Island Packet 349 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Island Packet 349 commenced production in 2019, building upon the heritage of previous successful models and serving as an updated version of the popular Island Packet Estero. The creation of the 349 adheres closely to the foundational design principles of Island Packet Yachts, established by Bob Johnson in 1979. The company's enduring vision was to craft sturdy, seakindly offshore cruising boats, a philosophy deeply ingrained in the 349's design. This model is offered with a versatile solent rig and is also available with a cutter rig, enhancing its sail-handling options for diverse conditions.

Characteristic of Island Packet's manufacturing ethos, the 349 features a one-piece, hand-laminated solid fiberglass hull and their exclusive "Full Foil Keel®". This signature keel design is integral to the boat's excellent directional stability, minimal fouling, and crucial protection for the propeller and rudder from impact damage, 6]. The company's commitment to quality extends to the choice of premium materials and outstanding overall build quality, including robust fiberglass work and high-caliber hardware like Harken winches and furlers. The design strategically places all tankage centrally below the cabin sole, contributing to improved stability by keeping weight low and significantly increasing usable interior storage areas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 349, with a length overall of 38.25 feet and a waterline length of 31.42 feet, is configured as a heavy-displacement cruiser, weighing in at 20,000 pounds. Her design prioritizes stability, comfort, and safety over pure light-air speed, aligning with the brand's bluewater cruising focus. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.8, the 349 is not intended to be a light-air speedster but rather a robust performer that handles well as the wind builds.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.375, combined with the full foil keel, contributes to her inherent stiffness and ability to stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a stable motion in a seaway. Owners and reviewers note the boat's superb seakeeping capabilities and exceptional comfort, even in challenging conditions. Maneuverability is enhanced by a powerful 45 HP Yanmar common rail diesel engine and a skeg-hung rudder, providing ample horsepower and protected steering for offshore reliability. For ease of handling, all sheets are led to the cockpit primary winches at the helm, facilitating short-handed sailing. While some older Island Packets were not renowned for their pure sailing prowess, the 349, particularly when equipped with modern sail inventories, has been observed to perform very well. Videos of the 349 sailing in 18-25 knots demonstrate its robust performance in stronger breezes.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its robust offshore capabilities, the Island Packet 349 offers a surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, boasting a maximum headroom of 6.42 feet. The layout typically features a two-stateroom accommodation plan, providing comfortable living spaces for extended cruising. The interior is characterized by the use of quality materials, with options for wood finishes such as maple or Sapele.

The salon features a customizable starboard side layout, allowing owners to tailor the space to their preferences. Modern amenities include LED interior lighting throughout and convenient USB outlets in both the salon and forward stateroom. An optional TV/mirror combination can be integrated into the bulkhead, adding to the vessel's contemporary comforts. The strategic central location of all tankage below the cabin sole not only aids in stability but also frees up significant space within the interior for enhanced storage, a critical feature for long-distance voyaging. The general finish quality inside, much like the exterior, is considered outstanding, reflecting Island Packet's commitment to a premium cruising experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts of the Island Packet 349, like other models from the builder, benefit from a strong and active community, exemplified by resources such as IP Home Port and the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association. This vibrant network reflects the enduring appeal and satisfaction derived from owning an Island Packet yacht. Owners consistently praise the 349 for its solid construction, which instills confidence for offshore passages, and its comfortable motion in a seaway, making extended cruising more enjoyable. The boat's robust design and attention to detail are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. Some experienced cruisers, who have logged thousands of miles on various Island Packet models including the 349, commend its reliability and suitability for long-distance cruising. The 349 is recognized for its "unparalleled combination of features" that align with Island Packet's dedication to safety, comfort, and robust construction for extended voyaging.