Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of this model are defined by Island Packet’s exclusive Full Foil Keel®, which integrates the hull and keel into a single, seamless structure. This design provides exceptional directional stability and protects the rudder and propeller from entanglements, a feature lauded in early Cruising World reviews. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 261, the boat is categorized as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This mass, combined with a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 40%, results in a remarkably "stiff" boat that carries its momentum through choppy seas where lighter vessels might lose speed.
While not a light-air racer, the 350 utilizes a high-aspect cutter rig to maximize versatility. A standout technical feature is the Hoyt Boom® fitted to the staysail, which maintains proper sail shape across all points of sail and allows the boat to be handled easily from the safety of the cockpit. According to editorial tests from Sail Magazine, the boat tracks exceptionally well off the wind, though like most full-keel designs, it requires a larger turning radius and a proactive hand when backing under power in tight marinas.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the 350 was a departure from its predecessors, moving away from the traditional V-berth in favor of a more modern forward cabin featuring a large island berth. This configuration allows for easier access from both sides and significantly more storage beneath the mattress. The main salon utilizes Island Packet’s signature fold-up table design, which secures against a bulkhead to create an open, airy living space when not in use.
The cabinetry is finished in satin-varnished premium teak, and the sole is a traditional teak and holly laminate. The aft cabin is equally impressive for a boat of this size, featuring a large athwartships double berth and a cedar-lined hanging locker. Unlike its larger sibling, the IP 380, which shares the same design DNA but offers an extra two feet of hull length, the 350 manages to fit a full-sized galley with a deep refrigerator/freezer and a three-burner stove without compromising the navigation station.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas typical of Island Packets from the late 1990s:
- Chainplate Integrity: Island Packet used 304-grade stainless steel for the chainplates, which were encased in fiberglass. Over decades, moisture can lead to crevice corrosion. Replacing these is a labor-intensive "rite of passage" for older IP yachts, often requiring the cutting of fiberglass liners.
- Aluminum Fuel Tanks: While the 350 moved away from the iron tanks used in some earlier models, the aluminum fuel tanks are often foamed into place. If water migrates into the bilge and sits against the tank, it can cause pitting and eventual leaks.
- Staysail Boom Hardware: The Hoyt Boom pedestal is a high-load area. Inspect the deck surrounding the pedestal for signs of crazing or moisture ingress, as the mechanical advantage of the boom puts significant stress on its mounting points.
- Holding Tank Material: Some earlier hulls utilized aluminum holding tanks, which are prone to corrosion from the inside out. Many owners have since retrofitted these with polyethylene tanks.
Community & Resources
The Island Packet community is one of the most organized and technically proficient in the sailing world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) maintains an extensive technical wiki and forum where owners share detailed "how-to" guides for chainplate replacement and tank retrofits. Additionally, IP Home Port serves as a vital technical repository for original factory manuals and wiring diagrams that are no longer available directly from the manufacturer.
The Verdict
The Island Packet 350/360 series remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize safety and liveability over raw speed. Its robust construction and protected underwater profile make it an ideal candidate for island hopping in the Bahamas or coastal cruising in the Pacific Northwest.
Pros
- Exceptional Stability: The Full Foil Keel provides a comfortable, "seakindly" motion in heavy seas.
- Living Space: The island berth in the forward cabin offers "big boat" luxury in a 36-foot frame.
- Ease of Handling: The self-tacking staysail with Hoyt Boom makes short-handed sailing effortless.
Cons
- Maintenance Hurdles: Encapsulated chainplates are difficult and expensive to inspect or replace.
- Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement hull requires a stiff breeze (10+ knots) to truly come alive.
- Maneuverability: The full-length keel makes the boat less responsive when reversing into tight slips.
