I am INXS - Opinions on "Island Packets" please

bbilly

bbilly

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I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

Hi salty dogs,
I'll probably be made redundant shortly /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gifso my plans are accelerating. I've got $70k - $120k for a singehandled liveaboard boat for the Caribé. IPs do appeal to me as they seem to keep their value, seem spacious, limited draught and good sea keepers. I'm considering a 31 a 32 or max a 35 (years 88-92) . Any opinions or alternatives (like a Tayana).

Thanks in advance

BB
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

Have a gander at the Pacific Seacraft...as good as if not better than IP....regards
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

Lovely boats but you pay a lot for the marque. Tayana is a great alternative but very rare to find this side of the pond. We love our Maxi 120 but they are not common in UK. Not clear from your biog exactly where you would be looking to buy.
 
I would NOT buy one

They sail like dogs, due to the combination of "long" keel, and light displacement.

Try and find a Valiant 40 within your price range (should be possible) - they are a far better boat for what you want.
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

Yes, I'll be buying over there, probably Florida next year. I am particularly interested in the IPs as they have an excellent owner's following and therefore access to a great deal of info on issue resolution, the marque costs a premium but then you'll get it back on sale. The major issue seems to be the aluminium tankage that is buried under the cabin sole and after time can be corroded by chlorine in the water and consequent expensive replacement costs. Thanks for the feedback on alternative boats - I'll research.

BB
 
Re: I would NOT buy one

Mirelle,
Have you sailed one? Are they that bad! I know they don't sail close to the wind, but I would expect a long keel to stay in the groove.

BB
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

I have a friend who has sailed the 35 on several occasions because he skippers for a guy who charters one each year. He says it sails like a dog and is difficult under power. This he attributes to light displacement combined with a full keel and an enormous bum. The Pacific Seacraft range, the Tayana 37 and the Hans Christians are all double enders, well built and, therefore, expensive. However, they hold their value and are very seaworthy. Double ended is not a design I favour because it limits cockpit and lazarette space and takes reserve bouyancy out of the stern. I don't go along with the parting the waves theory! On the other hand the IP's broad flat transom scares me. In between these extremes you have some excellent US boats: Tartan (the 40 is particularly nice), Hinckley if you are a traditionalist and want a lifting keel, Sabre, Bristol. These are good seaworthy boats with moderate lines. I would avoid Hunter, because they are light and ugly, Morgan Out Island because they are ugly (but the choice of many cruisers for the huge interior volume), and the good quality but racier boats such as C&C and J boats simply because they place too much emphasis on performance versus comfort. All my opinion, of course!
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

John,
Thanks for the feedback. I've had a peek at the marques you mentioned. They are all lovely boats, I particularly like the Sabre with its classic lines and the well laid out interior. Only problem with these boats is the draught, most are +6' which (I believe - tell me if I'm wrong) cruising in Florida and the Bahamas, don't know about the Antilles. Do you think this an issue?

Thanks for the ffeedback so far.

BB
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

Yes, draft is an issue in the Bahamas and Florida. Down island, less so. If you intend to only cruise Florida and the Bahamas, a very attractive prospect, you need less than 5' draft and may even want to consider a catamaran. I have cruised Florida and the Bahamas with 6' and it is manageable but you are excluded from the odd interesting spot. From there south, not an issue.
 
Re: I am INXS - Opinions on \"Island Packets\" please

JS
Everybody raves about cats when they have been on them!! A friend just came back from 2 months as a guest in The Bahamas and is now an enthusiast and fellow forumites say they would never look back. I've never sailed one apart from a Hoby on the beach here in italy and never been on a big one. Somehow I think I like the "snugness" of monohulls, but I'm probably wrong; it's just a case of habit and I have no idea of singlehandling a Cat - it may even be easier. Soldini and McArthur plus loads of frenchies seem to do it OK!! Sniffing around on the Sailnet forum (btw - which is a bit anti-ip on sailing qualities) I came across the Caliber range which is an IP clone on the inside (which I like lot on the IPs) but with an elongated shallow draught fin, so more efficient to the wind, looks well made, and the LRC version has amazing tankage. Have look if you have the time I would value the opinion of seasoned cruisers. I am a novice it's all theory read on the forums and the mags. Now I want to do it so an advice is warmly welcomed.

BB
 
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