Island Packet 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Island Packet 38 emerged during a period when Island Packet Yachts, founded by Bob Johnson in 1979, was already establishing itself as a premier builder of full-keel cruising boats. Johnson's design philosophy, deeply rooted in his engineering background from MIT, focused on creating sturdy, seakindly offshore vessels. The 38, introduced in 1986, adhered closely to these established principles, offering few surprises from a builder known for design consistency.

A hallmark of Island Packet design, prominently featured on the 38, is the exclusive "Full Foil Keel®" with a protected prop and rudder. This design contributes significantly to directional stability and provides crucial protection against impact damage, a vital attribute for offshore reliability. The hull and keel are constructed as a one-piece, hand-laminated, solid fiberglass structure, utilizing triaxial knitted fiberglass for exceptional strength and durability. While the mentions a standard keel, notes also indicate a centerboard (CB) version was available, featuring a draft of 4.0 feet with the board up and 7.58 feet with it down. This speaks to the builder's commitment to offering versatility for various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 38 is designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, yet it delivers satisfying performance for its class. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.12, the 38 demonstrates decent performance across a range of wind conditions, capable of achieving hull speed readily. Its robust Ballast to Displacement ratio of 46.5% is notably high, indicating exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 267 further classifies it as a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, seakindly ride, prioritizing comfort and safety over light-displacement speed.

Owners generally find the Island Packet 38 to handle predictably, with excellent directional stability attributed to its full keel. While it may not offer the light-air nimbleness of a fin-keel racer, its strength lies in its ability to track well and provide a secure platform in challenging conditions. Its design is particularly appreciated by cruisers who value stability and a forgiving motion on long passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Island Packet 38 is designed for serious cruising comfort, emphasizing a utilitarian layout and voluminous storage capacity. It features a distinctive tri-cabin arrangement, typically offering large forward and aft staterooms flanking a spacious central salon.

Entering the companionway, one typically finds the galley to one side, often a U-shaped design, well-equipped for offshore cooking, and a nav station opposite. The main salon usually features settees that can convert into berths, often with a drop-leaf table in the center for dining. Further forward, a V-berth cabin provides private sleeping quarters, often with its own access to a head. Aft, a dedicated owner's cabin offers additional privacy and comfort. Throughout the interior, the finish quality is generally high, with a traditional use of wood trim complementing the robust fiberglass construction. Ample storage is a consistent theme, with lockers, drawers, and cubbies found throughout the cabins, catering to the needs of liveaboards and long-distance cruisers. Ventilation is typically well-addressed with numerous opening ports and overhead hatches.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Island Packet 38 consistently praise its solid construction and its ability to handle demanding offshore conditions with comfort and security. The Full Foil Keel and robust build quality are frequently cited as major strengths, contributing to a feeling of safety and confidence at sea. The generous interior volume and ample storage are also highly valued by those undertaking extended voyages or living aboard. The active and supportive community of Island Packet owners, notably through resources like IP Home Port and the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association, further enhances the ownership experience.

Common maintenance points or areas owners often discuss can include re-bedding original deck fittings over time, a typical consideration for boats of this vintage. However, the overall sentiment points to a well-engineered and enduring vessel that continues to be a popular choice for serious cruisers.