Island Packet 350 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Packet 350 is a heavy-displacement cruiser with a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the 260s, placing it firmly in the category of vessels that "crush" waves rather than dancing over them. This mass, combined with the proprietary Full Foil Keel, provides exceptional directional stability. According to technical reviews from Cruising World, the vessel excels in heavy weather, where its momentum and encapsulated ballast allow it to maintain speed through a chop that would stall lighter performance cruisers.

The cutter rig is the 350’s primary engine, often featuring the signature Hoyt Boom for the staysail. This arrangement simplifies sail handling by making the staysail self-tacking, which is particularly effective when the wind rises above 20 knots and the genoa is furled. While the boat is not a light-air performer—often requiring the assistance of its 38-hp Yanmar diesel in winds under 8 knots—it finds its stride in a stiff breeze. The rack-and-pinion steering system provides a direct, mechanical feel that is more robust than traditional cable steering, though it lacks the fingertip sensitivity found on fin-keeled racing yachts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 350 is famously cavernous for a boat under 37 feet. By carrying its 12-foot beam well aft and utilizing a high freeboard, Island Packet created a living space comparable to many 40-footers of the same era. The layout is centered around a salon with a bulkhead-mounted folding table, a design choice that opens up the cabin floor for socializing or sail repairs. Island Packet Yachts notes that the use of premium materials like solid teak joinery and a teak-and-holly sole remains a point of distinction for this model.

Accommodation includes a large forward V-berth with private access to the head, and an aft cabin with a generous double berth that extends under the cockpit. A notable improvement over the older IP 35 is the inclusion of a dedicated stall shower in the head, separated by a folding acrylic door. The galley is U-shaped and positioned at the base of the companionway, featuring deep sinks and high fiddles designed for safe meal preparation while underway. Storage is exhaustive, with nearly every available void beneath the settees and berths utilized for tanks or dry lockers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Island Packet 350 with a specific focus on its proprietary construction methods. While the boats are incredibly robust, they possess a few "signature" areas of concern:

1. Chainplates: The 350 uses 316L stainless steel chainplates that are glassed into the hull structure. If deck seals fail and moisture reaches the encapsulated steel, crevice corrosion can occur. Because they are hidden, inspection is difficult and replacement is a major structural undertaking.
2. Aluminum Tanks: The fuel and water tanks are aluminum and are often foamed into place. If the bilge is allowed to stay wet, the bottom of these tanks can suffer from "pitting" corrosion. Check for fuel smells or a malfunctioning pressure water system as early warning signs.
3. Cutless Bearing: Because the propeller is protected by the foil keel, replacing the cutless bearing is more complex than on a standard P-bracket arrangement and may require specialized tools or dropping the rudder.
4. Bowsprit Integrity: The integral bowsprit (the "platform") should be inspected for stress cracks in the gelcoat, which can indicate heavy loading or historical impacts.

Community & Resources

The Island Packet community is one of the most organized in the sailing world, providing a wealth of technical support for the 350 model. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association is the primary hub for owners, offering a massive archive of manuals, plumbing diagrams, and "owner-mod" tutorials. Additionally, the IP Home Port serves as a commercial-free technical wiki where long-term cruisers document their refits and offshore experiences.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 350 is a quintessential "pocket voyager" that prioritizes safety, comfort, and longevity over raw speed. It is an ideal vessel for sailors planning to transit the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) due to its moderate 4' 3" draft, or for those crossing oceans who value a boat that can take care of its crew in a gale.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and heavy-weather sea-kindliness.
• Enormous interior volume and storage for its length.
• The Hoyt Boom staysail makes for a very manageable short-handed rig.
• The Full Foil Keel offers superior protection for the rudder and propeller.

Cons:

• Tepid performance in light air and a relatively large turning radius.
• High cost and complexity of chainplate and tank replacement.
• The heavy displacement makes the boat less responsive in tight docking maneuvers.