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Sailboat Specifications

Island Packet 44

Cutter · Long Keel

Designed by Robert K. Johnson · Built by Island Packet Yachts (Usa) · First built 1992

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LOA 44.00 ft  ·  Beam 13.16 ft  ·  Displacement 27,900.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 1,082.00 ft²  ·  Cutter  ·  Long Keel
About the Island Packet 44 Sailboat

Built between 1992 and 1996 with only 35 hulls produced, this Robert K. Johnson-designed cruiser represents Island Packet's commitment to traditional bluewater sailing. The fiberglass construction features a full long keel configuration that delivers exceptional tracking and directional stability, making it an ideal choice for serious offshore cruising and extended passages. The cutter rig provides versatility in various wind conditions, allowing crews to balance sail plan efficiently during long ocean crossings. With a displacement of 27,900 pounds and substantial ballast of 12,500 pounds, this vessel offers the solid, seaworthy feel that Island Packet became renowned for among cruising sailors. The generous beam of 13.16 feet creates spacious interior accommodations while maintaining excellent stability. The boat's comfort ratio of 35.54 indicates a motion that favors comfort over speed, typical of cruising-oriented designs intended for extended living aboard. The moderate draft of 4.83 feet opens up cruising grounds while the long keel provides protection for the propeller and rudder in challenging conditions. This design philosophy made Island Packet a respected name among sailors seeking capable, comfortable cruising boats rather than racing machines, and the 44 continues that tradition with proven ocean-crossing capability.

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The balsa-cored deck sections on Island Packet 44s are prone to core saturation and delamination, especially around deck hardware bases, windlass mounting areas, and stanchion bases where fastener bedding has failed over time. Tap testing the entire deck is essential.
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The full-length encapsulated keel on the IP44 uses a lead ballast pour inside a fiberglass shell. The keel-to-hull joint can develop stress cracks and weeping, and the fiberglass shell itself can crack or delaminate near the forward end of the keel where hobby-horsing stress is concentrated.
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Water can intrude into the encapsulated keel cavity through cracks in the fiberglass shell, leading to internal delamination that is difficult to detect without moisture metering. Elevated moisture readings at the keel shell should be investigated carefully before purchase.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.16 ft / 11.33 m
Beam 13.16 ft / 4.01 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Displacement 27,900.00 lb / 12,655 kg
Ballast 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,082.00 ft² / 100.52 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert K. Johnson
Builder Island Packet Yachts (USA)
First Built 1992
Last Built 1996
Number Built 35
Associations Official Island Packet Yacht Owners Association
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Island Packet 44's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Island Packet 44 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.9. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Island Packet 44's comfort ratio?

The Island Packet 44 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 35.54. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Island Packet 44 safe for offshore sailing?

The Island Packet 44 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.74. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Island Packet 44?

The theoretical hull speed of the Island Packet 44 is 8.17 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Island Packet 44 weigh?

The Island Packet 44 has a displacement of 27,900.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 44.00 ft.

Who designed the Island Packet 44?

The Island Packet 44 was designed by Robert K. Johnson, first built in 1992.