New Island Packet anounced.

[rotrax]

Hake Marine, the new owners of the Island Packet brand have just anounced the Island Packet 40 America Series.
The new vessel will be shown at the Annapolis Boat Show.
It has twin wheels, is more European in design and appears to use Tim Jacket's Blue Jacket hull.
Not an Island Packet as we know them, but a change of style for sure.
The iphomeport forum has already had disparaging remarks from owners of traditional IP's.
Time will tell if Hake Marine have a winner.

 

[jonic]

That is certainly an interesting move.

 

[Bajansailor]

I just went and had a look at the Island Packet website, but there is no mention on there of the new boat.
http://ipy.com/yachts/

There is a brief description and a general arrangement plan of the new boat here -
http://www.seawardyachts.com/island-packets-america-series-40/

She does look similar to the Blue Jacket 40 -
http://www.bluejacketyachts.com/blue-jacket-40.html

 

[Topcat47]

Island packets have a reputation as world girdling yachts. Both the 40's seem to lack safe and comfortable sea berths. The double cabins look comfortable in a marina but I'm sceptical about their comfort and safety in a blow.

 

[rotrax]

Island packets have a reputation as world girdling yachts. Both the 40's seem to lack safe and comfortable sea berths. The double cabins look comfortable in a marina but I'm sceptical about their comfort and safety in a blow.

You are right-the double cabins would not be suitable as sea berths in severe-or perhaps even moderate seas.

However, the salon setees can be easily fitted with lee cloths and then provide what is needed.

The iphomeport has a brief description of the new craft, and a price of just under 400,000 US Dollars. Annapolis Boat Show price 350,000 US Dollars.

I understand the yard has retained some of the skilled craftsmen so the quality may match that of the previous boats. Time will tell......................

 

[cobolt]

Is it still offered in 80's "computer beige" gelcoat only?

 

[rotrax]

Is it still offered in 80's "computer beige" gelcoat only?

I expect so, for Island Packet worked out years ago that a white hull and topsides can cause the equivilant of snow blindness in the tropics, the area where the majority of IP's are used. The-as First Mate calls it "custard cream"-is a good compromise. Light enough in the dark and pretty much maximum anti glare.

It also makes a nice change from the almost universal white.

IMHO, of course........................

 

[JumbleDuck]

Is it still offered in 80's "computer beige" gelcoat only?

Someone asked me this summer if my boat was an Island Packet. I was about to get mortally offended when he said "No, sorry, I see now - she's cream, not pinky-orange".

 

[rotrax]

Someone asked me this summer if my boat was an Island Packet. I was about to get mortally offended when he said "No, sorry, I see now - she's cream, not pinky-orange".

Well, I have had two and neither has been pinky orange, although we did see a Dutch one in Falmouth some years ago that might be near that description.

Saw it very closely-First Mate just touched it coming in to a tricky berth and wobbled its danbuoy a bit..........................

I dont know why you should be mortally offended though. We think they are jolly nice boats-as I am sure your chosen boat is.

 

[Seajet]

For a name associated with small crew blue water boats, this looks an odd and maybe desperate departure; how many world girdling couples want a thing with twin wheels ?

Seems a dangerous idea to me to try to take on the BenJenBavHanse's, better to stick to the solid cruiser niche - if that doesn't work in the current financial climate - give up, at least for a while !

I'm reminded of the US car industry trying to take on the Japanese, like a reverse of Pearl Harbour...

 

[rotrax]

Like I said-wait and see.

Bob Johnsons designs sold well for over 20 years and were-still are-very popular Stateside. They recently stopped selling in enough numbers to keep the business going. Building boats has always been a tough gig.

A very apt comment made by a not very immpressed IP owner was:- "It wont be any good as a Florida boat-poor ventilation"

Traditional IP's have plenty of good ventilation, important in the tropics.

Perhaps the American buyers will like the new concept. It will be interesting to see what the critics say when one is available for a boat test.

First Mate and I are attending the annual Island Packet SBS gathering soon. I will get the chance perhaps to find out more regarding the new range-and if Mike Cook of Walton Marine will still be the UK importer.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I dont know why you should be mortally offended though. We think they are jolly nice boats-as I am sure your chosen boat is.

Just the colour, I'm afraid. It always looks to me like fake tan from TOWIE (which I don't watch, of course, but of which I am aware).

 

[rotrax]

Just the colour, I'm afraid. It always looks to me like fake tan from TOWIE (which I don't watch, of course, but of which I am aware).

Well-I am surprised! Our two IP's have been a cream/magnolia colour. This, with the shiny polished bits and the matt of the non slip bits contrasted really well with the Cetol or Woodskin of the teak trim-of which there was lots on Jess.

That is one job we wont have in future-Jarrow Lily has only four external teak steps. If we had kept Jess the teak needed doing and it was a three week job for us to do it properly-not sorry to see her go in that respect. When freshly done it made her look like a new boat, despite her 16 years.

Perhaps a visit to specsavers-or put TOWIE on to recognise the mistake in the colours...............................