Design & Construction
A one-piece, hand-laid solid fiberglass hull with an encapsulated long keel forms the foundation, while the deck is cored with Poly-core, a microsphere-and-resin matrix that carries a robust warranty against rot and delamination. The hull-deck joint is both chemically bonded with urethane adhesive and through-bolted via the caprail and genoa track, creating a stiff, integral structure. Island Packet's Durashield treatment helps older boats retain deep gloss. Below, pretinned wiring and a thoughtfully laid-out mechanical installation reinforce a reputation for big-boat build integrity in a compact platform. The designer gave the 320 finer bow sections for better windward work and a beam carried well forward, which translates into wide side decks and usable interior volume.
Rig & Sail Handling
The cutter rig centers on a keel-stepped mast with dual single-line reefing led aft through stoppers, a mid-boom mainsheet traveler, and a factory-optional self-furling mainsail. Forward, an integral bowsprit supports the signature Hoyt-inspired, self-vanging staysail boom, a refinement that makes the staysail more efficient across points of sail by keeping the sail's shape steady without needing constant attention. A 130-percent roller-furling genoa on a Harken system and self-tailing Lewmar sheet winches round out a deck layout that is genuinely manageable for a couple.
Deck & Cockpit
Rack-and-pinion steering delivers a surprisingly direct helm feel while putting the wheel in easy reach of the primaries. The cockpit is deep, protected by a stout bridgedeck and drained by generous scuppers, and includes dedicated harness padeyes and pin-locking drop boards. A line locker hides in the coaming, a built-in cooler lives under a seat, and the stern step doubles as a swim platform with a shower. Molded bulwarks, stainless grab rails along the cabin trunk, and double lifelines make moving forward secure, although the staysail boom can crowd the foredeck a little.
Accommodations
Below, two private staterooms each feature a Pullman-style double berth; the forward cabin adds a cedar-lined hanging locker, while the aft cabin converts from navigation station to a fully enclosed sleeping space with a clever bifold door. The U-shaped galley packs a double sink, two-burner propane stove with oven, and a fold-up counter extension that makes cooking at sea practical. A bulkhead-mounted table folds away to open the saloon, where 6-foot, 4-inch headroom and nine opening ports plus six overhead hatches create an unusually airy feel for a boat of this displacement. The varnished teak-and-holly sole sets a classic tone but can be dangerously slippery when wet, and the interior would benefit from a few more access hatches for long-term hull inspection.
Known Considerations
Beyond the sole's slickness, the same fine entry that sharpens windward work means the staysail boom monopolizes some foredeck working space, and the deep full keel and 13,500-pound displacement naturally favor momentum over hair-trigger acceleration. Reviewers have suggested that a high-cut yankee jib would complement the cutter rig better than the stock genoa when sailing hard on the wind.
The Verdict
The 320 earns its following by combining traditional offshore substance with genuinely livable quarters and a few clever innovations that make shorthanded cruising less of a chore. It sails better than its numbers suggest, protects its crew with a safe deck layout, and stands up to the long-term ownership experience thanks to high-quality systems and a durable build. While a few practical niggles—particularly the sole finish and limited interior access—warrant a bit of owner attention, the boat remains a compelling choice for couples and families seeking a capable coastal and bluewater platform without moving up into much larger LOA.
Pros:
- Lively, balanced performance for a heavy full-keel cutter with noticeably improved windward manners
- Self-vanging staysail boom simplifies shorthanded sailing and keeps the staysail drawing well on any tack
- Robust construction with Poly-core deck, PolyClad gelcoat protection, and a chemically bonded hull-deck joint
- Two genuine private sleeping cabins plus a proper sea-going galley in a 30-foot deck-length hull
- Excellent fresh-air flow from nine portlights and six overhead hatches
- Secure deck with tall bulwarks, continuous handrails, harness padeyes, and a deep bridgedeck cockpit
- Precise, low-maintenance rack-and-pinion steering with good winch access from the helm
Cons:
- Varnished cabin sole can become dangerously slick underfoot when wet
- Limited interior inspection hatches hinder hull-access and long-term maintenance
- Staysail boom crowds the foredeck and complicates handling ground tackle
- Heavy displacement and a long keel mean acceleration in very light air is modest, even if the new hull shape improves it over earlier Packets
