Island Packet, like many builders these days, realize that the market for large cruising boats with large price tags may not be as robust as it has been in the past, and they are working to provide new models that are smaller and more affordable. So the company that made a name for itself with a full keel cruising model in the 30-foot range is returning to its roots. But the 36-foot Estero also represents an evolution of the full keel cruiser, (and the company) starting with the model name. Instead of naming each new model with its length (as they have for 30 years), the esoteric Estero is named for an island off Florida’s west coast (a nod to Island Packet’s west coast Florida location). Like all Island Packets, the Estero has an ivory hull, full keel, and Hoyt jib boom, but the accommodations plan takes a page out of Gozzard Yachts (Thanks Robin Van Auken) playbook.
Instead of the tried-and true V-berth forward (where two people often jockey for foot position at the pointy end of the bunk), Island Packet founder and designer Bob Johnson situated the main saloon there. You’ll have to check out the attached illustration to wrap your mind around this concept. The result is a comfortable living area forward of the mast, that has room for a wrap-around “couch” as well as a table and copious stowage. As a result, the middle of the boat is dedicated to a large galley, head and a proper forward facing nav station, while the aft third has room for a large master suite and more humble guest quarters. You don’t see radical changes to “the way things have always been done” in new production boat design too often, so it’s obvious that at least Island Packet understands that when the going gets tough---the tough shakes things up. I’m going to get on one as soon as I can to see how this new approach works. Stay tuned
Island Packet, like many builders these days, realize that the market for large cruising boats with large price tags may not be as robust as it has been in the past, and they are working to provide new models that are smaller and more affordable. So the company that made a name for itself with a full keel cruising model in the 30-foot range is returning to its roots. But the 36-foot Estero also represents an evolution of the full keel cruiser, (and the company) starting with the model name. Instead of naming each new model with its length (as they have for 30 years), the esoteric Estero is named for an island off Florida’s west coast (a nod to Island Packet’s west coast Florida location). Like all Island Packets, the Estero has an ivory hull, full keel, and Hoyt jib boom, but the accommodations plan takes a page out of Gozzard Yachts (Thanks Robin Van Auken) playbook.
Instead of the tried-and true V-berth forward (where two people often jockey for foot position at the pointy end of the bunk), Island Packet founder and designer Bob Johnson situated the main saloon there. You’ll have to check out the attached illustration to wrap your mind around this concept. The result is a comfortable living area forward of the mast, that has room for a wrap-around “couch” as well as a table and copious stowage. As a result, the middle of the boat is dedicated to a large galley, head and a proper forward facing nav station, while the aft third has room for a large master suite and more humble guest quarters. You don’t see radical changes to “the way things have always been done” in new production boat design too often, so it’s obvious that at least Island Packet understands that when the going gets tough---the tough shakes things up. I’m going to get on one as soon as I can to see how this new approach works. Stay tuned
IP's new layout isn't an innovation -- it is a tip of the cap to the Gozzard. I think the versatile forward living area is an excellent use of space and have wondered why more boat builders haven't used it.
ReplyDeleteBut how does it sail?
ReplyDeleteAnd what exactly is "affordable" these days?
ReplyDeleteI sailed the Estero on San Francisco Bay Monday in very light winds - 3 to 8 knots. We moved quite well between 2 to 5.5 knots. Lots of tidal action. Very comfortable cockpit - great back support, comfy stern rail seats and wheel seat and really easy to sail. Spent some time down below and that too was quite roomy and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI was with Deb on Monday, and was impressed not just with the Gozzard-like layout, but the boat's light air performance (we know how well IP's perform in heavier conditions). We're doing a video review for Latitudes & Attitudes TV and will make it available for you when we're done if you like. Other than that, I concur with everthing you said about the Estero.
ReplyDeleteThere have been other boats, earlier boats, than the Gozzard to put the seating up forward. Chris Craft did this with their 35Ft Sail-yacht in the 1960s designed by S&S. C&C did it with their 35ft. landfall, and lastly, Choy Lee with a variant of the Offshore 38. There are most likely more.
ReplyDeleteChris
7/8 rig is better for cruising: Bigger main easier to handle than big foresails; Mast forward gives more room for upside down rigid dinghy on roof; can tack upwind under mainsail alone (If you want to anchor under sail); After 1st reef in main, you're back to a masthead configuration. Running backstay must not be needed under force 5 & must allow tacking without releasing them etc...
ReplyDelete