Island Packet 29

I'm looking for information on the IP 29. I currently own a Bavaria 33 and am considering down-sizing to a smaller boat to eliminate boat payments and keep things simple. My partner and I are doing less sailing than in previous years and the kids, now in college, are less interested. We are weekend, and occasional week long cruisers in the waters between Mystic CT and Martha's Vineyard. Maybe some day we'll cruise to Maine but for right now, not so much. Mostly, I'm embarrassed to say, we enjoy sitting at anchor and watching the water change colors over the course of a day. Conditions in these waters are often far from ideal. Not enough wind, too much wind, wind from the wrong direction, or strong opposing currents. We probably motor as much if not more than we sail.

I wondering what IP 29 or other owners of the smaller Island Packets think about the utility of an IP 29 for the kind of "sailing" we do. I'm particularly interested in the livability of the 29 (storage, galley layout-- we always cook on board, cockpit comfort) though a boat that will make some way to windward in 10 Knots of breeze would be nice to have. With money we'd take out of the Bavaria, we'd be well positioned to invest in light air sails, possibly a solar installation, possibly a small sailing dinghy for harbor exploration). All things that would improve sailing and our weeks and weekends away from our mooring.

Thoughts?

Eric

Eric - I own hull #1 in the IP29 series. I keep it on the Chesapeake Bay but last year sailed it to Florida for the winter. Most of the time, I end up as a solo sailor and find the boat easy to handle and plenty of room. I have taken the boat offshore on several passages and have had no problems with a crew of 3 or 4 aboard. My wife does join me for week long cruises around the bay (and through the Keys last year). Her main complaint is the size of the head & shower. We do not have a oven on board - just a propane stove - but have learned to use a pressure cooker to expand our culinary needs. I took advise from the IPYOA web site and insulated the refrigerator and have been very happy with the results. I added davits for the dinghy and a solar panel.

Overall, for a 29 ft boat (actually 32 overall) the IP29 handles like a much bigger boat and has the space to match. My boating philosophy to keep things as simple as possible so that I can handle most repairs and problems as they arise. The IP29 works well for me.

PS - my plans are to sail to New England this summer to explore the Long Island sound, Cape Cod, and offshore islands. I am planning on using Mystic has my home port for the season. Allen Jones on Trafalgar

Allen- Thanks so much for this. I didn't respond sooner because I thought the listserv would notify me when someone replied. You'll have a wonderful time in New England if you come up our way. If you'd like a hand on the delivery, there is a possibility I might be available. I'd recommend Noank Shipyard both for transient and seasonal storage. They have both slips and moorings (with launch service). There are more protected marinas but the Shipyard has the best access to the sea.

I'm no racer but I do like a boat that can move along and sail to windward.In the summer we get average afternoon wind speeds in the 8 to 12 knot range, Is this enough to get the little 29 moving? My Bavaria does best between 12 and 18 knots but does not like sailing much below 120 degrees of apparent the wind (I need a whisker pole for that, something I don't have). To windward, the Bavaria will do 35 degrees apparent assuming there is not much chop (which there rarely is). Her Volvo 30 HP serves us well and I was wondering about the noise level of the 29s engine. We are looking at boats with both the Westerbeke and the Yanmar, the second being our preference.

Thanks much!

Eric - in 8 kts of wind i can do about 3 kts. 12 kts of wind get up to 4 kts. 15 kts of wind will get me to 5 or 6 kts. I can easily do 35 degrees to windward and about the same as you downwind. I have a replacement Yanmar 3YM30 which moves us along at 6 knots max; usually I motor about 5.5 kts and in my opinion is quiet. However, I also think I have extra insulation around the engine compartment.

This is a full keel relatively heavy displacement boat and only 32 feet overall. For the size it does well but I would never call it fast. What I would say is that for the size it has lots of space, is very well built, will handle heavy weather, is very safe, and can be solo sailed. I also think they are good classic looking boats!

Let me know what you decide to do and maybe we can meet in Mystic this summer.

I'll be in Mystic this summer one way or another, either with the IP 29 or without, so please do contact me. I'm at 917-535-296 seven. I"d love to hear some of your stories!