Family of 4 on Island Packet 350?

[Lisap]

My wife and I are looking for a boat to take our 4 & 5 year olds cruising for a few years. We really like the IP38, but recently looked at the IP350 and think it will also work. Smaller, yes, but newer boat, integrated swim step, and more easily single-handed. Does anyone have any experience or first hand knowledge of long-term cruising with a family aboard the IP350? Are we going to feel space constrained on a boat of this size with 4 aboard?

Thanks!

Tripp & Lisa

[Cheechako]

I dont know the boats, but if one has 2 heads and one a single head, then that should help you decide. The swim step is a nice feature, as is a newer boat.

[Mimsy]

We looked seriously at an IP 35- sea trials and everything. The only reason we did not buy it was because my husband has a preference for lighter, fin keel boats so we bought a modified fin keel that was a happy medium for us both.

We were planning on cruising on it with a family of 3. It would have had more than enough space. We added another crew member and it STILL would be big enough. Every bit as functional space wise as our 42 footer. If you love it, buy it. They are great little boats.

[Mimsy]

Oh and as to the 2 heads, we are ripping out one of our 2 to give us a more spacious master cabin. We don't need 2 heads. Don't really even need 2 in the house for that matter...

[Lisap]

Funny - we were trying to find a family out cruising on an IP350 and saw on your blog this morning that you had looked at one. We are thinking that we'll turn the forward head into extra storage if we wind up with an IP38. Good luck with your refit! We have enjoyed reading your blog.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Mimsy

Oh and as to the 2 heads, we are ripping out one of our 2 to give us a more spacious master cabin. We don't need 2 heads. Don't really even need 2 in the house for that matter...

I agree with you for myself, even further, why do you need a sink in the head on such a small space?
For someone with 2 kids, it might be nice, but highly dependent on kids age and attitudes. Also, if one head is adjacent to the master cabin and not available when that cabin is closed, that is tough when having visitors or other crew aboard. all about design I guess.

[s/v Beth]

We chartered a 34 foot bendy with two families aboard. Got along great. Just depends on how you work your family. If your the fighting large bubble types, a forty footer is not going to be big enough. I have cruised with my Compac 23 with two adults and three kids for brief periods of time....

[snort]

Where do you plan on cruising? Do you like beige?
Solid boats those IP's.

[Lisap]

Thanks so much for all the info and advice. We are seriously looking at an IP38, hopeful that surveys go well. Again, thanks so much for the help!