Islander 29 (Wayfarer)

[john61ct]

For context my priorities, generally formulated and discussed here

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-193354.html

This thread on the other hand, is specifically for the Islander 29, or I suppose the 30 as well, but it's a 29 that appeared "near" me recently.

To discuss my needs **in general**, please post to that thread above, ideally after at least scanning the earlier pages.

My most important priority is ability to upfit for offshore passages. I'm not planning to circumnavigate, but want a boat with good structural integrity, capable of equipping for that usage maybe one day. Seakindly motion, stability when the sea state gets rough are most critical.

Comfort & headroom, ability to carry liveaboard supplies & gear is not too high on the priority list.

An 8'6" beam is, but yes this one's over by five whole inches.

_____
For comparison, Nor'sea 27 (expensive)
Westerly Centaur 26
The Columbia 29s lots of kudos from Don and Newhaul.
Cape Dory 25D & 27
Bristol 24 & 27
Albin Vega 27
Rhodes, Vancouvers. . .

I'm so far from ready financially to begin to think about even considering actually shopping, it's just not funny,

but that's because I bought a super trailer!! one step closer,

but I might just go have a look, it's maybe a 7-hour drive.

I would get a surveyor if actually serious, but suggestions on what to look for, how to approach the seller would be appreciated, I'm a complete noob in that arena.

[john61ct]

Little beamy for me https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/islander-29

But I like the shallower draft

Newhaul, not quite as living / storage friendly as your Defender though?

Islander 30 is a raised deck version of the 29 trunk cabin model. But apparently headroom is good, 6' on both?

[john61ct]

Low companion way, needs a higher bridgedeck

Windows will need modding for protection, thicker plexiglas / lexan, or add shutters?

[john61ct]

Chainplates mounted to the bulkheads can be a problem, may need re-working.

Some owners have moved their chainplates outboard, rather than through the deck.

[Don C L]

Not sure if you saw this thread:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ws-181570.html
My chain plates are on the bulkheads and still fine, but if I were to add a pair I would mount them on the hull BUT I have a skinny boat. I would do something different with a beamier situation. And I'd add longer spreaders if I was mounting chainplates for the upper shrouds out on the hull.

[newhaul]

John ok here is my take from dad owning an islander 29 / and my owning a defender 29 same basic hull just more space below decks for me . An aside is the flush deck . It actually has less windage than the trunkhouse and the entire deck is walkable so IMO safer in rough weather if needing to go fwd. But we have been all through these issues several times. Personally I would prefer an inboard engine as opposed to the models with the outboard in a well.

[thomm225]

I wouldn't worry about the $2,000 price tag if you really wanted the boat

The owner would probably finance it for you just to be rid of his old boat for maybe $500/month or less

[406Columbia]

I looked at a few of those Islanders, I thought they were nice. I missed out on a 30 and am still kicking myself. Guy sold the boat and a nice trailer for 2k, I didn't get home in time from a work trip.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I didn't already have the Columbia 29. Shallow draft, narrow beam, thick glass hull, full-modified keel. Pretty much everything I love and it seems if you're crazy enough you can take them anywhere.

Kate and Fabio have a blog online and post here occasionally, they have a Columbia 29 and have sailed it down the east coast and to Panama. I believe they recently headed back to Florida or at least Fabio did. When I was down in the Cooks Islands a few weeks back we saw two little pocket cruisers. Both 30 feet or less and the owners were just taking the minimalist approach to cruise the globe, very inspiring.