Island Packet Closing doors

[a64pilot]

I don't think many if any new boat buyers really care if the boat they are buying will last 50 yrs or not.
I can't in my mind justify a new boat, but then I can't really justify a new car anymore.
Maybe that is from getting older I don't know, not too many years ago I would only buy new cars. My idea was if I got it new and properly maintained it, it would last for many, many years, but buy used and you don't know what your getting.
I guess it was airplanes that changed my mind about that, they are so expensive new that it would seem only a fool would buy new.

If your a manufacturer, of course your selling new, and the buyer of a new production boat is who? Find that out and the reason they buy and I think you will have your answer to the question of what do people want in a new boat.

I think you may be surprised at who most often buys new production boats and what their marine experience level is.
If I had seven figures or close to that to spend on a new boat, I doubt I'd buy a production plastic boat

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

When we crossed over to the Caribbean it was like we sailed into IP country as there are an awful lot of IP's cruising here. Somebody is buying them, not new but the used market has to be pretty good for these boats. Owners are not interested in performance, they are interested in safety and comfortable living aboard features.

That is exactly their niche, and why they sell so well in Fl, and Fl is I believe a large market.

[Colin A]

Originally Posted by neilpride

But as far i know they never reléase the Blue Jacket to the market? or im wrong?

They were released I have been on board one. Not sure how many more the 2-3 there are thou.

[neilpride]

I think Hull 11 is the last one , im not sure , just few out there, by the way nice looking boat...

[Eder]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

That is exactly their niche, and why they sell so well in Fl, and Fl is I believe a large market.

They are thick here in Pacific Mexico as well.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Eder

Why pick an Oyster...most likely because you fell in love with the boat. Surprised you need to ask that question.

Then go ahead an buy a brand new IP, and loose $300,000 in value before the boat is docked in your home marina.

New IP 485 vs new Lagoon 450 for much less money. It Seems to me the IP comes up rather short in many ways.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Eder

They are thick here in Pacific Mexico as well.

Yeah, but I've heard they catch fire over there, so maybe I should stay away

[a64pilot]

Ken all new boats lose value, but IP's hold it longer and better than most.
I can't see the logic in buying new,and take that depreciation hit, but then I'm not in the tax bracket that does that either

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Ken all new boats lose value, but IP's hold it longer and better than most.
I can't see the logic in buying new,and take that depreciation hit, but then I'm not in the tax bracket that does that either

I agree with you, which is why I made the point on my earlier post.

[four winds]

Originally Posted by neilpride

Who is the NA ?

Tim Jackett, formally chief designer at Tartan and C&C. Johnson also collaborated with Jackett.

[neilpride]

I found Bizarre comparing a ip 485 with a L450.

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Why would anyone seriously consider a dated design like IP 485, when a lightly used Oyster, used Hylas or brand new Lagoon 450 can be had for less money? To name just a few.

Is it the 1980's design and hull color they find so attractive?

This is a silly argument. You could just as easily have said why would anyone buy a new Oyster when they could buy a used Oyster for much less money.

[Eder]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Then go ahead an buy a brand new IP, and loose $300,000 in value before the boat is docked in your home marina.

Buy a new Oyster & drop 400k..same same no?

[Black Diamond]

Lets be real. IP should NEVER try to out-Swan Swan. Or J, or Oyster. Or even Catalina. Building a deep keel, flat bottomed IP would result in the company going out of business for a second time.

There *IS* a market for a heavy weather, full-or-modified-full keel boat like a Pacific Seacraft, IP or Valiant that serious cruisers would buy for long distance, long duration voyages or live-aboard use.

The BlueJacket (to me) is not in the sweet spot for IP. I don't know what market it was trying to appeal to but its not the above and its probably an already saturated market.

IP should find a market niche it can succeed in (I think the above) and focus on that niche. They probably don't have the capital investment to play in any other market. This would allow them to operate in a relatively low-volume market and have some differentiation from other brands.

The basic hulls and rigging are fine. Its an offshore quality boat that needs to be better executed and more appealing to current boat buyers. I think this can be done by updating their interiors with minor investment and some fresh thinking. At least that's where I would start.

Rick

[Stumble]

Generally I really like the IP's, not my type of boat but I get it. My problem is that IP (before bankruptcy) showed no willingness to redesign major flaws in their boat. The chainplates specifically are a horrific design, and frankly they should know better. As a group there probably isn't a boat built with a higher failure rate than the IP's.

Almost to make it worse they are so burried in the hull it is a major issue getting to them to inspect and replace.

Fwiw if I were buying one I would have titanium chainplates fabricated instead of the stainless they use. Or force a major redesign of the encapsulated ones they use stock.