Island Packet 320 Buyer's Guide
The Island Packet 320 is a compact cruising cutter that strikes a rare balance between traditional seakeeping and genuine liveaboard comfort. Built during a period when the builder was refining its full-keel philosophy, the 320 packs a spacious two-stateroom interior into a hull just over 33 feet, with a long encapsulated keel that delivers a reassuring motion at sea. The used market is well stocked with examples that have been cared for by cruising couples, and many reflect the steady evolution of onboard systems that owners have added over the years. A well-found 320 rewards a close inspection of its construction details, and this guide will help you focus on the elements that matter most when you step aboard a brokerage candidate.
Layouts on the Used Market
The three-cabin layout is the one you are most likely to encounter on the used market, though the two-cabin version is also in circulation. The forward owner's cabin features a Pullman-style double berth and generous storage, while the aft cabin makes clever use of the space under the cockpit with an athwartships double bunk and a navigation station that can be stowed away to create a private retreat. Ex-charter vessels are a common part of the used pool, so keen attention to wear and tear on soft furnishings, joinery, and plumbing is essential. The saloon feels large for a boat of this length, thanks to a fold-away bulkhead table and a U-shaped galley that works well for extended stays aboard.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Most 320s on the market today are set up for short-handed sailing, and it is common to find autopilots, chartplotters, and a furling mainsail paired with the standard cutter rig. Air conditioning and heating, along with hot water and a cockpit shower, are frequently installed, making the boat comfortable in a wide range of climates. A bimini is also a common fitment, and a life raft is commonly carried as part of the cruising inventory. Dodgers are often seen too, and for those planning to spend time at anchor, solar panels, a dedicated freezer, dinghy davits, and radar are popular additions. Less commonly, an owner may have fitted a conventional or asymmetric spinnaker for light-air running, but the boat's standard self-tacking staysail boom already makes the headsail plan unusually easy to manage.
What to Inspect
The Island Packet 320's construction is robust, but a thorough survey should still probe the areas where age and use can show. The hull is a hand-laid, solid fiberglass hull with a gelcoat protection system the builder calls PolyClad; the original 10-year warranty against osmotic blisters is long past, so a moisture meter reading of the underwater profile is essential PolyClad gelcoat system. The deck is cored with a microsphere and resin matrix named PolyCore, which was also backed by a 10-year warranty against rot and delamination PolyCore deck coring. Check around all deck penetrations, the mast step, and the bowsprit attachment for any sign of water ingress or core softening. The hull-to-deck joint is an internal flange bonded and through-bolted—look for any leaks or corrosion along the caprail.
The keel-stepped mast deserves attention; inspect the compression post and the step area in the bilge for corrosion or movement. The Yanmar 3GM30 diesel is a reliable three-cylinder, but verify its service history, exhaust elbow condition, and the state of the stuffing box. While the interior is well-appointed, the original varnished teak and holly sole can be slippery when wet, and there are fewer access hatches than some owners would like, so be prepared to lift cabinetry panels to check hidden areas behind the hull liner. The bowsprit is integral to the hull, which is a structural advantage, but the anchor rollers and chocks take a beating; inspect the sprit for cracks and the deck pipes for leaks.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
The Island Packet 320 is most widely available in the United States, with a presence in the United Kingdom as well. The mix of private owner vessels and ex-charter boats means condition varies widely, so a buyer must be prepared to sort through the inventory. When you step aboard a candidate, keep a short checklist in mind:
- Survey the hull and deck for moisture, blisters, and core delamination.
- Verify the engine hours, maintenance logs, and check the exhaust elbow and stuffing box.
- Inspect the mast step and compression post for corrosion or movement.
- Evaluate the bowsprit and anchor gear for stress cracks and deck leaks.
- Assess the interior for charter wear, especially in the galley and head.
- Confirm the condition and function of all electronics, furling gear, and standing rigging.
- Sea trial the boat in a good breeze to experience the long-keel handling and the self-tacking staysail.
A well-maintained 320 is a capable, comfortable cruiser that holds its own in coastal waters and offers the confidence to venture further. With a careful eye on the details that matter, you can find a boat that will reward you for years to come.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Island Packet 320. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 7 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25 | 1 | $ 90,000 | — |
| Sep 25 | 3 | $ 79,000 | -12.2% |
| Nov 25 | 2 | $ 84,000 | +6.3% |
| Jan 26 | 7 | $ 89,500 | +6.5% |
| Apr 26 | 3 | $ 89,500 | 0.0% |
| May 26 | 5 | $ 101,083 | +12.9% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $ 78,000 | -22.8% |
Where they're listed
Island Packet 320 listings appear across 2 countries. United States has the most listings with 18 (78.3%), followed by United Kingdom.
Country view
23 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $ 89,500 | 18 | 4 | 78.3% |
| United Kingdom | $ 101,083 | 5 | 4 | 21.7% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
11 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 320 | 32.5' | $ 58,000 | 219 | 58 |
| Island Packet 350 | 34.67' | $ 119,000 | 42 | 13 |
| Westsail 32 | 32' | $ 27,250 | 38 | 9 |
| Island Packet 32 | 35' | $ 69,000 | 33 | 1 |
| Island Packet 29 | 32' | $ 58,000 | 24 | 17 |
| Island Packet 320You are here | — | $ 89,500 | 23 | 8 |
| Bayfield 30/32 | 32' | $ 22,500 | 23 | 5 |
| Najad 320 | 31.82' | $ 51,503 | 17 | 5 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 320 | 30.28' | $ 36,624 | 17 | 7 |
| Island Packet 32 | 31.5' | $ 60,000 | 13 | 12 |
| Bavaria 320 | 33.42' | $ 37,197 | 8 | 4 |