Robert:
Start off with the two specs IP31 vs IP32:
Island Packet 31
Island Packet 32 Specs
These two yachts are very different. Look at the displacemnt and look at the ballast. Look at the LWL this will give you hull speed. Hull speed is defined and calulated as such:
- Hull speed is expressed as 1.34 X the square root of LWL, or length of waterline. If a cruising sailboat has a waterline length of 36 feet, she should be able to sail 1.34 x 6, or approximately eight knots.
I would expect the IP 32 to be a better sailor than the IP 31.
I also look at these two yachts as various design evolutions by IP. The 26, 27, 31 I would call version 1 of the hull design. This version has a wide stern and a very full bow entry.
Then the 29, 32, 35, 37 I would call as version 2 of the evolving IP hull shape. These have a lifted stern, trimmed in and a finer bow entry. Version 2 should sail better than the version 1 hulls.
Then the three-digit yachts came after that. The 380, 370, 420, etc and these added the sugar scoop i.e. swim platform/diving platform which lifted the stern up even higher and trimmed it in allowing for a much better trailing stern wave. The version 3 sail even better.
So, for me, I would look closely at the IP 32 vs the IP 31 and decide what you really want. Decide on budget and features. Then make your decision and buy your IP. No matter what, you will love the boat due to the wonderful quality build. These older IPs are great. You can refit them and they will last a lifetime.
We sailed the IP 27 from 1991-2001 then we sold her and bought the IP 35 and have sailed her from 2001 to present (2018 now) and we are still sailing her. Great yachts.
I look forward to other replies and what IP 31 and IP 32 owners can add.
Hayden