Island Packet 27

Description

The Island Packet 27 (1984–1992, 249 built) is the original full-keel pocket cruiser that launched Bob Johnson’s legendary brand and remains the benchmark for compact bluewater boat. With a chunky, traditional long-keel hull (LOA 30′0″ including bowsprit and boomkin, LWL 24′3″, beam 10′6″, displacement 8,000 lbs, ballast 3,000 lbs lead), ultra-shoal 3′6″ draft and a very conservative cutter rig (total sail area 410 sq ft, SA/D ≈14.8), it was designed from the keel up for safety, seakeeping, and single-handed long-distance voyaging rather than speed. Below, the high-freeboard hull delivers remarkable volume: full standing headroom (6′2″+), a U-shaped galley, proper nav station, enclosed head with shower, saloon settees that convert to sea berths, and a generous offset double forward plus quarter berth aft — accommodations that feel closer to a 32-footer. Tankage is huge for the size (110-gal water, 30-gal fuel), and every detail screams overbuilt: solid fiberglass hull with vinylester barrier coat, bronze seacocks, teak joinery, and a bulletproof deck stepped on an internal bulkhead. Slow but utterly forgiving and self-righting, dozens have crossed oceans and many more have quietly logged decades in the Caribbean and beyond.