Traditional cruiserr

Bob Johnson has given us some evolutionary
changes in this newest Island Packet.

factors and features developed from its existing successful line of heavier, full-keeled cruisers in its approach to performance.

Bob Johnson has given us some evolutionary changes in this newest Island Packet. Start with the transom. Swim steps or boarding platforms aft are here to stay and work best when combined with a reverse transom. The Island Packet line features boats with handsome, traditionally-raked transoms that preclude molded-in platforms. The new boat tries to combine the traditional lines of Island Packets with a reverse transom. While at first I question this aesthetically, the extra length that this feature adds to the run of this full hull will enhance sailing ability and prove a very practical design feature.

If I use the approximate displacement of 16,000 pounds, the D/L of this boat is 283. Beam is more than ample at 12 feet and draft is a modest 4 feet, 3 inches. You can further reduce the draft with the optional shoal keel and get 3 feet, 6 inches.

Consider for a moment that this boat is 34 feet, 8 inches on deck and that is about 2 feet longer than the J/32. Now look at the interior that the displacement and extra 2 feet of LOD can buy you. The Island Packet 350 has a big galley with a huge refer box. The main cabin is spacious and includes a sit-down chart table. There are two double berths and lots of hanging locker space. The single head is big enough to include a roomy space to shower. This head layout is far better than a tiny head area and a tiny separate shower area. Two couples could cruise on this boat in a lot of comfort. For a moderately priced American production yacht, Island Packet's joinerwork is top quality.

This rig combines a lot of desirable cruising features. Whether it makes any sense or not to have a staysail on a boat this size is another thing. The reality is that most cruisers think they want a staysail for heavy-air sailing. Most sloop rigs don't leave room in the foretriangle for an effective staysail. The Island Packet 350 uses a bowsprit to stretch the foretriangle so that the staysail becomes a reasonably proportioned sail. Note the Island Packet rig had evolved with the use of the Garry Hoyt-style staysail boom. This boom works great as it provides a vanging vector to the staysail as it is eased. This makes for a very effective heavy-air reaching sail. The old-style jib club arrangement would go almost straight up in the air as you eased the sheet. The SA/D of this design is 15.52.

I'm still struck by the beautiful way Island Packets are rigged and outfitted. They are handsome boats by any standard. Today, they have established themselves as the standard for full-keeled cruising yachts.

With traditional design flair, here is a big small cruiser.