Island Packet 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Island Packet 45 is engineered for seakindliness and predictable tracking rather than light-air agility. With a heavy displacement of 28,400 lbs and a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 238, the boat behaves with a "freight train" momentum once moving. Its signature Full Foil Keel integrates the ballast directly into the hull, protecting the rudder and propeller from debris—a critical feature for bluewater reliability. Renowned naval architect Robert Perry, in his Boats.com Review, observed that the underwater plan ensures a gentle, "fingertip" helm, providing exceptional directional stability that allows the boat to hold its course with minimal effort from the pilot or autopilot.

The cutter rig is standard, often featuring the Hoyt Jib Boom for the staysail, which simplifies sail handling for short-handed crews. While the Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 16 suggests a conservative sail plan, the IP 45 excels in moderate to heavy air, where its high ballast ratio (44%) allows it to stand up to gusts while maintaining a comfortable, upright motion. However, owners frequently note that the high wetted surface area makes the boat sluggish in light winds (under 10 knots), often requiring the iron sail to maintain progress.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many of its larger siblings that utilized center-cockpit layouts, the IP 45 retains an aft-cockpit configuration, which allows for a massive and unobstructed salon. The interior is characterized by Island Packet’s signature honey-colored teak joinery and a teak-and-holly sole. The layout typically features two large staterooms and two heads. The forward master cabin utilizes a Pullman-style berth to starboard with a private head in the forepeak, a design that maximizes storage and provides a secure sleeping arrangement while underway.

The galley is a U-shaped "chef’s dream" located to starboard of the companionway, featuring deep double sinks, a massive refrigerated box, and a gimbaled stove. A notable improvement over the predecessor IP 44 is the increased number of opening stainless steel portlights and overhead hatches, which significantly improve airflow in tropical climates. The salon’s folding table stays tucked against the bulkhead when not in use, creating an open floor plan that feels larger than many 50-foot competitors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Island Packet 45 with a specific technical checklist, as the build era falls into several well-documented "Island Packet gotchas."

• Chainplates: The most critical inspection point is the chainplates. On models built prior to 1999, these were constructed of 304 stainless steel and glassed into the hull structure. This makes them nearly impossible to inspect visually for crevice corrosion. If they have not been replaced with 316L or titanium, buyers should budget for a labor-intensive replacement that involves cutting into the interior cabinetry.
• Aluminum Tanks: The IP 45 utilized aluminum for fuel, water, and holding tanks. The holding tanks are particularly prone to pitting and failure over time due to the corrosive nature of salt water and effluent. Because these tanks are often located beneath the cabin sole, replacement can require significant structural work.
• Deck Core: While Island Packet used a proprietary "Polycore" material rather than balsa, moisture can still migrate into the deck via poorly bedded hardware. A professional moisture survey of the deck around stanchion bases and the windlass is essential.
• Bottom Osmosis: Earlier Island Packets were known for "IP blisters," though by the mid-90s, the company had transitioned to PolyClad gelcoat systems which significantly reduced, but did not entirely eliminate, the risk of osmotic blistering.

Community & Resources

The Island Packet community is one of the most organized in the sailing world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) maintains an extensive technical database and forum where owners share DIY solutions for tank and chainplate replacements. Another vital resource is IP Home Port, a long-standing site dedicated to the technical documentation and history of Bob Johnson’s designs.

The Verdict

The Island Packet 45 is a tank of the oceans—a vessel designed for the sailor who prioritizes the destination over the race. It offers a level of interior volume and safety that few other 45-footers can match, provided the owner is willing to accept the trade-off in light-air performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional "motion comfort" in heavy seas.
• Shallow draft (4' 10") is ideal for the Bahamas and Intracoastal Waterway.
• The Full Foil Keel offers superior protection for the running gear.
• Huge interior volume with high-quality teak craftsmanship.

Cons:

• Poor light-wind performance and mediocre windward pointing ability.
• High maintenance risk regarding "glassed-in" chainplates and aluminum tanks.
• Challenging to maneuver in tight marinas without a bow thruster due to the long keel.