons of the Island Packet. I like their looks and appreciate the fact that all boats necessarily represent some form or another of compromise. It's hard to find a well built boat that's cheap. Or a bluewater cruiser that doubles as a racer. And so on. I don't plan on doing transoceanic passages and, like most sailors, probably will spend most of my time at the dock. But I do like some coastal cruising and once in awhile I do run into some 30 knot plus winds. On the other hand, lots of times I just do some day sailing and getting a boat easily in and out of a slip singlehandedly is important to me. If anybody else has any further input on the IP 350 or IP in general, I'd sure like to hear it.
I sure appreciate the candid input you all gave me about the pros and cons of the Island Packet. I like their looks and appreciate the fact that all boats necessarily represent some form or another of compromise. It's hard to find a well built boat that's cheap. Or a bluewater cruiser that doubles as a racer. And so on. I don't plan on doing transoceanic passages and, like most sailors, probably will spend most of my time at the dock. But I do like some coastal cruising and once in awhile I do run into some 30 knot plus winds. On the other hand, lots of times I just do some day sailing and getting a boat easily in and out of a slip singlehandedly is important to me. If anybody else has any further input on the IP 350 or IP in general, I'd sure like to hear it.
Second hand only
I had a guessed on board that had just crewed a IP across the gulf of mexico. His comments where I had a lot more hand holds and the IP was a wet boat. Just second hand info.
I had a guessed on board that had just crewed a IP across the gulf of mexico. His comments where I had a lot more hand holds and the IP was a wet boat. Just second hand info.
Rick
The IP 350 has some good benifits. The deep salon that Rich spoke of puts the weight much lower in the boat witch is a good thing. The hull shape is built to ride smoother through the waves. The full keel is to give it a nice striaght course as well as protect the rudder. However, since your not planning on crossing an ocean, why not go with a boat built for coastal cruising. You can get a much larger boat that will actually be easier to handle when docking for the same price and will sail great in light air. If your dead set on a IP, go with a larger one that has a hight SA/D ratio to help with the speed in light air.
The IP 350 has some good benifits. The deep salon that Rich spoke of puts the weight much lower in the boat witch is a good thing. The hull shape is built to ride smoother through the waves. The full keel is to give it a nice striaght course as well as protect the rudder. However, since your not planning on crossing an ocean, why not go with a boat built for coastal cruising. You can get a much larger boat that will actually be easier to handle when docking for the same price and will sail great in light air. If your dead set on a IP, go with a larger one that has a hight SA/D ratio to help with the speed in light air.
Awesome reviews! *pop
It's amazing that sometimes a simple question will solicit unexpected responses. I caught the tail end of the response as I was scrolling down the day's responses. Most of the responses were what I expected on the IP 350, but the first response was totally unexpected! I didn't know that "Bob Perry" monitored this sailing board. He has designed some of the World's best sailboats. I assume that the "Bob Perry" in the first response is the prominent Northwest yacht designer. His writing style appears the same as his new sailboat reviews for Sail magazine. If I had the money and time, I would get a Perry designed sailboat for cruising the world. Fair Winds, Clyde
It's amazing that sometimes a simple question will solicit unexpected responses. I caught the tail end of the response as I was scrolling down the day's responses. Most of the responses were what I expected on the IP 350, but the first response was totally unexpected! I didn't know that "Bob Perry" monitored this sailing board. He has designed some of the World's best sailboats. I assume that the "Bob Perry" in the first response is the prominent Northwest yacht designer. His writing style appears the same as his new sailboat reviews for Sail magazine. If I had the money and time, I would get a Perry designed sailboat for cruising the world. Fair Winds, Clyde
Question for Mr. Perry
Mr. Perry, Of course, your reputation proceeds you and I appreciate your comments on the IP 350. I believe I had read that same review which had been published in sailing magazine. Putting on your hat as devil's advocate, what are the bad things about the boat? What are the things she doesn't do well or that are problematic to an owner? Any comments?
Mr. Perry, Of course, your reputation proceeds you and I appreciate your comments on the IP 350. I believe I had read that same review which had been published in sailing magazine. Putting on your hat as devil's advocate, what are the bad things about the boat? What are the things she doesn't do well or that are problematic to an owner? Any comments?
Rich, I may be out of line, but I do not think...
that is a fair question to ask in a public forum like this. Maybe an email from him would be more appropriate. Then, again he did put in his 2cents about IP. abe
that is a fair question to ask in a public forum like this. Maybe an email from him would be more appropriate. Then, again he did put in his 2cents about IP. abe
Abe, I'm not sure
why you think this might not be an appropriate subject on this forum. I'm not trying to get anybody to "run down" the Island Packets. I'm just trying to find out more about the pros and cons of it and other full keel, cutter rigged boats especially since I'm thinking about buying one. The IP is way too expensive without really researching it. I've taken it out and sailed it solo but a couple hours in sheltered waters doesn't give anybody all the information there is to know. Because Mr. Perry was kind enough to share his insight on the good things about the IP, I was just asking if he could point out what he thought might be some of the inherent compromises that come with it. It's not to suggest the boat or the company is bad. It's just that all boats have inherent compromises. You can't expect a heavy, bluewater boat to do well in light air, for example. So, I was asking Mr. Perry if he might share with me some of the things the IP didn't do well since he was nice enough to take the time to share the things it does well.
why you think this might not be an appropriate subject on this forum. I'm not trying to get anybody to "run down" the Island Packets. I'm just trying to find out more about the pros and cons of it and other full keel, cutter rigged boats especially since I'm thinking about buying one. The IP is way too expensive without really researching it. I've taken it out and sailed it solo but a couple hours in sheltered waters doesn't give anybody all the information there is to know. Because Mr. Perry was kind enough to share his insight on the good things about the IP, I was just asking if he could point out what he thought might be some of the inherent compromises that come with it. It's not to suggest the boat or the company is bad. It's just that all boats have inherent compromises. You can't expect a heavy, bluewater boat to do well in light air, for example. So, I was asking Mr. Perry if he might share with me some of the things the IP didn't do well since he was nice enough to take the time to share the things it does well.
2001 IP380
My sister-inlaw has a 2001 IP 380 and they just returned from 18months in the Caribbean. They had the boat shipped from Miami to St. Thomas and then sailed from there all the way to Trinidad and back to Sarasota during that 18 months. We had the opportunity to sail with them when they were in St. Maarten. We spent a week with them and sailed to and from Anguilla. The boat has about everything you could want. Water Maker, Air conditioning, GPS, Radar, Autopilot, and is a cutter configuration. Since my wife and I are not racers, but cruisers, we thoroughly enjoyed the sailing. It was comfortable, steady, and held it's point of sail in the wind very well. I came back very impressed by the quality and look of the boat itself. However, I did have one gripe, and it is pretty petty in my opinion. The wheel spanned across the cockpit from settee to settee and you had to climb over it everytime you entered and exited the boat. With the "sugar scoop" transom, we always disembarked and embarked from the stern. This meant always climbing over the wheel. Like I said that is pretty petty. Other than that, to me, it is a beauty of a sailboat and I wouldn't have a problem with one sitting in my slip.
My sister-inlaw has a 2001 IP 380 and they just returned from 18months in the Caribbean. They had the boat shipped from Miami to St. Thomas and then sailed from there all the way to Trinidad and back to Sarasota during that 18 months. We had the opportunity to sail with them when they were in St. Maarten. We spent a week with them and sailed to and from Anguilla. The boat has about everything you could want. Water Maker, Air conditioning, GPS, Radar, Autopilot, and is a cutter configuration. Since my wife and I are not racers, but cruisers, we thoroughly enjoyed the sailing. It was comfortable, steady, and held it's point of sail in the wind very well. I came back very impressed by the quality and look of the boat itself. However, I did have one gripe, and it is pretty petty in my opinion. The wheel spanned across the cockpit from settee to settee and you had to climb over it everytime you entered and exited the boat. With the "sugar scoop" transom, we always disembarked and embarked from the stern. This meant always climbing over the wheel. Like I said that is pretty petty. Other than that, to me, it is a beauty of a sailboat and I wouldn't have a problem with one sitting in my slip.
One Skidded On the Interstate!
Our dock neighbors own a IP 35 Cutter Rig and its always a thing of beauty to me, but I was told by the owner of what the IP is really made of! A brand new IP left the Florida factory strapped to its trailer when the driver lost control and the vessel was forced off the trailer, skidded across the interstate and onto the median strip. They said the side of the vessel was a real mess! When it was retreived and brought back to the factory, many assumed it was beyond repair, but it turned out the damage was only cosmetic. The IP's are fantastic vessels and have been known as great passagemakers. Bob 30 Catalina
Our dock neighbors own a IP 35 Cutter Rig and its always a thing of beauty to me, but I was told by the owner of what the IP is really made of! A brand new IP left the Florida factory strapped to its trailer when the driver lost control and the vessel was forced off the trailer, skidded across the interstate and onto the median strip. They said the side of the vessel was a real mess! When it was retreived and brought back to the factory, many assumed it was beyond repair, but it turned out the damage was only cosmetic. The IP's are fantastic vessels and have been known as great passagemakers. Bob 30 Catalina
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