Islander for Offshore

[Bev & Bill]

We are still looking for the right boat, at the right price and were recently cruising the Gulf Islands and Inside Passage of B.C. where we came across an Islander Passage 41 (deep keel). We found no listings on Yachtworld for a Passage 41, however we did find several listings for Islander Freeport with 5'6 keel. We noted these yachts are a little beamier but do have a raised bow and seem to appear to be a bluewater boat. We have searched the internet and have found no information about them other than the company in California built about 65 yachts and then went into bankruptcy. There is no information about seaworthiness or construction quality, however, there are note on how people very much love their boats and seem to be long-time owners. Does anyone know anything about these yachts and their bluewater seaworthiness?

Thanks and hope everyone has had a great summer.

Some close friends of ours had one, and loved it, but recommended it only for coastal. I do not know exactly why, but the shallow draft, and large beam is probably part of the reason. My parents expressed an interest in getting a boat for coastal cruising, and that is the first boat that came to mind. I have day sailed on the boat, and found it very seakindly. If you are not sure about a blue water passage in the immediate future, I would say go for it. Lots of bang for the buck, as these boats usual go for 69000-89000. The boat I sailed on did not point as high as my Challenger, but did well on a reach, and was certainly adaquate for cruising.

[Euro Cruiser]

Bev & Bill, the Freeport 41 is somewhat notorious among long-distance cruisers. It is not weatherly and needs to be powered to windward in a big chop. Construction is typical of Islander and of production boats for that era (the 80´s). You should think carefully about what you will be asking your boat to do before knowing if this boat is suitable for you. I believe you will find this boat mentioned in passing in Hal Roth´s After 50,000 Miles.

Jack