Design and Construction
The hull is a solid fiberglass laminate with no core, reinforced by a fiberglass structural grid and plywood bulkheads, all tabbed in place. Island Packet built the deck from a fiberglass composite with PolyCore, its proprietary resin-microsphere mix. PolyCore is impervious to rot, very strong in compression, and less prone to delamination than some other core materials.
The deck and hull join at an inward flange secured with adhesive sealant and mechanical fasteners. Those fasteners remain accessible for servicing without removing liners or joiner work. Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum backing plates distribute the loads from deck hardware.
The builder supported this construction with a transferable ten-year warranty covering deck delamination.
Rig, Keel, and Sailing Performance
A full keel gives the 37 good tracking and reduces leeway for its draft. It also makes the boat easier to haul in remote areas without modern facilities. The trade-off is substantial wetted surface, which increases frictional resistance—the primary drag on speed. Owners report good sailing performance in all but very light air.
Island Packet’s literature gives the boat a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.3. However, a reviewing editor calculated 15.2 using the builder’s rig dimensions.
The builder also claims a positive righting moment beyond 140 degrees, with maximum stability between 75 and 80 degrees. The editor’s rough calculations suggested that achieving this would require the boat’s vertical center of gravity to be at or below the waterline.
Dimensions, Ballast, and Draft
The Island Packet 37 measures 38’5” including the bowsprit and 36’5” on deck, with a 12’2” beam. Its specified displacement is 18,500 lb, paired with 8,200 lbs of ballast.
Island Packet offered standard and shoal drafts of 4’6” and 3’8”. No difference in ballast or displacement was stated between the two versions.
Accommodations and Deck Layout
Below, the layout includes a forward V-berth cabin, an aft quarter-berth cabin, and an amidships main saloon. In a used-boat review, the tester called the galley one of the best seen on a boat of this size. The same tester noted that the boat falls a little short on secure, comfortable sea berths.
On deck, the surfaces are unobstructed and finished with secure diamond-pattern non-skid. Double lifelines run through securely fastened stanchions, and a continuous handrail follows the cabin top.
The eight-foot cockpit has full-length side seats, a centerline helm seat aft of the pedestal, and a drop-leaf table forward. There’s also a large starboard seat locker and a stern-rail boarding ladder.
Engine and Systems
Every Island Packet 37 carries a 38 hp, fresh-water-cooled Yanmar diesel in an engine box beneath the companionway steps. Access for inspection and repair is quite good, and the engine provides sufficient power for the boat’s 18,500 lb displacement.
The Verdict
The Island Packet 37 is a thoughtfully built cruiser whose main virtues are straightforward construction and a safe, sociable deck plan. Its solid hull, rot-proof deck core, and transferable warranty reflect a builder confident in the product. The full keel and modest sail plan suit offshore-minded owners more than racers.
Weak sea berths and lethargic performance in light air are the prices paid for that emphasis on security.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull with tabbed structural grid and bulkheads
- PolyCore deck resists rot and delamination, backed by a transferable warranty
- Full keel tracks well and eases hauling in remote areas
- Accessible hull-to-deck fasteners and good engine access simplify upkeep
Cons
- Substantial wetted surface hurts light-air speed
- Sea berths were described as less than secure and comfortable
- Published and calculated sail-area-to-displacement figures diverge
