Island Trader 40 - starting to look, not yet in market

lshulan · #1 01-18-2013

I'm up in NJ and wanted to start looking for a 40' Island Trader MS. Not yet in the market, but perhaps late summer I'd be ready. First, any for sale in the MidAtlantic area? Second, anyone have one that they wud like to show off (I've never been aboard nor actually seen one in person)?

Lake Superior Sailor · #2 01-18-2013

So why would you want to limt yourself to one boat when there are so many? And you have never seen one? What's the point!...Dale

lshulan · #3 01-18-2013

I've been researching boats that would make my wife happy

Based on reviews and pictures and overall spec's, I think this may be the right boat for me. We are looking specifically for a MS for long distance cruising where comfort is more important than performance. Again, without seeing one in person, can't be sure but I like the lines for what it is, a trawler boat that also sails.

Jeff_H · #4 01-18-2013

These boats have a terrible reputation in terms of build quality, miserable motion and sailing ability. You might do better simply buying a better built trawler.

canadianseamonkey · #5 01-20-2013

I surveyed a 1985 last July and yes it seemed to be a very comfortable boat. She was very solid and her owner kept her tip top shape. There are issues with some of them, but this particular boat had no issues. I never got to sail her so I am not sure how well they actually sail...the freeboard is also quite high. I loved the cockpit and the pilot house...huge!!! A perfect liveaboard, but again not sure of the sailing comforts. My client ended up not buying the boat due to the wooden mast and boom.

sv sea bird · #6 02-10-2013

I just bought an Island Trader 40 in Dominican Republic. It seems just as canadianseamonkey describes - (I pick it up in a month)

Ishulan, my research led me to the same conclusion. I would love a more traditional sailboat, but I've done that - had the rail down and felt the sea air hurling me over the waves. I loved it, but now I'm a bit slower and less agile, so a motor-sailer fits my needs well. Add that it is big and designed for comfort and it seems a good way to go for long-term cruising.