1978 28' Islander Thoughts?

[jdavid]

I am looking at purchasing a 1978 28' Islander Sloop.

I realize that this is an old boat but it fits the budget.

My plan is to use it to sail the Great Lakes and then to motor down the Mississippi and over to the Bahamas.

Is this a bad idea? Should I wait until I can afford something newer, bigger?

[NormanMartin]

Greetings and welcome:
The boat is fine in general. The cruise sounds like fun. My family had similar sized boats and used them for similar purposes. The big considerations are first: is the boat sufficiently well cared for that condition will not delay you? And second: do you fit on board?

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/islander-28

Another big consideration is motoring a long way down to the coast. That's about as dull as it gets. I bet that if you add up the costs in fuel, food, mooring/dockage and maintenance you'll find it is cheaper to truck the boat to South Florida.

I like small cruisers for a lot of reasons. Mostly because I have done too much work delivering and working on the big fashionable sailing yachts of today. With a small boat you focus on where you are and what's outside rather than on-board

[NormanMartin]

When you say "I" are you going alone? If so, get yourself a couple autopilots for when under power and a wind vane for when sailing. An advantage to a small boat (roughly under 35 feet and 10,000 pounds displacement) is you can upsize your gear without breaking the bank.

Norm

[silkie]

Looks great. Just be aware, when cruising you want everything to work properly. That can add up to a lot on an old boat. so price that in. Work out what you need , what you don't need, & price that in.

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by jdavid

I am looking at purchasing a 1978 28' Islander Sloop.

I realize that this is an old boat but it fits the budget.

My plan is to use it to sail the Great Lakes and then to motor down the Mississippi and over to the Bahamas.

Is this a bad idea? Should I wait until I can afford something newer, bigger?

The boat sounds fine - just make sure it's got a damned good engine as things can get pretty dicey on the Mississippi with all the commercial traffic, even going downstream.

[Cpt Mark]

I was given one of these boats. I liked it, sailed well and was enjoyable. Is it big enough? Depends on you really. Back in the 70's the "average" size cruising boat for a family of 4 was 27'.

At just over 6' with some mobility issues it would not suit me. I need standing headroom in my boat. Then again, Webb Chiles is over 70 and circumnavigating in a Moore 24 so.. If you like the layout and can see yourself on it, go for it.

[roverhi]

Ditto on the engine being in good shape, preferably a diesel though inboard gas will work. Seems like you'd be able to sail down the Mississippi with a nice current pushing you for respectable day light daily runs. No experience with the River but ICW is a challenge at night that WILL require kedging off expertise after running aground if you try and run at night. Assume you'd be able to anchor out of the barge channel to save on marina costs.

The Islander 28's are good boats, supposedly one of Perry's favorite designs. Would have bought one that I would've have had to deliver from SF to SoCal if the engine hadn't been questionable. Fuel capacity will be an issue though a few Gerry jugs will greatly extend the range. 28' boat will be a tight squeeze accommodation wise for more than a very close couple but have gotten along nicely solo on my 28' sailboat.

[Cheechako]

I like that particular time period from Islander. That one is a Bob Perry design too. As mentioned, have a good engine. Sure, 28 ft in the Bahamas is great. Longer waterline on those than some old boats too so that's like having a bigger boat.
If you can find the next size up in that time frame/series, 32 I think? It's a very similar boat.

[donahue62]

Stay off of the ms and enjoy a trip down then TN and Tombigbe.

[PatFryer]

I have owned an I-28 in S.F. Bay for 30 years. Raced it and day sailed mostly. Took her down the coast to Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur a few times. The original 1976 Volvo MD6B still fires on the 1st turn but being fresh water cooled has caused the cooling passages in the lower block to become partially blocked. I run here at 2000 rpm and she goes forever...but the tank is just a 20 gallon capacity. I'm 6'3" and barely bend my head at anchor...not at all with a moderate heel. The starboard settee folds out to a nice double or either side is a great sea berth with a leecloth. The v-berth is decent and there is an aft starboard berth I use for stowage. Engine access is either behind the removable salon stairs or by hopping into the cockpit locker. You have to be a bit of a contortionist to replace the water impeller but it's doable. She has a nice long cockpit with a foldable swim ladder through the aft stanchions. The main traveler is forward of the hatch but close enough that you can have a hand on both the tiller and mainsheet. I use a tiller autopilot when singlehanding.
The galley has a two burner alcohol stove that I replaced with a portable propane model. The head is tight but functional. The icebox is huge.
If I were undertaking your proposed voyage my wish list would include (besides a new engine) a cockpit bimini, solar panels, refrigeration, water heating, a propane stove and locker and a bow roller and windlass.
She draws 5.5' which might be a consideration in the Bahamas. Even without all those improvements, I love her.
I wish you well in your boat search...everything is a compromise so don't spend too much of your valuable cruising time searching for a perfect boat.
Cheers

[PatFryer]

I forgot to include a shower & dodger in my wish list. As you have probably surmised, adding these items would cost more than your purchase price.