It’s always good to see an American sailboat builder with the confidence and resources to launch a new design. And that is particularly true of Island Packet Yachts which has long held a special place in the cruising community.
This spring the company, which was purchases in 2017 by Darrell and Leslie Allen, announced that it is launching the new IP 359, an aft-cockpit, full keel displacement cruiser that will be capable of safely and surely crossing oceans.
The 359 is an evolution of the popular 349 and is imbued with many innovations and improvements. The new boat has an easy-to-handle Solent-style rig with a self tacking jib on the inner headstay and the larger genoa on the forward headstay.
With a bowsprit that has anchor rollers for two cruising anchors, an asymmetrical cruising chute can be flown either in an ATN-style snuffer or with a top-down furler. Since most cruisers prefer to shape courses down wind, a cruising chute will be a useful asset in the sail locker.
The slab-reefing mainsail on the Selden mast and boom has a rigid vang and mid-boom sheeting so tweaking the sail’s shape will be a snap from the cockpit. Those heading offshore may opt for a fully battened main, which can help reduce wear and tear over the long haul. And, perhaps an in-mast furling system would work, too.
The 359’s hull is very similar to the 349 and has a modern almost plumb bow, a full keel with the usual cut-away fore foot and an attached rudder. The propeller fits in an aperture between the keel and the rudder where it is well protected from flotsam or lines or sails that might go over the side.
The boat weighs in at 22,000 pounds with 7,500 pounds of that in the encapsulated keel. The resulting ballast-to-displacement ratio of 320 is a sure indication that the 359 with be stable and able to stand up to a blow, despite her meagre four feet of draft.
With twelve and a half-feet of beam over the 35-foot null, there is plenty of interior volume for comfortable living spaces. This is essentially a couple’s boat with a spacious master cabin forward. This cabin sports a queen-size double berth that is set at an angle which opens up floor space and access to drawers and lockers.
Aft, there is a roomy guest cabin with a large double berth and plenty of lockers and storage space for guests, even long-haul crew. This bunk will be the best sea-berth on the boat but the settee in the saloon will be comfortable at sea as well if fitted with a robust lee cloth. The aft hanging locker is large enough to fit a stand-up washer-dryer.
The galley is remarkably large and U-shaped so those preparing meals or washing up will always have a solid place to brace a hip or knee while working with both hands. This detail marks the 359 as a true sea-going vessel.
The standard saloon configuration has the settee to port with a table that folds down from the forward bulkhead. Across from it there are two built-in seats with a table between them. But, you can also opt for twin rotating easy chairs with armrests and a table between them.
Like all of the recent Island Packets, the 359 has a wholesome, shippy look that has become an American classic. She will not be the fastest sloop in the cruising fleet but will turn in very good daily runs at sea and will look after her crew when things get bouncy out there. Add a robust autopilot and perhaps a wind-vane self-steering unit and the world will be your oyster.
Join Darrell Allen for a walk thorugh of hull number one.
