Island Packet Chainplates - 2002 350

[Lance835]

I am searching for a cruiser and two boats being considered are:

2002 Island Packet 350 (37') and a 1990 Tayana 37 Pilothouse.

I have heard of some issues with the IP chain plates on some older models but can not find any information on the 2002 models. Does anyone have personal knowledge of chain plate issues on the model in question? Does anyone know of any issues I should be aware of on either boat?

[geoleo]

Some IP s are good sailors-but not the 350 which is a stretched IP32. Its more a motor sailor and wont go upwind. I had a IP 44

[Lance835]

Our plans are to spend several years exploring the Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound and then the Inside passage to Washington. A lot of that is more motoring than actual sailing and we are looking for a seaworthy, reliable boat that we will feel safe while cruising or at anchor when the winds howl over the top of the Glaciers, the fog rolls in and the water is cold and deep.

[Finistere]

Since 1997 Island Packet has improved the chain plate installation eliminating the cause of some chain plate failures.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Eder]

Originally Posted by georgetheleo

Some IP s are good sailors-but not the 350 which is a stretched IP32. Its more a motor sailor and wont go upwind. I had a IP 44

A couple IP 35's here in the North West go upwind just fine...they must be heavily modified?

[a64pilot]

The big deal about IP chainplates is their difficulty to inspect / replace. They are glassed in and require furniture removal to get to them, once there, you might as well replace. If you plan on keeping the boat forever, I've heard that Titanium chainplates are not that much more expensive.
IF the chainplates are maintained, meaning the cover plate re-bedded occasionally, they last almost indefinitely I'm told.
The other Achilles heel of an IP is the aluminum tanks are difficult to replace. Mine are going on 28 yrs old, as far as I can tell they are in good condition, I'm in a quandary if I should replace them or not

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Eder

A couple IP 35's here in the North West go upwind just fine...they must be heavily modified?

I think the 350 is very similar to a IP 32 and a 380, very similar to a 35, that quasi sugar scoop counts of course

[barnakiel]

You do not want ANY trouble with chain-plates when cruising in rough or iffy locations. If in doubt, hack into the system, remove, inspect, reinstall (or replace, if necessary).

b.

[gmowbray]

I am pretty sure I know the answer but ....Is there any sensible (non destructive) way to check the chainplates? I will be looking at a 1994 (claiming to be the last of that old production run before the 350) IP 35. It seems that IP moved to resolve the issue with improved Stainless only from 1996 onwards - so I am a little worried. I was also looking at an IP38 (1989) and she is a lovely boat, very well equipped for cruising but she has one shroud dangling free as the chainplate rusted right through - so I'd guess maybe $20K added to the cost to fix that. I want an IP (again) but I am quite wary of the risk for older boats.

[Eder]

You can try our forum for lots of IP chainplate info



https://www.iphomeport.com/forum/vie...ate+inspection

[Frankly]

The $20K maybe a little high but for the older yachts 304 SS chainplates are a real concern. I am still living dangerously (91) but not without grabbing those shrouds and running a little pull test everytime I go fwd.

My shroud tensions are also checked regularly (they are very stable and only takes a few minutes), hopefully maybe to detect that "your time us up".

Frankly

[Stu Jackson]

Perhaps you didn't notice the date on this thread from 2015.


In the meantime, a64pilot has redone his in titanium and wrote about it extensively, right here on this forum, jut not in this thread. Dare I suggest an advanced search using his name?