Island Packet 35

[aliddell]

I just had a survey and seatrial on an Island Packet 35 and was disappointed with the helm. It pulls hard to starboard under power all the time. It takes constant pressure on the wheel to keep a course. Does anyone know if this is normal for an Island Packet?

[ronbo1]

This seems to be common on some Island Packets. It's been discussed on the IP forum.
IP Home Port - The Official Website For Island Packet Yacht Owners Since 1998

Ronbo

[aliddell]

Not familiar with this website, all I find is specs and boats for sale on the Island Packet 35 site. Where would I go to find people's comments on the boat?

Thanks

[GordMay]

... you will be required to (register) login using a valid user account before accessing many of the resources available on this website.

[neilpride]

This could be a problem caused by the prop, the boat have a maxprop?
if the prop is close to the rudder and centered probably no problem if there is fairing strips between the rudder and hull to close that gap, if the prop is not true in relation with the true centerline of the hull and if there is not fairing strips to close the gap the prop can cause the problem you mention, turbulences and side loads in the rudder caused by the prop, just a sugestion...

[ronbo1]

Aliddell

Trying FORUM at the top. It may let you read only.

Ronbo

[FLLCatsailor]

Congrats on the purchase! The IP35 is a great little cruising boat! I delivered one last year, and I remembered that. It was slightly annoying, but nothing the autopilot couldn't handle...

[IslandSpirit35]

I have owned Island Packets since 1991. I have sailed an IP27 from 1991-2001, then I bought an IP35 in 2001 and now I have sailed this 15,000 NM Maine to Georgetown Bahamas. I really like Island Packet Yachts.

This pulling of the helm is due to the large rudder and the large prop. The prop wash tends to push water more onto one side of the rudder than on the other. Depending on if it is a right handed or left handed prop. When we bought our 35, I replaced the helm with a more modern helm. The Edson CD-I helm. This bolts directly in place of the old helm, and give a far better feel to the helm plus it gets rid of the drive shaft going into the seat.

If I were buying an older IP with this older helm, this helm replacement would be one of the first items I would do. It really is not hard.

Here are my old photos of commissioning our IP35 back in 2001-2002. Click on EDSON HELM

Modifications

Bottom Line, an old IP today is a great value and I would not let this slight helm pull distract me from buying a fantastic ocean sailing yacht. These boats are tanks, sail well with 15-20 knots of wind, and are very comfortable.

If you would like to focus on Island Packet Yachts, then I would also recommend that you look at THE ISLAND PACKET FACTORY SELECTED OFFICIAL OWNER'S WEB SITE HERE:

Welcome to the Island Packet Yacht Owners' Association

Hayden

[FLLCatsailor]

Originally Posted by IslandSpirit35

]

Bottom Line, an old IP today is a great value and I would not let this slight helm pull distract me from buying a fantastic ocean sailing yacht. These boats are tanks, sail well with 15-20 knots of wind, and are very comfortable.


Welcome to the Island Packet Yacht Owners' Association

Hayden

Could not agree more. Not to mention their customer, even on an old boat, is fantastic.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Hayden.

[ronbo1]

The best way to eliminate helm pull is simple - turn off the engine. After all, that's why we bought a sailboat!

Ronbo