Details
1986 Island Packet 38 – Classic Bluewater Cruiser
Step aboard an iconic piece of American boatbuilding history. Renowned for their bulletproof construction, legendary safety, and remarkable comfort, the Island Packet 38 is a true full-keel, cutter-rigged cruiser designed for safe offshore passages and comfortable liveaboard life.
This 1986 IP38 is structurally sound, and ready to sail into her next life. She is a turnkey opportunity for an adventurous buyer looking for legendary bones; while completely functional for cruising, she presents a prime canvas for a bit of brightwork polish, cosmetic TLC, and personal system updates to truly make her shine at her peak again.
Key Features & Offshore Highlights
- Full Foil Keel & Protected Rudder: Unmatched directional stability, smooth motion in heavy seas, and a shallow draft ideal for coastal gunkholing or island hopping.
- Cutter Rig: Easily managed, versatile sail plan ideal for short-handed or solo passage-making.
- Liveaboard Comfort: Immense 2-cabin, 2-head interior layout featuring solid handcrafted teak joinery, massive storage, dedicated nav station, and exceptional head clearance.
- Passage Galley: Deep double stainless sinks, broad counter space, gimbaled propane stove/oven, and generous refrigeration capacity.
- Electronics: All new B&G Chart Plotter/MFD and Autopilot
- Sails & Rigging: News sails and stackpack
Recent Updates
Deck lighting
Brand new sails
Recent AC
Wireless B&G wind instrument
New triducer thru-hull (DST)
Injectors replaced 3 years ago
New prop
Forward stay
New canvas Bimini 2025 – stack pack
Dinghy outboard 2025
New mattress covers
Cushions 2024
New autopilot with yaw control 2024
Rebuilt anchor windlass motor 3 years
New cable lifelines 2025
New engine mounts and engine alignment 3 years ago
Atlantic Arch – Solar and Dinghy
Specifications & Vessel Data
Year / Builder 1986 / Island Packet Yachts
Model Island Packet 38
LOA 38′ 0″
LWL 33′ 0″
Beam 12′ 8″
Draft 4′ 3″
Displacement 21,500 lbs
Ballast 10,000 lbs (Internal Lead)
Rigging Cutter Rigged
Fuel Capacity 57 gal
Fresh Water 157 gal
Engine Yanmar Diesel 4JHE / 44 HP
A rare opportunity to own a world-class bluewater cruiser with fantastic bones at an attractive price point—ready to be customized and sailed into her next great chapter.
Bluewater Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Veteran Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com