Island Packet 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Packet 32 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes comfort and "seakindliness" over light-air agility. It features the proprietary Full Foil Keel, a design that integrates the keel into the hull for structural integrity and provides a deep, protected sump. This configuration, combined with a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy" end of the spectrum, ensures that the boat tracks exceptionally well and maintains a steady motion in choppy seas. According to technical assessments in Cruising World, the boat is remarkably stiff, standing up to its sails long after lighter boats have reached for a reefing line.

Under sail, the 32 is most often rigged as a cutter, though many owners utilize it as a "slutter" (a sloop with an occasional staysail). The staysail on a Hoyt boom provides excellent versatility in heavy weather, allowing the center of effort to stay low and balanced. While it is not a "windward machine"—tacking through 100 degrees or more is common due to the full keel—it excels on a reach. The 32 is a momentum-based sailer; once it settles into a groove, its 13,500-pound displacement provides a sense of security that light-displacement modern cruisers cannot replicate.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Island Packet 32 is widely considered its strongest selling point, often described as "big-boat living" in a 32-foot hull. The layout is centered around an open salon featuring Island Packet’s signature bulkhead-mounted folding table, which opens up significant floor space when not in use. The use of teak and holly throughout creates a warm, traditional atmosphere, while numerous opening ports and hatches provide ventilation that exceeds the industry standard for boats of this size.

Unlike its predecessor, the Island Packet 31, which featured a more cramped aft quarter-berth, the 32 offers a dedicated aft cabin with a double berth and a standing dressing area. The forward V-berth is equally spacious, providing two distinct private sleeping areas. The galley is U-shaped and positioned to starboard of the companionway, designed for safety at sea with deep sinks and ample bracing points. While there were no major structural variations during its production run, later hulls featured incremental improvements in electrical systems and plumbing. The model was eventually replaced in the lineup by the Island Packet 320, which shared the same design DNA but featured a different transom and interior finish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Island Packet 32 must account for the age of the vessel and the specific construction methods used during the 1990s. While these boats are notoriously overbuilt, there are three high-signal areas that require a professional survey:

• Chainplates: The IP 32 uses 304-grade stainless steel chainplates that are glassed into the hull structure. Because they are encapsulated, they cannot be easily inspected for crevice corrosion. Many owners in the community now advocate for preemptive replacement or "extracorporeal" chainplate installs if the vessel has spent decades in tropical salt water.
• Aluminum Tanks: The water and fuel tanks are made of aluminum and are glassed into the hull beneath the cabin sole. Over time, moisture trapped against the aluminum can cause pitting and eventual leaks. Replacing these tanks is a major project that often requires cutting the cabin sole, making it a significant bargaining point during a sale.
• Deck Core: While the hull is solid fiberglass, the decks use a proprietary "PolyCore" material. While more resistant to rot than traditional balsa, any deck hardware that hasn't been re-bedded can still allow moisture to migrate, leading to localized delamination.
• Polybutylene Plumbing: Some mid-90s models were fitted with grey polybutylene piping, which is prone to failure at the fittings. Most well-maintained 32s have already had this replaced with PEX.

Community & Resources

The Island Packet 32 benefits from one of the most robust owner support networks in the maritime world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) and the IP Home Port serve as comprehensive technical repositories. These groups offer detailed "how-to" guides for the aforementioned tank and chainplate issues, which are essential for anyone planning a refit. Because Bob Johnson’s designs have such a loyal following, technical advice is usually specific and well-documented by owners who have circumnavigated in these exact hulls.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 32 is a purpose-built cruiser that makes no apologies for its lack of racing pedigree. It is a slow, steady, and immensely comfortable yacht that rewards owners who value safety and storage capacity over speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and storage for a 32-foot boat.
• The Full Foil Keel offers superior protection for the propeller and rudder.
• High build quality with a reputation for longevity.
• Outstanding resale value compared to mass-production contemporaries.

Cons:

• Sluggish light-air performance and limited pointing ability.
• Expensive and invasive repairs required for aging chainplates and tanks.
• Heavy displacement makes it less maneuverable in tight marinas under power.