Island Packet 38 for sale in Solomon, Maryland United States of America

Bring up the Island Packet 38 as a topic of discussion and you're likely to hear opinions that range from amazing offshore cruising yacht to sit back and get comfortable, it's going to be a long ride.

First impressions of CHASING SUNSETS:

Sound construction, great layout and voluminous storage capacity are the prime virtues of the Island Packet 38.

Overview

Island Packet 38 is often discussed as an amazing offshore cruising yacht, perfect for those who enjoy long rides. Since its introduction in 1986, it has maintained a consistent design, appealing to buyers looking for a safe, heavy, and solidly built full-keel yacht. Although the original price was $128,000, the 38 has proven to hold its value remarkably well in the used market.

First Impressions

The Island Packet 38 is known for its sound construction, practical layout, and ample storage capacity. Liveaboards and couples cruising with guests will appreciate the roominess and comfort below decks. The traditional nautical aesthetic is enhanced by teak trim above deck and generous wood panels below.

Construction

Designed by Bob Johnson, the first Island Packet 38 was built in 1986, with a total of 188 constructed by 1993. The boat features a protruding bowsprit, extending its overall length to nearly 42 feet. The hull is made of 100% hand-laid fiberglass, molded in one piece with strong triaxial glass, and a molded interior grid structure. The deck is cored with synthetic material resistant to rot, and all deck hardware is through-bolted with aluminum backing plates.

On Deck

The cockpit is spacious and includes a shower, folding swim ladder, and large lockers. Safety features include nonskid decking, double lifelines, and full-length cabin top rails. The deck hardware consists of:

• Cutter-style standing rigging with twin backstays
• Self-tailing Lewmar winches
• Mainsheet traveler
• Boom vang with preventer package
• Spring line cleats
• Single-line reefing system

Down Below

Headroom in the 38 reaches 6 feet 4 inches. The layout includes large staterooms fore and aft, with two heads. Owners have customized the space, such as transforming the aft head into a navigation station. The boat offers extensive storage, including oversized hanging lockers and a U-shaped galley equipped with:

• LPG range with oven
• Double deep sinks
• 14-cubic-foot icebox
• Hot and cold-water pressure
• Natural light from overhead hatches and opening ports
• Four dorade vents for ventilation
• Water capacity of 157 gallons

Engine

The yacht is powered by a reliable 44-horsepower freshwater-cooled Yanmar diesel engine. The fuel tank has a capacity of 57 gallons, with the option for a supplemental flexible fuel tank.

Underway

The Island Packet 38 is noted for its comfort and stability in heavy air. Owners have successfully sailed it along the East Coast, to the Bahamas, and Central America. The boat is designed for offshore cruising, with a focus on comfort rather than racing performance.

Conclusion

The Island Packet 38 is a spacious and stable yacht, ideal for families planning coastal cruises, offshore sailing to the Bahamas, or even circumnavigating the globe.

Design Quality

The 38 is a full keel, cutter-rig sloop designed by Bob Johnson. While it may not perform as well as fin-keel boats, most owners prioritize comfort over speed.

Construction Quality

Constructed of hand-laid fiberglass, the 38 features a securely fastened deck and elegant teak trim. The craftsmanship is evident throughout the vessel.

User-Friendliness

The full-keel design minimizes concerns about snagging fishing nets and provides ample living and storage space below deck. The cutter rig simplifies sail handling, although the weight of the vessel typically requires more sail area.

Safety

Designed with generous freeboard, the 38 keeps passengers high above the water. It has a Category A offshore rating, with unobstructed views from the helm.

Typical Condition

Most Island Packet owners take pride in their vessels, making it common to find used 38s in good-to-excellent condition.

Refitting

Many 38s are upgraded with features such as refrigeration, electric winches, electric windlass, full-batten mainsails, and larger genoas.

Availability

Brokers report that these boats tend to sell quickly.

Investment and Resale

The Island Packet 38 holds its value well, often selling for more than its original price due to a dedicated following.

Deck, Gear, Machinery

• Like new (2016) Mack Sails (Main & 130 Genoa: replaced when they purchased the boat and lightly used)
• Molded polyester putty cored fiber reinforced plastic with gel coat exterior and molded nonskid in the tread areas
• Lofrans TIGRES 1500W 12V Anchor Windlass
• Ritchie Liquid Filled Compass w/ "Island Packet Yachts" Dial Face
• Teak Outboard Mounting Plate
• Stainless Steel Dinghy Davits with Manually Operated Block and Tackle System
• Stainless Steel Cockpit Bimini and Dodger Frame (Hard Top)
• Starboard Beverage Holder (Mounted to the Pedestal)
• New 55# Mantis Anchor, with 250' of 5/16 chain and 100' of 3 strand rode

Galley

• Starboard Side Layout
• Dual Deep Stainless Steel Sink with High Arc Faucet (Hot & Cold)
• Pull Out Sprayer
• Hand Pump Fresh Water Faucet
• Refrigerator/Freezer with Countertop Access and Alder Barbour Plate
• Princess 3 Burner Propane Stove with Oven
• Sliding Door Built In Storage Along the Hull
• Built in Plateware and Drinkware Storage (Aft of the Galley)
• Opening Port Window (Above the Stove)
• Opening Hatch (For Maximum Ventilation)

Electronics

In the Cockpit

• Garmin GPSmap 4210 Chartplotter
• Raymarine ST60+ Depth Display
• Raymarine ST70 AutoPilot Display/Control
• Raymarine ST60+ Wind Speed/Direction Display

Down Below

• Standard Horizon Explorer VHF Distress/GPS enabled
• SONY MEX-N4380BT Bluetooth Enabled CD/Pandora Radio
• Xantrex LinkPro Battery Monitor
• Magnum Energy Battery Charger/Inverter Control Display
• FURUNO GPS/WAAS Navigator DGPS GP-37
• 32" LG Flat Screen TV
• AC/DC Electrical Panel
• Perko Battery Selector

Cabins

Owner's Cabin (Forward)

• Pullman Berth on the Starboard Side (with multiple drawers underneath for storage)
• Bifold Door to Cabin
• Large Hanging locker on the Port Side with Vented Doors
• 3 Large Drop Down Storage Lockers on the Port Side (Adjacent to the Hanging Locker)
• Forward Head with Vanity and Shower (Semi-Wet Head Style)
• Jabsco Manually Operated Head
• Forward Access to Chain Locker
• Opening Port Windows
• Teak and Holly Floor

Aft Cabin (Port Quarter)

• V Style Berth with Drop In (Double or Twin Singles)
• Rear Access to Stern (Water Heater)
• Long Bulkhead Storage (Boat Hooks)
• Opening Port Window
• Teak and Holly Floor

Interior Space

Salon

• Navigation Desk (Forward of the Galley) Facing Aft
• Straight Settee on the Port Side
• Dog Leg Style Settee on the Starboard
• Multiple Opening Port Windows Throughout
• Plentiful Storage EVERYWHERE
• Dometic Cruise Air 18,000 BTU Reverse Cycle Marine Air Conditioner
• Teak and Holly Floor

Guest Head

• Port Side, just Forward of the Aft Cabin
• SPXFLOW Manual Johnson Pump
• Vanity with Stainless Steel Bowl and Pull-Out Shower
• Protected GFCI Outlet
• Large Amount of Storage (Behind Gorgeous Teak Doors)

Mechanical Disclaimer

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.