Island Packet: the right boat for remote voyaging?

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by jaysawyer

The Caliber is another very similar boat to consider. I would avoid fin keels if you are intending to live on the boat and travel the ocean.

I see no need to avoid fin keels, as there are plenty that are perfectly suitable for ocean travel (and some that are not). But what's funny to me is that you recommend the Caliber boats, when both the Caliber 35 and 40 are fin keels.

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by Messing About

Theres a one owner 2010 IP Estero on Yachtworld, out of San Francisco, that would be on my short list if I were ready to buy. They are asking $159k but it would be worth viewing and perhaps making a lower offer.

I have researched the ‘99 and newer IPs and am pretty sure it is the make i will spend my cruising life on. Safety and comfort is more important to me than speed under sail. I like that they are made in America, in Florida, and still in business.

Best of luck in your search and journeys. Will be watching with interest so keep updating and ignore the unhelpful replies.

I had a IP44 . Went through it completely. It was well engineered ,fun to sail comfy, and easy on the eyes to look at.

[LarryDW]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

I see no need to avoid fin keels, as there are plenty that are perfectly suitable for ocean travel (and some that are not). But what's funny to me is that you recommend the Caliber boats, when both the Caliber 35 and 40 are fin keels.

I think the Caliber 35 is a skeg hung rudder.

[LarryDW]

Originally Posted by LarryDW

I think the Caliber 35 is a skeg hung rudder.

and according to Sailboat data the 40 is as well.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by LarryDW

I think the Caliber 35 is a skeg hung rudder.

Yes, it does have a skeg hung rudder. But it also has a fin keel.

[jaysawyer]

yes I forgot about the fin keel. A friend of mine has a 40 and they have huge tankage so would be good for travel and live aboard.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by Lawnmower

Hey everyone,

I'm new to sailing and looking for a boat that I can grow into and take me and a couple of (intermittent) guests around the world, I'm particularly interested in spending a long time cruising the Pacific and exploring remote reefs and atolls, living at anchor and going for months without significant re-supply.

I'm not particularly interested in sailing for the pure joy of being pushed around by wind, rather I see sailing as a means to go places that would otherwise be very difficult/more costly.

I think the storage, tankage, shallow draft, overall construction, cockpit size, headroom (I'm 6'3") of the island packets could be ideal for my needs. I also think the interiors just look fantastic! My budget is $125k at the top end and I love the look of the 380 (maybe out of budget) and the 350 (perhaps too small?). Older models are also of interest too however I'm keen to avoid having to replace tanks and chainplates as I hear these are common issues with pre-1997 models and tricky/expensive to fix.

I'd love to hear from Island packet owners, particularly what your thoughts are on the suitability of these boats for my purposes (inc. any particular models) and also just general comments about your experiences living aboard and long distance cruising on an island packet.

The other option I'm considering is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey (around 40ft) from 2000-2007, basically for the sole reason that they're just so much boat for the money and seem to be built fairly solidly compared to other similar boats.

(Also for the well intentioned folk who want to say - get some more experience etc before deciding to sail RTW and buy a boat etc - thanks in advance for your comments).

So what's the question?
Being tall and taking along 'guests is painful in a small boat....
There are plenty of older solid boats about under 80k US.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by Lawnmower

Did anybody actually read my post?



"I'm not particularly interested in sailing for the pure joy of being pushed around by wind, rather I see sailing as a means to go places that would otherwise be very difficult/more costly."

Starry eyed and inexperienced...

[Eder]

Originally Posted by smj

Can’t imagine much in 15-20.
But to simplify, which boat has more stress in the rig and the parts holding the rig up, the one with 300 sq ft of sail up or the one with 1000 sq ft?

Does your cat heel at all?

[Rockinar]

At this stage you have zero experience and zero resume and shopping for 35 and 40 foot boat. Nobody will insure you even if you decided to buy a boat tomorrow. Insurance gonna wanna see something. Its not like buying car insurance where you just ring up anyone you want and they give you a quote and you give them a credit card and you are on the road. There will be lots of questions, rejections and requirements.

If youre boat shopping, Id be signing up for ASA courses TODAY. Take ASA 101 thu 104 at least so you have ammo when trying to get insurance.

[Rockinar]

I have an Island Packet 29. I could have went 32 to 38. I just like my boat on the small side for solo sailing. Its cheaper. Rigging, sails, engine, fuel economy, parts, slip fees, haul outs, bottom paint, insurance....on and on. Smaller will be cheaper. And its just easier to handle. I dont even need a windlass. On a smaller boat its an option, not a requirement, I dont new bow thrusters, easier to navigate in marinas. And since you will be solo, how much boat can you handle when it all goes wrong? Go watch Josh Posts video on Youtube when he tries to solo across from Florida to Bahamas and it all goes wrong. He end up scared straight and crying. I dont think he soloed after that. Auto pilot went out in a storm, he could not get the sails in, lost control of the boat. Lived to tell the tale, but learned a lesson. "How much boat can you handle when it all goes wrong?" Anyone can handle a 50 foot on a sunny day in 3 foot swell on a reach.

Nothing about sailboat ownership is cheap. This is why I choose smaller. Not cheap, but cheaper. Sailing is the most expensive way to get somewhere for free.

[smj]

Originally Posted by Eder

Does your cat heel at all?

Certainly, maybe 4 degrees

[LarryDW]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

Yes, it does have a skeg hung rudder. But it also has a fin keel.

You are correct, my bad.

[thomm225]

A couple at my dock bought a beautiful IP a couple years ago with similar plans.

That boat is for sale now.

[akopac]

Some thoughts on keels. Yes there is the performance aspects of one keel over another, but if you are extensively cruising having a keel/ rudder arrangement to fend off fishing gear is handy. Keel hung rudder, or a rod between a keel and skeg. I have the latter. Saved my butt a few times over the years. Windvane and backup rudder gear is at top of list with good fridge insulation, and solar.