How an Island Packet and Seaward Yacht Sailboat is Built

Michael and Melissa Harlow from the Adventure Travelers sailed across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia then Hawaii and back to San Diego, CA in their 1996, Island Packet 37 cutter rig sailboat.

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When they returned home after traveling for two years across the United States, Canada, and Alaska, they wanted to find out more about their island Packet Yacht and decided to travel to the factory in Largo, Florida. They initially purchased their sailboat from Suncoast Yachts in San Diego, CA, and were impressed and thankful they decided on the safety of an Island Packet.

This mini documentary explains their experiences at the factory which includes interviews with employees from engineering, gelcoat, parts, metal fabrication, the plant manager, and the Island Packet Yachts owner, Darrell Allen.

During the tour, there were several yachts being constructed including a Seaward 26RK, the Island Packet 349, and others were on deck.

First, they experienced the gelcoat application followed by the fiberglass layers. They also met the metal fabrication expert and lead engineer. Many employees had worked there from 10 to 35 years and some even working with their own family members from 3 generations.

The steps to build an Island Packet Yacht include:
Design and Engineering
Tooling/Molds
Gel Coat
Laminating
Ballast
Tankage and Chainplates
Rudder installation
Structural floor grid
Wood mill and materials
Interior assembly
Deck assembly
Decking
Detail and Quality control
Ready for transport

The TOP TEN Safety Features of an Island Packet Yacht:
1. Full Foil Keel/ Integrated hull and keel (one piece)
2. Protected propeller and rudder
3. Hand steering in the seat in case of emergency
4. Hole in engine compartment for fire suppression
5. Rudder with hole for emergency lines to pull rudder back and forth
6. Cockpit size enables safety underway
7. All lines and halyards got to the cockpit
8. easy to reef mainsail due to in mast furling system
9. Anchor windless can be controlled from the helm or forward
10. Hand pump at helm for the bilge
More:
Resistance to capsize
Direct Steering system: geared rack and pinion steering
Cream color gelcoat for ease on the eyes
Sturdy hand holds throughout
Immediate anchor access; tangle free ground tackle storage
Two anchor bow rollers
Made in America
Salpeda wood is standard with cherry and teak options
Customization

Check out Island Packet Yachts in the 20 Bluewater Cruising Sailboats Under $100,000 reviews from our friends at #BoatLife. https://www.hashtagboatlife.com/sailboat-buying-guide/

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Please watch: “Sailing Across the Pacific Ocean”

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