Islander Freeport 41, desperate for info!

[ausnp84]

Originally Posted by geoleo

motorsailor

I'm not really sure of the value of your comment... other than to say you're not really sure what you're talking about.

The OP is interested in an IF 41, with a respectable SA/D of 16.7 - ISLANDER FREEPORT 41 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

The Islander 40 MS is a completely different kettle of fish, with a SA/D of 11.7 - ISLANDER 40 MS sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Assuming sailboatdata is correct, that actually puts them in the field of big, long keel GRP sailboats that just need a bit of breeze to get underway. A few people above have actually sailed on them and noted they're a bit of alright...

To the OP - we considered a Freeport but couldn't find one local at the time. Being a ketch, loadings won't be too high (thus can be easier to handle short handed), they're a long keel which should translate to good tracking on passage (and thus not having to constantly check the wheel) and have volumes of space. Not a chance of being an around the cans racer and will need some forethought when moving around in a marina but hey, every boat's a compromise, right?

n

[sailingfarmer]

I'll say one thing about them... when they are at dock... all the Cruiser/racer sailors would hang out in a friendly Islander Freeport 41... than in one of their skinny relatively uncomfortable fast boats to have a beer and shoot the proverbial. All depends on how much time you spend at dock I guess...

[reed1v]

The Freeport 41 is a lot of boat for the money. Great cruising layout. Be aware the construction is not the greatest however. Biggest problem is the hull to deck joint was only fastened with screws, and they do pop. Prepare for a very leaky hull because of that. The other big problem is the deck is glass on top of plywood so wet rot is a distinct likelihood.

Both problems are structural rather than cosmetic. If you are handy and have the time, you can redo the deck joint by removing toe rail, dig out old caulk, take out old screws; refasten with bolts/washers/nuts; either replace rotting plywood or add a structural top deck to the whole mess.

The plastic windows are weak and probably leaky so replace with something stronger.
Otherwise you should be in good shape. If you are not handy, plan on a yard charging about 60k to do the work for you.