Island Packet Closing doors

[Sailor Jer]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

But they were "only" $500K or thereabouts. A Hinckley or a Swan in that size, if they're still doing that size, would probably be closer to a mil or more.

I should've clarified better, I meant used market...buying new isn't in my mindset much less in my ability...if I had that kinda $$$ for new boats I'd be riding on a Pershing with a boat capt. at the helm, bow bunnies in bikinis to keep ice in my sippy cup.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by Zeb

Yeah......that was an ugly beast the old Packet Cat.

- Zeb

May be I'm missing something here but to me this looks not much different than any other cat around.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

May be I'm missing something here but to me this looks not much different than any other cat around.

Until you get a bow or stern shot......then it's hard to tell if it's a cat, a tri, or a deck barge.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Zeb]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

May be I'm missing something here but to me this looks not much different than any other cat around.

Its the middle pod thing they developed for that particular boat. I thought it was UGLY.

[Zeb]

Pic kind of shows it all.

- Zeb

[Island Time O25]

My own anecdotal evidence as to possibly why IP had to shut down is as follows.

Several years back I was at a boat show with my naval architect/boat builder buddy. He comes from the old country so his view of what to expect form "higher end" product" or what constitutes a higher end product is a bit different I guess.

After spending about 1/2 hour on IP38 (which according to me telling him was probably the top manufacturer represented at that boat show) and going into nooks and crannies (he does that first as it gives him a better sense of the builder than any shiny piece of furniture or hardware) he pronounced the boat "overpriced" for the quality of workmanship she exhibited in these rarely accessed places. His comment was that for $500K he would not want to be afraid of cutting his skin if he stroked the underbelly next to the locker lid or some such. It was an eye opener for me as I remember working in the cockpit underbelly of my 35 year old boat and not in one place was I afraid to be cut by sharp leftover fiberglass fibers or strands.

I don't know if this was a result of a company desperately trying to cut costs while clinging to an image of a "well built boat" or just issues with the workforce or QA department missing to check up on these things. But to send your flagship model to a boat show in such a state my friend found unacceptable at that price level. Or even if the boat was "only" $200K.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Until you get a bow or stern shot......then it's hard to tell if it's a cat, a tri, or a deck barge.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

I still see it as being much closer aesthetically to a cat than to a mono.

[MikePz]

IP is expected to make an announcement in March as to their company. Many of us in the Tampa Bay area are aware that they have not been answering phones or emails since early this year!

[freecycle]

Friends of IPY, Blue Jacket, Seaward...........standby for updates regarding a restructuring and probable new management. I will reaffirm the quality of recent build of a Seaward.

[notiesbob]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

But they were "only" $500K or thereabouts. A Hinckley or a Swan in that size, if they're still doing that size, would probably be closer to a mil or more.

Nautor line starts at 50' and runs to 115', in a much higher price point, with entirely different following and perception. They too are in a challenged market. Begs the question - how many boats are the builders really cranking out annually? I spoke to an industry friend at Toronto Show - he said in late 1970' North American builders shipped over 170,000 units annually. In 2014 they shipped less than 10,000 units and this includes pontoons to custom yachts. He also said commercial and Homeland Security is a niche that has kept some afloat - Sabre and Hinckley are mentioned.

[Scaramanga F25]

Also, when you have sailed on a great day at 10 knots on a modern boat
it is difficult to go back to 7 knots on an antiquated design meant for wood construction.

That being said, if you go cruising you will go aground and so that's what full keels are for imho. Fin keels could be attached better having seen a couple of charters boats where the keel had been ripped out of the boat.

But then now you have catamarans.

[rosatte]

They are nice boats but who could afford to buy a new one..only a few can

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by notiesbob

Nautor line starts at 50' and runs to 115', in a much higher price point, with entirely different following and perception. They too are in a challenged market. Begs the question - how many boats are the builders really cranking out annually? I spoke to an industry friend at Toronto Show - he said in late 1970' North American builders shipped over 170,000 units annually. In 2014 they shipped less than 10,000 units and this includes pontoons to custom yachts. He also said commercial and Homeland Security is a niche that has kept some afloat - Sabre and Hinckley are mentioned.

Yes, I recall someone posting a link on CF with statistical table - sailboats (or boats in general, I forget which) sold in early 80s and currently - down by 90%+.

[MikePz]

True. I have a 1984 IP 31 with a CB. Best boat I have had so far. I like the quality and the toughness of my little boat.

[catman]

They made abeautiful monohull. There foray into the catamaran production was atonal failure.
Sad to see another boat manufacturer bite the dust.
Cheers, Cataman