Island Packet 45 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Island Packet 45 was in production from 1996 to 2000, emerging from a builder with a strong engineering background and a clear vision for offshore cruising vessels. Island Packet Yachts, founded by Bob Johnson in 1979, quickly established itself by focusing on reliable, full-keel yachts. Johnson's design philosophy, deeply ingrained in the Island Packet brand, emphasized safety, comfort, and the ability to handle challenging conditions.

A hallmark of Island Packet design, prominently featured in the 45, is the exclusive "Full Foil Keel®" with a protected prop and rudder. This design is integral to the boat's directional stability, minimizes the risk of fouling, and provides crucial protection against impact damage, making it ideal for offshore reliability. The hull and keel are typically a one-piece, hand-laminated, solid fiberglass construction, incorporating triaxial knitted fiberglass for exceptional strength and durability. While the Island Packet 45 and its predecessor, the Island Packet 44, share a nearly identical hull design, the transition to the 45 model introduced some refinements to enhance the living and sailing experience. There's no indication of significant variations like MkI or MkII designations within the 45's production run, beyond the refinements from the earlier 44.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Island Packet 45 is not engineered to be a speed demon but rather a steady, balanced, and capable passage-making vessel. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.68 suggests a moderate performer, capable of handling a range of conditions without being particularly lively in light air. This characteristic aligns with its design as a comfortable cruiser rather than a dedicated racer.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of 0.44, the Island Packet 45 exhibits a high degree of stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up well to strong winds and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. This substantial ballast contributes significantly to its reputation for seakindliness. The displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 238.73, firmly places the Island Packet 45 in the moderate-to-heavy cruiser category. This heavier displacement contributes to its robust feel and comfortable ride, making it forgiving in various sea states. The full-keel design provides excellent directional stability, meaning it will track well and be forgiving, though it may not turn as quickly as boats with fin keels. Owners frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Island Packet 45 is designed with liveability and long-term cruising in mind. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, the design emphasizes generous interior volume. The saloon typically features a fold-down table and wraparound seating, creating a spacious and inviting living area. Reviewers suggest the hull's relatively flat section with a hard turn to the bilge provides ample cabin sole space.

Detailed layouts often include a spacious V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a comfortable salon, a functional galley, and private aft cabins or quarter berths, offering ample space for a cruising couple or family. Storage is generally abundant, a crucial feature for extended voyages. The finish quality is typically high, with a traditional use of warm wood trim that contributes to a classic yacht ambiance. Ventilation is also a key consideration, with numerous ports and hatches to ensure airflow.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Island Packet 45 consistently praise its robust construction, reliability, and comfortable motion offshore. The brand's focus on building exceptionally solid boats capable of bluewater voyaging is a recurring theme in owner feedback. Many owners appreciate the boat's seakindliness and ability to handle challenging conditions with confidence. The dedicated owner community, supported by resources like IP Home Port and the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association, further reinforces the satisfaction derived from owning these vessels.

While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners have touched upon potential maintenance items such as chainplate issues, which can be a point of inspection for prospective buyers on older models. Additionally, while known for their offshore capabilities, it's widely understood that Island Packets, including the 45, are cruisers and not built for racing speeds, a point often noted by owners themselves. However, their ability to perform well and offer a secure platform for cruising remains a primary strength.