Island Packet 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Island Packet 37 emerged from the design philosophy of Bob Johnson, who established Island Packet Yachts in 1979 with a vision to build sturdy, seakindly offshore cruising boats. The 37, launched in 1994, continued this tradition, with approximately 60 units built during its four-year production run until 1998. A signature feature of Johnson's designs, prominently incorporated into the 37, is the exclusive "Full Foil Keel®." This design integrates the ballast and rudder into a single, robust structure, providing exceptional directional stability, reducing the risk of fouling, and offering significant protection to the propeller and rudder from impact damage—a critical advantage for bluewater reliability. The hull and keel are constructed as a one-piece, hand-laminated solid fiberglass unit, utilizing triaxial knitted fiberglass for a strong and durable structure, aligning with Island Packet's renowned construction ethos of that era. There is no evidence of specific "MkI" or "MkII" variations during its production, indicating a consistent design throughout its build years.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 37's design ratios reflect its purpose as a capable cruiser rather than a light-air racer. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 18.29, she exhibits decent performance, especially as the wind builds, with owners noting that while she might be "a bit slow" in winds under 10 knots, she gets going well above that threshold. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.443 signifies a stiff and stable platform, allowing the boat to stand up well to her sail plan and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners consistently praise the Island Packet 37 for its ability to offer a "nice ride in any weather" and its resilience as a "heavy weather cruising boat."

Her Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 277.29 categorizes her as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, contributing to her solid feel and seakindly motion. The full keel design ensures excellent directional stability, allowing the boat to track exceptionally well, a highly valued trait on long passages. The estimated hull speed for the Island Packet 37 is 7.46 knots. Furthermore, its Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.84 indicates that the Island Packet 37 is well-suited for offshore sailing, demonstrating lower vulnerability to capsizing in rough seas.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior headroom are not consistently available, the Island Packet 37 is celebrated for its comfortable and livable accommodations, a hallmark of the brand. Reviews frequently highlight the well-appointed and practical galley, often cited as "one of the best" seen on a boat of its size, offering ample space for meal preparation and storage. The interior typically features a traditional layout, designed for extended periods aboard, prioritizing comfort and functionality. Common arrangements include a spacious salon, comfortable V-berth forward, a dedicated navigation station, and private head compartments. The finish quality generally features solid wood trim and cabinetry, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Owners often appreciate the boat's ability to provide a comfortable environment, even including features like fantastic cockpit enclosures with side curtains, enhancing the livability and allowing for enjoyment of meals with friends after a day of sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Island Packet 37 owners consistently praise the yacht for its solid construction and robust build quality, often referring to it as a "sweet sailing vessel" that is "sturdy as they come." Many attest to its exceptional seakeeping abilities and comfortable motion in rough conditions, making it a highly regarded choice for those undertaking serious cruising. The full keel design, offering superior tracking and protection for the running gear, is also frequently highlighted as a significant advantage.

However, common discussions among owners sometimes touch upon the boat's performance in very light winds, noting that it may be "a bit slow" until the wind picks up. While not specific to the Island Packet 37, some general discussions regarding older Island Packet yachts have mentioned potential issues with chainplates, a common maintenance consideration for many boats of its vintage. Overall, the sentiment from the owner community is overwhelmingly positive, with a strong emphasis on the boat's reliability, comfort, and suitability for long-distance voyaging.