Sailing Performance & Handling
The Island Packet 29 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, weighing in at approximately 10,000 pounds with a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio that places it firmly in the "heavy" category. This mass, combined with the Full Foil Keel—an encapsulated ballast system that runs nearly the length of the boat—results in a vessel that is exceptionally stable and tracks with remarkable precision. While it lacks the "twitchy" responsiveness of a fin-keel racer, it offers a seakindly motion that minimizes fatigue during long passages.
Standard as a cutter rig, the IP 29 often features the "Hoyt Jib Boom" for the staysail, an innovation that improves sail shape and simplifies tacking. According to editorial retrospectives in publications like SpinSheet, the boat excels in a breeze, standing up well to its canvas while other 29-footers are forced to reef. The theoretical hull speed is roughly 6.6 knots, a figure the boat reaches reliably in moderate air. However, in light winds (under 8 knots), the high wetted surface area of the full keel and the heavy displacement can make for sluggish performance, often requiring the use of the 27hp Yanmar diesel engine to maintain progress.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Island Packet 29 is often cited as the gold standard for "pocket cruisers." By utilizing a beam that is nearly 40% of its length, Bob Johnson created a cabin that rivals many 32-to-34-foot yachts. The layout is open and airy, featuring a large V-berth forward, a central salon with a folding bulkhead-mounted table, and a legitimate aft cabin—a rarity for a boat under 30 feet.
The use of a bulkhead-mounted table allows the salon to remain open for socializing during the day. The galley is well-equipped for extended voyaging, typically featuring a two-burner propane stove, a deep icebox, and a stainless steel sink with pressurized water. Throughout the interior, Island Packet utilized high-quality teak joinery and a teak-and-holly sole, creating a warm, traditional aesthetic. While there were no major layout variations or "sibling" interior versions like the 4-cabin configurations seen in larger models, the IP 29 was the direct descendant of the IP 27, offering a more refined galley and a more accessible aft berth than its predecessor.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Island Packet 29 should prioritize three specific technical areas that are common across the IP fleet from this era:
- Chainplate Corrosion: Perhaps the most discussed "gotcha" for Island Packet owners is the construction of the chainplates. These are made of 304-grade stainless steel and are glassed into the hull structure. Over decades, moisture can become trapped against the steel, leading to crevice corrosion. Because they are glassed-in, inspection is difficult and replacement is a labor-intensive, invasive process.
- Aluminum Fuel Tanks: The original fuel tanks were made of aluminum and sat in the bilge area. If they were exposed to standing water over long periods, the bottoms could pit and leak. Replacing the tank often requires significant disassembly of the cabin furniture.
- Deck Core (PolyCore/Strencore): Island Packet used a proprietary synthetic coring material rather than balsa. While this material does not rot like wood, it can still suffer from delamination if hardware was improperly bedded, leading to "soft spots" that require localized repair.
- Plumbing and Thru-Hulls: Many IP 29s were equipped with "Gate Valves" rather than proper Seacock ball valves. These should be inspected and ideally replaced with modern Marelon or bronze seacocks to ensure offshore safety.
Community & Resources
The Island Packet 29 benefits from one of the most organized and dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) is the primary hub for technical data, modification guides, and community discussions. This organization maintains an extensive library of manuals and provides a platform for owners to share solutions for common issues like chainplate replacement. Additionally, "IP Home Port" serves as a long-standing volunteer-run resource for historical data and model specifications.
The Verdict
The Island Packet 29 is an overbuilt, over-engineered cruiser that offers a level of security and comfort rarely found in vessels under 30 feet. It is an ideal choice for a couple looking to cruise the Bahamas or coastal waters, though it is fully capable of transoceanic hops in the right hands.
Pros:
- Exceptional Stability: The Full Foil Keel and heavy displacement provide a safe, predictable ride in heavy weather.
- Interior Volume: The 10' 10" beam creates a living space comparable to much larger yachts.
- Shallow Draft: At only 4' 0", it is an ideal vessel for the thin waters of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
- Build Quality: High-quality joinery and solid fiberglass construction offer long-term durability.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: High wetted surface area makes it slow in light winds.
- Chainplate Maintenance: The glassed-in chainplates are a significant long-term maintenance liability.
- Maneuverability: Like most full-keel boats, it can be challenging to back into a slip under power due to "prop walk" and lack of a pivot point.
