'used Power Boats For Sale' Article

The 31 established Island Packet's firm hold on this segment of the market and the company survived and even prospered during a time when many established builders were forced to close their doors. The Island Packet 31 remained in production until 1989 when it was replaced by the Island Packet 32. In all, 265 boats were sold.

Although this model is known as the Island Packet 31, the length on deck is actually 30' 7". As is the case with all Island Packet monohulls, a bow pulpit extends the overall length which, for the 31, is 34' 4". Beam is considerable at 11' 6" and, in plan view, it is apparent the point of maximum beam is forward of amidships. This "Cod's Head" style was typical of late 19th and early 20th century designs but is not common on modern designs. The Island Packet 32, which replaced the 31, shows a much more modern distribution of volume.

Standard draft of this full keel design is only 4 feet and, for those who are really into gunkholing, about 10% of the 31s were built with centerboards drawing only 3 feet with the board up. Displacement is 11,000 lbs, and ballast is indicated at 4,500 lbs for both the centerboard and standard draft models.

Construction of the hull of the 31 is a solid laminate of fiberglass cloth and polyester resin. There is considerable use of molded fiberglass liners, which obstructs access to many areas of the boat. I have yet to find any significant structural failure of an Island Packet hull that resulted from poor design or workmanship. A unique feature of all Island Packet boats is their method of deck construction. Instead of using balsa or foam core material, Island Packet uses their own "Polycore," which is a mixture of resin fillers. I have no information on how this compares in weight and strength to well documented and more traditional core materials but, again, I have yet to run across any serious delaminations or failures.

For the first year and a half or so, auxiliary power was provided by a 22-hp Yanmar. This was updated to a 27-hp Yanmar the second year and was more a decision of the engine manufacturer than the builder. Yanmar replaced their 3GM22 model with the 3GM30 model in 1985 which was essentially the same engine optimized for a little more horsepower. Either engine should provide adequate power under most conditions although the 27-hp model will provide a little more push through strong currents or choppy seas.

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Make no mistake about it, the Island Packet 31 is a cruising sailboat. The 31 was offered as a sloop or with a double headsail arrangement commonly called a cutter. For most coastal cruising conditions the sloop would be the preferred rig on this size boat but, perhaps for aesthetic reasons, most were rigged with the double headsail arrangement.

It would be impossible to design a boat with shallow draft, a full keel, and considerable volume forward and have it sail efficiently to weather by modern standards. However, the sail area/displacement ratio of provides adequate power and the considerable beam provides initial stability to carry sail which translates into good reaching performance when the wind picks up to 12+ knots. Down-wind performance is hampered by considerable wetted surface. Although, if the wind is above 10 knots true, performance is acceptable and, when it really blows, the boat tracks and handles nicely.

The accommodations and livability of the IP 31 may be matched but can't be beat on a 31-foot boat. The arrangement is fairly straightforward with V-berth forward followed by a starboard side head, opposing settees in the main saloon, port side galley, starboard side quarter berth and navigation station. The 11' 6" maximum beam and wide waterline beam allow accommodations to be pushed outboard, providing plenty of livable space. The galley is U-shaped and is the size found on 35- to 38-footers. There is a clever arrangement for the quarter berth and navigation table which allows the chart table to be flipped up and a folding door to be extended for an enclosed quarter berth cabin. Newer model boats offered a cockpit shower, stern rail gate with swim ladder and metal rather than plastic ports. All were nice improvements.

Island Packet 31s do not come cheap, but for coastal cruising and livability aboard a 31-footer, this one is tough to beat. There is usually a good number of 31s for sale and recent asking prices for 17 listed for sale in late May ranged from $61,000 for a 1985 model to $84,000 for a 1988 model. Of 18 boats reported sold over the last year, selling prices ranged from $48,000 for a 1985 model in Florida to $68,000 for a 1988 model in Maryland. Prices reflect the popularity, solid construction and the company's reputation for customer support.

Jack Hornor, NA, is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co.

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