Island Packet 350 Information, Review, Specs

Synthesizing traditional aesthetics with modern concepts, the Island Packet 350 reflects the builder's dedication to quality. The Florida-based yard, known for its expertise in designing and building bluewater vessels, ensured the 350 adhered to its core principles of reliability and durability, making it a valuable resource for potential buyers, current owners, and sailing enthusiasts.

History and Design

The Island Packet 350 emerged in 1997, succeeding previous iterations like the Island Packet 35. It continued the legacy of Bob Johnson's design formula: a full-keel cruiser with modern features, emphasizing extensive hands-on design, building, and sailing expertise. Johnson, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate, instilled a strong engineering background into his yacht designs, a hallmark of the Island Packet brand since its founding in 1979.

A signature design feature, integral to the Island Packet identity, is the exclusive "Full Foil Keel®" with a protected prop and rudder. This design minimizes fouling and offers significant protection against impact damage, crucial for offshore reliability. The hull and keel are typically a one-piece, hand-laminated, solid fiberglass construction, incorporating triaxial knitted fiberglass for a strong and durable structure. The 350 follows this construction ethos, ensuring a robust build for adventurous lifestyles. There is no indication of significant variations (like MkI or MkII) within the 350's production run; however, Island Packet models are generally subject to specification changes over their production life.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 350's design ratios reveal a vessel geared for stability, comfort, and reliable cruising performance rather than outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.49, the 350 exhibits moderate performance, suggesting it will perform capably in a range of conditions, though it is not primarily designed as a light-air speedster.

A significant Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 46.88% indicates a remarkably stiff and stable boat. This high ballast ratio allows the 350 to stand up to a considerable amount of wind, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway and inspiring confidence in challenging conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 282.7 classifies the Island Packet 350 as a moderate to heavy cruiser, aligning with the brand's reputation for building substantial, traditional cruising vessels. This displacement, combined with its long waterline (29.33 ft), contributes to a solid feel and a comfortable ride, even if it means it might not excel in outright speed.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the 350's seakindly motion and excellent directional stability, largely attributable to its full-foil keel. The cutter rig, often featured on the 350, provides versatile sail-handling options, allowing for easier reefing and better control in varying wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Island Packet 350 is notable for its spaciousness, often surprising for a boat of its length overall of just under 35 feet. Designed for comfortable living at sea, the layout typically features a two-cabin, one-head arrangement.

The forward cabin commonly boasts a large Pullman-style double berth, offering generous storage underneath. The main salon is well-appointed, often featuring a longitudinal settee on the port side that can convert into a navigation station at the aft bulkhead. Headroom in the main cabin is a comfortable 6'4". The galley is substantial, with a large refrigerator/freezer compartment, dual sinks, and ample counter space, making it highly functional for extended cruising. The joinerwork, characteristic of Island Packet, is considered top-quality for a moderately-priced American production yacht, often featuring rich wood trim and a well-finished appearance. Storage is generally abundant throughout the boat, a crucial aspect for serious cruisers, and ventilation is typically well-addressed with numerous opening ports and hatches.

Owner's Perspectives

Island Packet owners are known for their strong and active community, and the 350 is no exception, with dedicated forums and online resources like IP Home Port providing support and shared experiences, 10]. Owners consistently laud the Island Packet 350 for its robust construction, evident in its solid fiberglass hull and full-foil keel, which instills a sense of security during offshore passages. The boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its stable, predictable handling are frequently cited strengths, contributing to a pleasant cruising experience. The spacious and well-appointed interior, particularly the large galley and ample storage, also receives high marks from those who spend extended time aboard.

However, some common maintenance considerations have been noted. Similar to other Island Packet models, issues with rudder delamination and separation have been observed by some owners. While the brand is known for its quality, some older Island Packets, including the 350, may experience electrical issues, sometimes exacerbated by owner modifications. These are generally manageable issues for a diligent owner and do not detract significantly from the overall positive ownership experience.