The Island Packet Estero, the latest addition to the IP lineup, offers comfortable cruising for a couple in a classic package with an innovative saloon layout. Announced in January 2009, it is a 36-foot, 17,000lb full-keel cruiser targeting near-coastal and limited offshore boaters. The Estero’s mass, full keel, and conservative sail plan – a roller-furling main and jib – result in a boat which is easy to handle when the wind gets up, and is going to be more comfortable than most 36-foot boats in any sort of seaway.

PROS

Interior:
The heart of this boat is the accommodations setup down below. While not truly new (I’ve seen it on Gozzard Yachts’ mid-40 footers, among others), it is unique among the IPY lineup and against its competitive set. By removing the v-berth, and moving the settee forward, the designers have created additional space in the aft section of the boat. For example, compared to the IP37, you can see the settee is much more open and allows you to communicate with the galley.

Yet in the end, I think this layout overall is a pro. For a 36-foot boat, you gain a real navigation station with a true quarterberth. You also gain a real seaberth in the master stateroom on the port quarter. When sailing to the Bahamas in weather or offshore, you want to be in the back half of the boat regardless. When you get to the harbor (or more likely the dock), you can move forward and have a nice dinner at the settee.

I also like the galley – they could very easily have made this into a Europe-style flat design; instead, the u-shape will keep you steady in weather while still allowing conversation with the party forward when at anchor.

Another nice touch is the sliding door for the port-quarterberth, enabling guests to have some privacy.

Overall Design:
Island Packet has become one of the standard bearers for well-designed long-range cruising boats. While there are many who are trying to compete, few are as narrowly focused on building the best boat focused solely on cruising – local or long-distance – as IP. You see this in their design; they are the only major yacht builder with which I’m familiar that offers a line of full-keel boats.

On Deck
The topsides and sail controls on this boat are pure Island Packet. Well-designed sail control systems, roller furlers, Hoyt jib boom, high clearance underneath the main boom, and a large, comfortable, sunken cockpit give a reassuring feel even in bad weather. And with the larger dodger, you can isolate yourself should a cold front blow through.

The bowsprit is great if you’re anchoring – excellent visibility and clear dropping for the anchor. The transom-hung platform is also fantastic – so long as the dinghy doesn’t get trapped underneath the platform in swells.

As you can see from the pictures, the systems on this boat appear well-designed. I particularly liked the engine primary fuel filter’s accessibility, the light in the engine compartment, and the excellent access. I also like the well-labeled valving and accessible tankage throughout.

This boat has a 40-horsepower engine, reflective of its commitment to be able to move effectively in any wind condition.

CONS

Interior: I dislike heads which are not tucked into the back quarter, particularly on ocean-going boats. This one is mid-ships, so it isn’t too bad. I also wonder at the navigation station – while it seems like the quarterberth would be nice to sleep in offshore, so you can stay close to the cockpit, the reality is that you would want to avoid being sat upon as the on-watch comes down to check the radar or mark the ship’s position.

Another down side of the innovative layout is that the more forward position of the saloon exposes it to greater motion. This is particularly unfortunate if you’re trying to have a nice dinner at anchor with some swells coming around the corner.

Overall Design
For me, the full-keel design is a con – there are reasons for most builders switching from full-keels. Full-keel boats reduce maneuverability, increase drag (aka wetted surface area), typically generate less lift through the water (important when you’re heading upwind), and also tend to be heavier and hence more expensive to manufacturer and transport. However, they’re also stronger, simpler, protect the rudder and prop, offer more storage room in the bilge (which also keeps bilge water out of the electronics and other systems when heeled), and tend to have a shallower draft for a given size. In terms to sailing characteristics, they tend to be more stable once they’re on course, requiring fewer course adjustments, but also less able to scallop through waves. Overall, the full-keel is beneficial for a husband-wife cruiser, as long as they’re not in too much of a hurry.

On Deck:
I also am concerned about the Hoyt boom, particularly when anchoring; it appears it may interfere with the First Mate’s ability to move forward to drop the anchor or make other adjustments on deck.

Summary
With several 2010 models available for between $320-$360K in sail-away condition, the Estero is a competitively priced new boat for its segment. This is a well-designed boat which comes in and achieves its design brief. The design and execution of an Island Packet is of a high quality, and you pay for it. In terms of competition, used boats are an issue for any sail manufacturer today. When you can get a great offshore boat for $200k, and replace all the systems and batteries, you still end up with a boat which is less expensive and larger and more comfortable than many newer boats.

But if you have the cash, and want to get the latest design, custom configuration and bullet-proof engineering, this IP is a solid choice. I’m sure this will be a great boat for a couple to start living their dreams of cruising the Americas and beyond.

Overall Rating: Recommended Three stars out of four

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