About SP Cruiser

[cwstewart]

I am interested in the Island Packet SP Cruiser for cruising the US coastal, Carribean and US inland river systems.
Does anyone have any cruising experience they would share?
Thanks,
Quinn Stewart

[PBzeer]

Met a couple in Annapolis on one. They were quite pleased with it. Not sure how well it sails, but for the ICW and rivers it would probably work well, since you'll mostly be motoring.

[slikyrik]

Hi, I have sailed my SP cruiser in the UK for a year now. It is astonishingly sea kindly and stiff. I have experienced a couple of gales when 20 miles offshore without feeling concerned. She sails very well on any type of reach, runs ok but is a little limited pointing. She also needs early reefing due to her shallow long keel. She motors superbly and motor sails equally well.
The accomodation works well other than the second cabin is noisy if under motor at night with the engine under a berth-albeit with great access.
My only frustration with the boat is not being able to see the sails when setting or reefing.
Nevertheless she is superbly built, well designed and equally suited for (rare in the UK) very hot days, very wet days and very cold days. She will nurture you whatever! I sound like an Island Packet employee but am simply a very satisfied owner. If you want a fast boat under sail this is not the one, however its by no means slow - but if you want a supremely competent all rounder it certainly is. Do post if you have specific questions. As an example I leave tomorrow to take my boat from the south coast of England back home to the tip of Wales. It journey of about 320 miles that we will do two man in one leg in comfort. I wouldnt relish it in an open cockpit. We anticipate force 5-6 winds and moderate seas and she will love it!
regards, Ray

[myknjul]

Is IP SP Cruiser the only boat of this type? Are there any other manufacturers building a trawler style boat with sails?

[kwaltersmi]

myknjul: Sure there are. Check out the Nordhavn 56MS...she's pricey, but very seaworthy. You might also consider the Shannon 53HPS.

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by myknjul

Is IP SP Cruiser the only boat of this type? Are there any other manufacturers building a trawler style boat with sails?

Nauticat. Since the advent of the Euro though they go past "pricey" into the obscenity range for one newer than the 80's