Island Packet Estero 36 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for an Island Packet Estero 36 means looking at a 36-foot shoal-draft cruiser designed by Robert K. Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts. The boat's 4-foot draft, self-tacking rig, and solid fiberglass construction make it a distinctive used prospect for gunkholing and short-handed coastal cruising.
Layouts on the Used Market
Owner three-cabin arrangements are more common on the used market, but both layout types appear, and ex-charter boats are a common sight. The forward saloon doubling as a sleeping cabin and the aft-port owner's stateroom define the interior character regardless of version, with the U-shaped galley just aft of the mast to port.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Solar, inverter, furling main, hot water, bow thruster, freezer, radar, autopilot, and chartplotter are commonly fitted, meaning most boats will already support independent power and navigation. Heating, self-tacking jib, bimini, dodger, swim platform, cockpit shower, and AIS are often seen and round out liveaboard comfort. For a buyer, the presence of a bow thruster and autopilot reduces close-quarters stress, while solar and inverter cut generator dependence on the hook.
What to Inspect
The galley sinks are only 6 inches deep—unusual for Island Packet—so confirm they meet your cleanup needs and check for cracks or poor drainage from undersized basins. The in-mast Sparcraft furler and self-tacking Hoyt boom should be cycled from the cockpit; listen for binding and inspect the mast winches (Lewmar Ocean Series 16C) for smooth two-speed operation. Verify the Edson CD-I rack-and-pinion steering moves without slack and that the emergency tiller is present in its starboard locker. Examine bronze through-hulls and flanged seacocks for weeping, and inspect the aluminum fuel tank and below-sole fiberglass tanks for corrosion or odor.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats turn up in the United States and Italy. Before committing, run through a short checklist:
- Confirm the 6-inch galley sink depth works for you
- Cycle the in-mast furler and self-tacking jib from the cockpit
- Check the Edson steering for play; verify emergency tiller location
- Inspect bronze seacocks and aluminum fuel tank condition
- Test autopilot engagement with the rack-and-pinion system
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Island Packet Estero 36. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 3 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 2 | $174,900 | — |
| May 26 | 1 | $185,268 | +5.9% |
| Jul 26 | 1 | $176,500 | -4.7% |
Where they're listed
Island Packet Estero 36 listings appear across 2 countries. United States has the most listings with 3 (75.0%), followed by Italy.
Country view
4 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $174,900 | 3 | 1 | 75.0% |
| Italy | $185,268 | 1 | 1 | 25.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
9 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria Yachts 36 | 37.89' | $ 69,513 | 119 | 27 |
| Island Packet 370/379 | 37.83' | $ 199,500 | 55 | 8 |
| Cape Dory 36 | 36.12' | $ 54,900 | 35 | 11 |
| Hanse 360 | 37.14' | $ 325,792 | 23 | 4 |
| Sabre 36 | 36' | $ 47,500 | 21 | 7 |
| ETAP 35I | 34.84' | $ 61,086 | 10 | 0 |
| Cape George 36 | 36' | $ 89,500 | 9 | 1 |
| Nonsuch 36 | 36' | $ 69,500 | 9 | 1 |
| Island Packet Estero 36You are here | — | $ 175,700 | 4 | 2 |