The history of Island Packet Yachts
Island Packet Yachts is an American boat-building company, headquartered in Largo, Florida. Bob Johnson, a naval architect founded Island packet in 1979.
Hake Maine, the Parent company of Seaward Yachts purchased Island Packet Yachts in 2016. Besides Seaward Yachts, and Island Packet Yachts, Hake Maine also owns the Blue Jacket line of cruising sailboats.
In 2017, Darrell and Leslie Allen took ownership of the Island Packet Yachts. They are the majority shareholders of Hake Maine LLC. They changed its name to Island packet and Seaward Yachts.
Is seaward yacht still in business?
Seaward yachts are no longer in business. Seaward yachts consolidated with Island packet yachts in 2016.
Seaward yachts are famous for their lifting keels, and spacious layout on their models such as 32RK, and 46RK. The designer of this boat is Nick Hake.
Hake Marine, the parent company of Seaward Yachts closed its Stuart, Florida production facility and moved all of its production to the Island Packet Yard facility in Largo, Florida.
Where are Island Packet yachts made?
Island Packet yachts are made at their largo, Florida production facility. This boat production facility occupies 5 acres of ground with 52,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space.
There are four sections of this facility: fiberglass, hull and deck, wood shop, and assembly.
Most people on google give good reviews on this large facility. The people working there are very nice and friendly. It doesn’t matter whether you are going to purchase their boats or not, they are happy to show you around their facility and tell you about their boat-making processes.
Here is a good Island Packet largo factory tour video
Popular models of Island Packet Yachts (IPY)
There are four models of yachts produced by Island Packet Yachts: IP349, IP439, Blue Jacket 40, and 42 motor Sailer. Among these, IP349 and IP439 are the most popular ones.
- IP349
- IP349 was named Cruising World’s 2019 Domestic Boat of the Year
- Total overall length is 38’3″
- Displacement 20,000lbs
- Fuel Capacity 55gal.
- Water Capacity 100gal.
- Special features include an exclusive full foil keel for exceptional safety, strength, and stability.
- Another highlight of this design is the steps and handrails added when boarding from the deck.
- A new IP349 with standard equipment is priced at $39,9000.
- IP439
- IP439 model won Cruising World’s 2021 Best Full-Size Cruiser of the Year.
- Total overall length is 47′
- Displacement 32,000lbs
- Fuel Capacity 160gal.
- Water Capacity 220gal.
- Holding Capacity 50gal.
- Many customization options include rig design, rig colors, navigation station or additional storage, interior wood material, etc.
- A new IP439 with standard equipment is priced at $59,9000.
Here is a good video in which the president of IPY Darrell Allen walks you through this custom-designed IP439
- Blue Jacket 40
- Blue Jacket 40 is a sailboat with an overall length of 39’10”.
- Displacement is 17,900lbs
- Fuel Capacity 40gal.
- Water Capacity 110gal.
- Holding Capacity 25gal.
- The highlight features of Blue jacket 40 are its one-piece hull, and one-piece deck model for superior strength and stiffness.
- A new Blue Jacket 40 with standard equipment at a price of $49,9000.
- 42 Motor Sailer
- IP42 motor sailer is designed for long-distance, offshore cruising.
- Total overall length at 42’5″ with a displacement of 23,000lbs
- Fuel Capacity 320gal.
- Water Capacity 130gal.
- Holding Capacity 50gal.
- The highlight features of IP42 MS are its 110 HP Yanmar turbo diesel engine, and 320 gallons tankage capacity.
- A new IP42 motor sailer with standard equipment at a price of $69,9000.
Do Island Packet Yachts sail well?
A great number of boat owners said that the Island packet is a sturdy, well-made sailboat that sails slowly.
There is a mixed good and bad review towards Island packets yachts.
Good Reviews
Everybody agrees that Island packet is a sturdy, well-made sailboat. It is very comfortable to live in.
It is noticeable of IP’s craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Some Island Packet’s hulls built in 1985 still shine today.
Full keel, very stable sailboat, with plenty of space, storage, and tankage.
You can get the right parts or supplies that retain the quality and value of your boat.
Bad Reviews
Poor windward performance
Not light air boats
It takes strong wind such as 7 knots for Island Packet to start sailing
Summary
Island Packet Yachts is a solid-built, shoal draft, full keel sailboat. People who like the features of a well-made, traditional full keel sailboat would pay a premium price to have one Island packet yacht.
Island Packet Yachts is also great for a family weekend out. It is spacious and roomy, with a lot of storage space, wonderful for a long-distance voyage.
If you prefer racing to comfort then the Island packet may not be a good fit. Quite a few people complained about the speed of Island Packet.
Related Articles
You may also find the following articles helpful on other brands of sailboats
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Catalina Boat: 9 Questions Answered (For Beginners)
Jeanneau Boat: 11 Things You Should Know
Beneteau Boat: 11 Things You Should Know
Everything You Need to Know About J Boats (With Prices)
Hallberg-Rassy: 9 Questions Answered (For Beginners)
Resources:
www.ipy.com
