Why the hate on Island Packets?

[rotrax]

Originally Posted by sailores35

There are no anchor locker hatches on an IP. Access through forward berth.

Late to the party - again - but the above is not correct.


We have Island Packet SP Cruiser hull # 14 " Jarrow Lily " based in Littlehampton UK.


She has a large Lewmar hatch above the anchor locker, just behind the vertical windlass. It has a grippy non slip surface and gives access to the full anchor locker.


It is extremely dry, the terminals and electrics for the windlass also housed in there are in perfect condition after13 years use.


I agree in general with most comments about IP's.


Like all boats they are a compromise.


The SP Cruiser is the best compromise First Mate and I could find for our specific requirements.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by wingssail

We had evidence of chain plate corrosion on our boat (rust streaks coming down inside the boat) and even though our chain plates are not encapsulated, having only about 1 inch covered where they penetrate the deck, we felt concerned enough to remove them and check.

We found cracking on one. The story of the replacement is here (in photos) https://wingssail-images.blogspot.co...h?q=chainplate

I am personally enamored by composite chainplates though they have some disadvantages as has been discussed.

I had an encapsulated chain plate BREAK on my previous boat, while we were under full sail. It is a miracle that the rig didn't come down. Simply unbelievable.


That was decades ago. I don't think boats have been built with encapsulated chain plates for a the last 10 or 20 years; I think all the last IP's had exposed chain plates.


Chain plates on this boat weight at least 20kg each and are completely accessible for inspection. They will never need replacement.

[rotrax]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I don't think boats have been built with encapsulated chain plates for a the last 10 or 20 years; I think all the last IP's had exposed chain plates.

AFAIK all Island Packets have fully encapsulated chainplates. Even now.



Since the improved metal specification and the addition of drain holes in the late 1990's, Island Packet chainplates appear to be totally reliable.