ISLAND PACKET 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.5 ft |
| LWL | 24.25 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 3.7 ft |
| Displacement | 8,000 lb |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13 ft |
| FLforestay | 12 ft |
| Mainsail | 420.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 210 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 357 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Johnson |
About the ISLAND PACKET 27
Centerboard Model - draft: BU-2.67'/.81m; BD-6.0'/1.83m.
Designed by Bob Johnson and built by Island Packet Yachts (USA) from 1984–1992, the Island Packet 27 is a robust coastal cruiser with 243 hulls produced. Its full keel design and heavy displacement of 8000.0 lb prioritize stability and comfort over speed, making it a classic example of the 'slow boat' philosophy.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers and couples seeking a stable, safe platform for weekend trips or short offshore passages, particularly those who value a protected cockpit and easy single-handed handling.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.1 and a comfort ratio of 21.65, the IP27 is well-suited for protected offshore passages, though its 3.7 ft max draft and heavy displacement limit its ability to handle open-ocean storms or shallow tropical anchorage.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-36 and O'Day 28, which share similar full-keel cutter configurations and target the same market of conservative cruisers prioritizing seaworthiness and interior volume over planing performance.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
41 listings · boat years 1983–1994 · median $29,900
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 26.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 10 systems for the ISLAND PACKET 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLAND PACKET 27? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 15 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ISLAND PACKET 27?
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Used sails that fit the ISLAND PACKET 27
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