Island Packet SP Cruiser Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The SP Cruiser is designed for a 50/50 split between sailing and motoring, and its performance reflects this hybrid nature. While it does not possess the light-air agility of a dedicated performance sloop, it excels as a "destination" vessel that can maintain high average speeds regardless of wind direction. According to an editorial review by Sail Magazine, the boat is remarkably easy to manage single-handedly, thanks to its standard Sto-Way mast and self-tacking jib. All sail controls are led to electric winches positioned just outside the aft pilothouse door, allowing the helmsperson to trim sails while remaining largely protected.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the cruising spectrum, the SP Cruiser offers a motion that is exceptionally seakindly. The Full Foil Keel provides a low center of gravity and protects the prop and rudder from debris, while also ensuring the boat tracks with precision. Under power, the SP Cruiser typically utilizes a 75-horsepower Yanmar diesel, which allows it to cruise at 7 to 8 knots. When the wind picks up, the modest sail plan stabilizes the hull and adds a significant boost to fuel efficiency.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the SP Cruiser is defined by its expansive, climate-controlled pilothouse, which provides 360-degree visibility. This design allows the crew to navigate in comfort during inclement weather or extreme heat, a feature rarely found on vessels of this size. The pilothouse serves as the primary social hub, featuring an L-shaped settee and a foldable table, positioned on the same level as the galley and the helm. This "one-level" living concept is a hallmark of the model’s ergonomic design.

Below deck, the SP Cruiser typically offers a two-stateroom layout. The forward master cabin features a large island berth with easy access from both sides, while the guest stateroom provides twin berths that can often be converted into a double. The head includes a separate stall shower, a luxury often sacrificed on 40-foot sailboats. A significant sibling variant to the SP Cruiser is the Packet Yacht 110 (PY110). While built on the same hull platform, the PY110 was marketed as a pure powerboat, stripped of the mast and rigging and featuring a slightly different interior arrangement to cater specifically to the trawler market.

Popular Mentions & Media

The SP Cruiser gained significant recognition upon its release, earning the "Best Innovation" award from Cruising World shortly after its debut. The model has been featured extensively in long-distance cruising literature as the ideal "retirement" vessel for experienced sailors. It frequently appears in technical discussions regarding the evolution of motorsailers, cited as a rare example of a design that successfully balances the conflicting requirements of wind and engine power. Cruising World has highlighted the vessel for its ability to extend the cruising season for sailors in northern latitudes due to its protected helm.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Potential buyers should focus their inspections on several areas specific to the SP Cruiser’s unique build and the general Island Packet manufacturing process:

• Chainplates: While Island Packet improved their chainplate materials over time, any boat of this era should have its 316L stainless steel chainplates inspected for signs of crevice corrosion, particularly where they are encapsulated.
• Window Seals: The large panoramic windows in the pilothouse are a defining feature but can be prone to leaking if the bedding compound has aged. Check for water tracking or clouding in the glass.
• Keel Sump and Tankage: Island Packet’s use of aluminum tanks (fuel and water) under the cabin sole can lead to corrosion issues if the bilge is allowed to remain wet for extended periods. Verify the integrity of these tanks with a pressure test or borescope if possible.
• Sanitation Hoses: Like many yachts from the mid-2000s, original factory hoses may have reached the end of their lifespan and may begin to permeate odors; buyers should check if these have been upgraded to modern, odor-resistant piping.

Community & Resources

Owners of the SP Cruiser benefit from a robust and highly technical support network. The Island Packet Yacht Owners Association (IPYOA) is the primary hub for technical data, maintenance wikis, and owner modifications. Additionally, the IP Home Port serves as a volunteer-run repository for original brochures, wiring diagrams, and historical data relevant to the SP Cruiser and its power-focused sibling, the PY110.

The Verdict

The Island Packet SP Cruiser is a specialized tool designed for a specific type of sailor—one who values comfort, safety, and reliability over raw sailing speed. It is an exceptional choice for couples looking to transit the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or cruise the Great Loop without sacrificing the ability to cross the Gulf Stream or head to the Bahamas.

Pros:

• True all-weather capability with a 360-degree pilothouse view.
• Exceptional ease of handling via push-button sail controls.
• The Full Foil Keel provides superior protection for the running gear.
• The forward "social" cockpit offers a unique and private outdoor space.

Cons:

• Modest sailing performance in light air due to a heavy displacement and conservative rig.
• The aesthetic of the high-profile pilothouse is polarizing to traditionalists.
• Higher price point on the used market compared to conventional 40-foot sloops.