Island Packet 320 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Packet 320 is defined by its motion at sea, which is remarkably stable for a vessel of its waterline. Utilizing Bob Johnson’s proprietary Full Foil Keel, the 320 offers a level of directional stability that modern fin-keel boats cannot replicate. This design integrates the ballast directly into the hull shape, creating a low center of gravity and protecting the rudder and propeller from entanglements or impact. As noted in editorial evaluations by Cruising World, the boat’s heavy displacement—roughly 13,500 pounds—ensures that it maintains momentum through a chop, providing a "big boat" feel that minimizes the fatiguing motion often found in lighter 32-footers.

The 320 is typically rigged as a versatile cutter, featuring a Hoyt Boom for the staysail. This self-tacking arrangement is a revelation for short-handed sailors, allowing for effortless tacking in confined spaces without touching a sheet. While the high displacement-to-length ratio means the 320 is not a light-air flyer, it finds its stride in 15 to 25 knots of breeze. Under these conditions, the boat tracks with precision, allowing the helmsperson to maintain a light touch on the wheel. The rack-and-pinion steering system provides direct feedback without the elasticity of cable systems, a technical detail often praised for its reliability during long offshore passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Island Packet is renowned for maximizing interior volume, and the 320 is a masterclass in small-space naval architecture. By carrying the beam well aft and utilizing a nearly flat cabin sole, the interior feels more like a 36-foot vessel. The layout centers on a main saloon with Island Packet’s signature fold-up table, which stows against the bulkhead to create an open floor plan. When deployed, it reveals a hidden storage rack and provides a large dining surface.

The galley is positioned to starboard and is designed for use at sea, featuring deep sinks and secure bracing points. Unlike many boats in this size range that settle for an open quarter-berth, the 320 features a dedicated aft cabin with a double berth and hanging locker, providing genuine privacy for guests or children. The forward V-berth serves as the primary owner's suite, featuring a large overhead hatch for ventilation. A significant upgrade in the 320 compared to its predecessor, the IP 31, is the head compartment, which includes a separate shower stall area—a luxury rarely seen on a boat under 35 feet. While there were no major layout variations during the production run, some owners opted for the "plus" package which included enhanced upholstery and teak trim.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Island Packet 320 should approach the survey with a focus on the specific engineering choices made during the Largo, Florida, construction era.

• Chainplates: The most critical inspection point involves the stainless steel chainplates. These are glassed into the hull structure, making them exceptionally strong but difficult to inspect for crevice corrosion. If there is evidence of water weeping around the deck seals or rust staining on the interior hull liner, a costly replacement may be on the horizon.
• Aluminum Tankage: Like many boats of this vintage, the 320 used aluminum fuel and water tanks. These are often foamed into place. Over time, moisture trapped against the aluminum can lead to pitting and leaks. Buyers should pressure test the tanks or check for the scent of diesel in the bilge.
• Holding Tank Material: Some early models used aluminum holding tanks, which are highly susceptible to corrosion from waste. Many owners have since retrofitted these with thick-walled plastic tanks.
• Cutless Bearing and Propeller: Because the prop is tucked into a protected aperture in the Full Foil Keel, changing the cutless bearing can be more labor-intensive than on a fin-keel boat, often requiring the shaft to be pulled or the engine to be uncoupled.

Community & Resources

The Island Packet community is one of the most organized and technically proficient owner groups in the sailing world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) maintains an extensive database of technical manuals, modification guides, and a registry of hull numbers. For day-to-day troubleshooting and parts sourcing, the IP Home Port functions as the primary technical wiki and forum. These resources are invaluable for owners seeking to maintain the high resale value these boats historically command.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 320 is a purpose-built tool for the sailor who prioritizes safety, tankage, and comfort over raw racing speed. It is a boat that encourages its crew to keep going when the weather turns foul, offering a sense of security that few 32-footers can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-laminated triaxial fiberglass construction results in a nearly bulletproof hull.
• Shallow Draft: The 4' 3" draft is ideal for the Bahamas, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Florida Keys.
• Short-Handed Capability: The Hoyt Boom and cutter rig make it one of the easiest boats to sail solo.
• Interior Volume: Offers the storage and living space typically reserved for much larger yachts.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and high wetted surface area make the boat sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
• Maneuverability in Reverse: Like most full-keel boats, the 320 can be a challenge to back into a slip without the aid of a bow thruster.
• Chainplate Access: The "glassed-in" design makes the eventual replacement of chainplates a major surgical project.