Islander 55 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Islander 55 commenced in 1968. Bruce King, known for his versatile designs ranging from production fiberglass boats to fast centerboard ocean racers, approached yacht design with a philosophy that emphasized a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality. His designs, including the Islander 55, were intended to be "sleek classics" that are "easily driven by the wind."

Islander Yachts, a company with a history rooted in robust, well-designed cruising yachts, manufactured only a limited number of Islander 55 hulls. Following the initial production run, the molds for the Islander 55 were reportedly sold to Tradewinds Yachts, which subsequently built at least three cruising versions of the vessel, marketing them as the Tradewinds 55. Additionally, a kit version was sold under the Yachtcraft 55 designation. Some sources indicate that Joe Artese also contributed a significant amount of design work to the Islander 55 project. The boat features solid fiberglass construction for both its hull and deck, and its ballast is made of lead.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 38,000 lbs, the Islander 55 is categorized as a heavy-displacement vessel, indicated by a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 363.5. She features a masthead sloop rig with a total calculated sail area of 1183.88 sq ft. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 16.76 suggests moderate light-air performance. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a relatively low 15.78% (6,000 lbs ballast in a 38,000 lbs displacement), which might imply a less stiff boat, potentially prone to earlier heeling compared to vessels with higher ballast ratios. However, a notable design feature is her centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft between 5.75 ft and 11.33 ft. This provides flexibility, enhancing upwind performance with the board down and offering shallower access for cruising with the board retracted. Despite its heavy displacement, the Islander 55 was designed by Bruce King to be "easily driven by the wind," suggesting efficient lines and sail plan for her size.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the Islander 55's interior layout is not extensively detailed in readily available public specifications, with her maximum headroom not consistently documented. However, some sales listings have indicated that the vessel typically features a two-stateroom layout with a private, walk-over design. Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests that the interior involves significant paneling and bulkheads.

Owner's Perspectives

Given the limited number of Islander 55s produced, comprehensive owner reviews are scarce. However, a few insights from owners shed light on potential aspects of the boat. Some owners have undertaken significant interior refinishing projects, noting that the original hulls were sometimes built for "daysail racing" in the 1970s. During such refits, some owners have reported finding fiberglass delamination at bulkhead joints and cracking along the inner deck seam, suggesting areas that may require attention in older vessels. Additionally, some sales descriptions have noted that windows may require resealing over time as part of typical maintenance for a boat of this vintage.