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.