Island Packet 27 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Johnson's fusion of traditional and modern thinking shows in the hull itself. The solid hull is laid from a mat layer and knitted cloth, and the forward edge of the keel is built up to almost an inch of solid glass to absorb impact anchor. Inside, precisely engineered structural grids of plywood floor timbers run athwartships and are glassed to the hull, then capped by a fiberglass pan forming the cabin sole. The deck is cored with a factory-developed material, joined via a solid lip to an inward-turning flange atop the hull and bonded with 3M 5200 sealant and stainless bolts on 6-inch centers; no leaks from that joint have been reported, and hardware is backed by aluminum plates with solid deck regions under load points to prevent core crush. With 3,000 pounds of lead ballast—250 added beyond the original boat—the 27 earns a ballast/displacement ratio of 38 per cent, and a sail area/displacement ratio of 16.7 signals sailing that is less than sizzling.

Rig and Handling

The cutter-style rig defines the boat's character, and many examples sailed as cutter-rigged sloops. With the wind on the beam, the optional cutter's staysail can lift boatspeed by 10 to 20 per cent. Owners gave her a composite rating of "poor" in light-air sailing, which is consistent with the heavy-displacement, modest-sailplan philosophy; nevertheless, in a steady breeze owners typically report comfortable passage speeds in the 5–6 knot range, against a theoretical hull speed of about 6.6 knots. A three-bladed prop and the standard Yanmar 2GMF20 diesel offer a pretty good substitute for propulsion when the air dies.

Accommodations

Below, the 27 typically offers a forward V-berth, a spacious saloon with settees that convert to berths, and a practical galley and enclosed head, all finished with teak trim and durable joinery. The beam in the neighborhood of 10½ feet and an LWL close to 24.25 ft give the interior a roomy feel for the length, while many examples carry 19–31 gallons of fuel and around 31 gallons of fresh water depending on configuration—enough for extended coastal or short offshore passages in a pocket cruiser. Practical Sailor noted the boat displaces as much as 3,000 pounds more than rival auxiliaries of her size anchor.

Known Issues

The most commonly cited concern in owner forums and owner-association notes is chainplate and rigging area inspection, and several owners have reported needing to re-bed their chainplates to stop leaks. Island Packet models of this vintage often have through-bolted or glassed-in chainplate arrangements. Pre-purchase surveys regularly turn up deck-core moisture and the usual aging-related problems—old standing and running rigging, tired seacocks, dated wiring and electronics, and worn cushions. More serious was a tendency to cracking in the hull laminate when boats were point-loaded, as on a jackstand or a reef; crazing of the deck gelcoat annoyed the first boats. Blistering seems not to have been a big problem—of more than 30 owners questioned, not one encountered osmotic pox, and it is less widely reported than on some contemporary builders.

Refits and Ownership

Common recommended improvements buyers budget for include replacing older 304 stainless chainplates or adding external chainplates, upgrading standing rigging, refreshing the electrical panel and navigation electronics, and addressing any localized deck-core or bedding issues found in survey. Diesel inboards are common on many examples, simplifying auxiliary reliance.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 27 is a stout, conservative pocket cruiser built for sailors who value ballast, structure, and sea-kindly motion over outright speed. Her heavy displacement and long keel make her a steadying companion offshore, while the cutter rig adds flexibility. The buyer's diligence centers on chainplates, deck core, and the point-loading cracks that can appear on the hard.

Pros