Island Packet - Bluewater Capable???

[SailingWY]

Looking to pick up a boat for upcoming "retirement" (term used loosely). Would like to get a boat in the 32'-37' range, capable of being handled by crew of 2 and one in a pinch. Looking at coastal shake-out cruises over the new few years with some multiple week trips south. Ultimately, will be taking on more offshore sails. Many boat manufacturers "claim" offshore capability. Have looked at Alberg 37, Allied Princess 36, and S2 11. Each has nice open layout but obviously there is a difference in bluewater capability.

Question - are IP's built to handle these goals? If so, what models within the length constraints would you recommend?

Thanx in advance for any advice you can provide - directed at IP's or others.

Keith

[Jim-SW]

Keith,

Almost all boats in the size range you listed are very good boats, the difference is how much creature comfort you want and how much weather YOU can handle. Your discription of your intended sailing area looks to me to be more "coastal" cruising than blue water which is generally considered to be ocean crossing or far offshore.

The Allied Princess, and the Allberg will give you the comfort and the offshore capability as will any of the IP's 31' and up. The S2 11 was designed as a racer/cruiser with the emphasis on the "racer" and is a great race boat--fast but tender--and I think has a deeper draft than the others. Of the three boats you listed, it would be my third choice.

We have an IP32 and I'd feel comfortable taking it anywhere in the areas you mentioned, and we are considering "going south"--Fla. & Bahamas-- in her this coming winter.

Jim

[SailingWY]

Thanx, Jim; you confirmed my knowledge of Allieds and Albergs. And your assessment of the S2 jives with what I've read and what I've seen of those boats. They have very open interiors but are rigged and laid out for racing (coastal/club); they appear to need additional work for any serious sailing (i.e. storm shutters on the lexan cabin windows).

I am intrigued with you assessment of the IP's, though. We have one chartered for next month for 5 days, and from my initial experience with them they appear to be more geared toward comfortable coastal cruising as opposed to true offshore (i.e. 250+ miles). Can you clarify your thoughts for me?

I look forward to hearing from you after a SAFE and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Keith

[siguaws]

Keith,
We returned from 2 years in the Caribbean aboard our IP380 (38 foot IP). The Island Packet line was designed as a comfortable offshore cruiser. It carried us from Florida to Trinidad and back and lived up to this reputation. It is a well designed and built vessel, capable of taking you anywhere you desire.

Steve
Aspen IP380-122
www.ecaribbeanplace.com

[quote=I am intrigued with you assessment of the IP's, though. We have one chartered for next month for 5 days, and from my initial experience with them they appear to be more geared toward comfortable coastal cruising as opposed to true offshore (i.e. 250+ miles). Can you clarify your thoughts for me?

I look forward to hearing from you after a SAFE and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Keith[/QUOTE]

[karnak]

Keith,
We had a '69 Bristol 29 for 10 years. It is a solid, well built boat with a 4'6' draft. We always felt very safe, but a little small to go off-shore cruising for extended time.
In 2005 we bought a used 2004 (in the water for 2 months) IP 370. Having never sailed on an IP, we still made the decision to go the IP route. We have never doubted our decision. The boat is heavy, extremely well made and very roomy. This is typical of all IP's.
Would I feel confident going off-shore? I would first have the boat and it's systems completely checked and made ready for the rigors of blue water sailing and then absolutely be comfortable in my decision.
Hope this helps your decision.

Bill

[SailingWY]

Thanx for the reply, everyone. We will definitely look forward to evaluating the IP during our 5 day charter next month.

Keith

[Volkhard]

Keith

I have been in your shoes and made my decision to go IP. I just bought an IP 37 (1997) and I am waiting for some completion of some electronics and other minor things from the IP dealer I bought the boat from in February. I looked left and right, compared, read and found that with most upper class cruising boats, it's not the boat but the crew that makes or breaks in offshore sailing. I am looking forward to early retirement in about 4 to 5 years and will sail "Odyssey" coastal until then. Then she will undergo a stringent checkup and update if needed to get ready for my first crossing towards Europe.

I believe an IP will take good care of you if you take good care of her! Get as much training/experience as possible so you are a good match for this fine boat.

Volkhard


S/V Odyssey IP37