Island Packet Packet Cat 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Packet Cat 35 are shaped by its substantial displacement and unique hull geometry. Weighing in at approximately 13,500 pounds, it is significantly heavier than many contemporary 35-foot catamarans, which results in a motion more akin to a stable cruising monohull. The "Full Foil Keels" integrated into each hull provide excellent tracking and protect the rudders and propellers, a hallmark of the Island Packet brand. According to editorial analysis from Sail Magazine, Bob Johnson’s designs emphasize a "seakindly" motion, and the Packet Cat is no exception; it handles offshore conditions with a level of predictability that many lighter multihulls lack.

Under sail, the boat typically utilizes a high-aspect-ratio sloop or cutter rig. While it is not a "pointing" machine and will not match the upwind angles of a daggerboard-equipped catamaran, it excels on a reach. The Delta-Pod bow acts as a safety feature in following seas, providing reserve buoyancy that discourages the bows from digging in. However, the trade-off for this robustness is performance in light air; owners often report that the vessel requires a freshening breeze to truly come alive. When the wind picks up, the boat remains remarkably flat, offering the "cocktail-steady" platform that attracts monohull sailors to the multihull world.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Packet Cat 35 is frequently described as a "great room" on the water, offering a living area that rivals 45-foot monohulls. Because the beam is a relatively modest 15 feet—narrow for a catamaran but wide for a 35-foot boat—Island Packet was able to create a seamless transition between the salon and the hulls. The centerpiece of the interior is the forward master stateroom, which features a true island queen-sized berth located centrally over the Delta-Pod. This layout is a rarity in vessels of this size, providing a level of luxury usually reserved for much larger yachts.

The galley is typically located in the starboard hull, offering extensive counter space and storage, while the port hull houses additional guest accommodations and the head. The woodwork is classic Island Packet, utilizing honey-colored teak and high-quality joinery that creates a warm, traditional ambiance. While there were few structural variations during its production run from roughly 1993 to 1997, the "centralized" layout remained its biggest selling point. The panoramic windows in the salon provide 360-degree visibility, a feature that significantly enhances the sense of space and light.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Packet Cat 35 should conduct a rigorous inspection of several IP-specific areas. While the hulls are robustly built with solid fiberglass below the waterline, the following "gotchas" are common for this era of Island Packet construction:

• Chainplate Corrosion: Like many Island Packets of the 1990s, the Packet Cat uses 304-grade stainless steel chainplates encased in fiberglass. Over decades, crevice corrosion can occur where the metal meets the deck. Replacing these is a labor-intensive project as it requires cutting into the fiberglass furniture.
• Delta-Pod Integrity: The central nacelle (Delta-Pod) is a high-stress area. A surveyor should check for stress cracking or evidence of hard impacts at the junction where the pod meets the bridge deck.
• Aluminum Fuel Tanks: Original tanks were often made of aluminum and can suffer from pitting or corrosion if they have been sitting in bilge water. Buyers should look for any signs of fuel odors or weeping at the tank base.
• Bridge-Deck Slamming: While the Delta-Pod reduces slamming, it does not eliminate it in certain short-frequency chop. During a sea trial, listen for excessive noise or vibration in the forward cabin area.
• Window Seals: The large salon windows are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished. Check for water staining on the teak panels below the window frames.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Packet Cat 35 benefit from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the maritime world. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) serves as the primary technical hub, offering an extensive library of manuals, modification guides, and a forum where owners share specific solutions for the Packet Cat’s unique multihull systems. Additionally, the IP Home Port is a long-standing resource for technical wikis and historical documentation regarding Bob Johnson’s designs.

The Verdict

The Packet Cat 35 is an "outlier" in the catamaran world, designed for the sailor who wants the stability and space of a multihull without sacrificing the heavy-duty build quality of a bluewater cruiser. It is a slow, steady, and incredibly comfortable "pocket voyager" that holds its value remarkably well due to the Island Packet pedigree.

Pros:

• Unrivaled interior volume and a "true" island queen berth for a 35-foot boat.
• Exceptional stability and safety thanks to the Delta-Pod and full-keel hulls.
• High-quality Island Packet construction and traditional teak interior.
• Shallow draft (typically under 3 feet) allows for extensive gunkholing.

Cons:

• Sub-par light-air performance compared to performance catamarans.
• Difficult and expensive chainplate replacement if corrosion is present.
• The narrow beam (15') offers less deck space than modern "wide-body" catamarans.