Island Packet 29 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Island Packet 29 was produced from 1991 to 1997, emerging from a period when Island Packet Yachts, founded by Bob Johnson in 1979, had firmly established its philosophy of building sturdy, seakindly offshore cruising boats. Johnson, who served as the chief designer for all Island Packet yachts, brought a strong engineering background to his designs, prioritizing durability and offshore reliability. A signature feature of the Island Packet 29, inherent in all models from the builder, is the "Full Foil Keel®" with a protected prop and rudder. This design provides excellent directional stability, minimizes fouling, and offers crucial protection against impact damage, a hallmark of their bluewater philosophy.

While the standard Island Packet 29 featured a fixed long keel with a draft of 4.25 feet, a keel-centerboard version was also available, offering a shallower draft of 3.42 feet when the board was up and a deeper draft of 7.25 feet when extended. This option provided versatility for cruising in shallower waters without significantly compromising offshore capability. The hull and keel are typically a one-piece, hand-laminated, solid fiberglass construction, incorporating triaxial knitted fiberglass, contributing to the boat's strong and durable structure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 29's sailing performance reflects its design as a heavy-displacement cruiser rather than a light air speedster. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.07, it suggests the boat will perform adequately in moderate to strong winds but may require more effort to achieve higher speeds in lighter air. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 40.3% indicates good initial stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 317.16 places the Island Packet 29 firmly in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser. This heavy displacement, combined with its long keel and cutter rig, contributes to its reputation for exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. Owners often describe the IP29 as handling like a much larger vessel, offering a secure and predictable ride, which is highly valued for offshore passages. While not designed for racing, its seakindliness and robust build ensure a reliable and reassuring experience in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Island Packet 29 is known for being surprisingly spacious and practical for a boat of its size, often described as feeling larger than its 29-foot length suggests. While specific headroom figures vary, Island Packet interiors are consistently praised for their legendary blend of detail and craftsmanship.

Typically, the layout features a forward V-berth, offering comfortable sleeping arrangements. A head compartment, often with a shower, is usually located near the V-berth or midship. The main salon is generally configured with opposing settees, which may convert into additional berths, and a fold-down table. The galley is well-appointed for a boat of this size, commonly including a stove, oven, sink, and refrigeration, providing ample space for food preparation and storage. Quarter berths or an aft cabin are less common in this specific model, but the overall design prioritizes livable space within the salon and forward areas. Interior finishes often feature high-quality wood trim and thoughtful use of materials, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by adequate storage throughout for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Island Packet 29 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall build quality, often noting that it handles like a much larger boat in various conditions. Its seakindliness, directional stability afforded by the long keel, and the protected propeller and rudder are frequently highlighted as significant strengths for those seeking a reliable cruising platform. The spacious interior, for a boat of its length, is also a recurring positive comment, providing comfortable living space for short trips or longer voyages.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Island Packet 29 is not without its commonly noted maintenance considerations. A recurring issue identified by some owners pertains to the chainplates, which may require inspection and re-bedding over time to prevent leaks. While generally not considered a "fast" boat due to its heavy displacement, owners acknowledge this as a trade-off for its exceptional comfort and stability in a seaway. The vibrant online communities, such as IP Home Port and the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA.com), serve as invaluable resources for owners, facilitating discussions on maintenance, upgrades, and shared cruising experiences.