Island Packet 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Packet 37 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, weighing in at approximately 18,500 pounds. Its performance is defined by the "Full Foil Keel," which integrates the ballast into the hull structure and provides a shallow draft of just 4' 7". While this design prevents the boat from pointing as high as a fin-keel racer, it offers exceptional directional stability and a comfortable, dampened motion in a seaway. According to technical notes from the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association, the vessel’s rack-and-pinion steering system provides a far more tactile and responsive feel than the cable-and-pulley systems found on many of its contemporaries.

In terms of sail plan, the 37 is typically rigged as a versatile cutter. The combination of a large furling genoa, a staysail on a self-tacking Hoyt Boom, and a traditional or furling mainsail allows for easy sail handling from the safety of the cockpit. In heavy weather, the staysail allows the center of effort to remain low and centered, significantly reducing heel and weather helm. While the boat requires a stiff breeze (12-15 knots) to truly find its stride, it is remarkably "seakindly," a trait often cited in Cruising World reviews of the era as a primary reason for the model's popularity among long-distance voyagers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Island Packet 37 is designed for extended living aboard, maximizing the 12' 2" beam to create an open, airy atmosphere. The layout features a large forward V-berth and an aft cabin that is surprisingly spacious for a 37-foot boat, thanks to the beam being carried aft. A signature feature is the "Island Packet bulkhead-mounted table," which folds up against the forward bulkhead to open up the salon for socializing. When deployed, it reveals a hidden storage rack for bottles and glasses.

The galley is a classic U-shaped configuration, positioned to starboard near the companionway for optimal ventilation and safety while underpaid. High-quality teak joinery and a teak-and-holly sole are standard, though Island Packet utilized a "low-maintenance" satin finish that became a brand identifier. The IP 37 was primarily produced in a single layout configuration, but its successor, the IP 380, offered slight variations in the head and nav station to reflect changing owner preferences in the late 90s. The ventilation is a high point, with numerous opening stainless steel ports and overhead Lewmar hatches providing excellent airflow in tropical climates.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on three primary technical areas that are common points of discussion within the Island Packet community:

• Chainplate Corrosion: Like many Island Packet models of this vintage, the 37 utilizes 316-grade stainless steel chainplates that are glassed into the hull structure. Over decades, moisture can become trapped against the steel, leading to crevice corrosion. Because they are encapsulated, inspection is difficult, and replacement is a labor-intensive project that involves cutting into the interior cabinetry or hull liners.
• Aluminum Fuel Tanks: The original fuel tanks were constructed of aluminum and bedded in foam. If water enters the bilge and sits against the tank, it can cause "pitting" and eventual leaks. Checking the integrity of the fuel tank and looking for signs of diesel odor in the bilge is a critical survey step.
• Gate Valves: Early production units may still have original gate valves rather than modern seacocks. These should be replaced immediately with Marelon or bronze ball valves to ensure safety below the waterline.
• Holding Tank Osmosis: Some owners have reported issues with the integral fiberglass holding tanks developing odors over time if the interior gelcoat fails, though this is less common than the metal tank issues.

Community & Resources

The Island Packet 37 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the maritime world. The IPYOA (Island Packet Yacht Owners Association) maintains an extensive database of technical manuals, modification guides, and a forum where owners share solutions for common maintenance tasks. Another significant resource is the IP Home Port, a long-standing volunteer-run site that hosts historical data and registry information for nearly every hull produced by the Florida yard.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 37 is a premier choice for a couple or small family seeking a "forever boat" capable of crossing oceans or exploring shallow coastal waters with equal aplomb. While it lacks the speed of modern light-displacement cruisers, its safety, storage capacity, and build quality make it a standout in the used market.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and heavy-weather capability.
• Shallow draft (4' 7") is ideal for the Bahamas or the Intercoastal Waterway.
• The Hoyt Boom-equipped staysail makes the cutter rig exceptionally easy to manage short-handed.
• High resale value due to the brand's enduring reputation.

Cons:

• Chainplate replacement is a major, expensive undertaking if corrosion is present.
• Not a performance sailor; expects slow speeds in light winds.
• The full-keel design makes backing into tight slips under power more challenging than with a fin-keel boat.