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Island Packet 45
Designer: Robert K. Johnson  ·  Builder: Island Packet Yachts  ·  First built: 1996
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About the Island Packet 45

Island Packet Yachts built a reputation for creating comfortable, seaworthy cruising sailboats, and the IP 45 exemplifies this philosophy with its focus on bluewater capability and liveaboard comfort. This substantial cruiser represents the builder's commitment to producing boats designed for serious offshore sailing and extended cruising adventures. Known for their full keel designs and robust construction, Island Packet sailboats have long been favored by cruisers seeking reliability over speed. The 45 continues this tradition with a design that prioritizes seaworthiness, stability, and interior volume. The boat's cutter rig configuration provides excellent sail handling options and storm tactics, making it well-suited for ocean passages and coastal cruising alike. Island Packet's attention to interior layout shines in the 45, with generous accommodations that make extended living aboard comfortable for couples or small families. The builder's reputation for quality craftsmanship and conservative design approach appeals to sailors who value predictable handling characteristics and peace of mind over the latest performance innovations. While not a speed demon, the IP 45 offers the kind of dependable, comfortable cruising experience that has made Island Packet a respected name among serious cruising sailors worldwide.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.25 ft / 13.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.58 ft / 11.45 m
Beam 13.33 ft / 4.06 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Displacement 28,400.00 lb / 12,882 kg
Ballast 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,100.00 ft² / 102.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert K. Johnson
Builder Island Packet Yachts
First Built 1996
Last Built 2000
Related Sailboats ["Sabre 452" · "Caliber 45" · "Hunter 45 Cc" · "Cape Dory 45" · "Morgan 45 Catalina"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 126
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18.98
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 34.96
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.75
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.21
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.17
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 54.92
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.33
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.5
SA Fore 508.01
SA Main 414.14
How It Compares

vs. Caliber 45, Cape Dory 45, Hunter 45 Cc

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Island Packet 45 ★
45.3 ft
Caliber 45
45.0 ft
Cape Dory 45
45.3 ft
Hunter 45 Cc
45.3 ft
LWL
Island Packet 45 ★
37.6 ft
Caliber 45
35.8 ft
Cape Dory 45
33.5 ft
Hunter 45 Cc
38.9 ft
Beam
Island Packet 45 ★
13.3 ft
Caliber 45
13.3 ft
Cape Dory 45
13.0 ft
Hunter 45 Cc
14.3 ft
Displacement
Island Packet 45 ★
28 lbs
Caliber 45
29 lbs
Cape Dory 45
24 lbs
Hunter 45 Cc
24 lbs
Ballast
Island Packet 45 ★
12 lbs
Caliber 45
12 lbs
Cape Dory 45
9 lbs
Hunter 45 Cc
9 lbs
Sail Area
Island Packet 45 ★
1 sq ft
Caliber 45
940 sq ft
Cape Dory 45
935 sq ft
Hunter 45 Cc
920 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Island Packet 45 ★
126 s/nm
Caliber 45
—
Cape Dory 45
120 s/nm
Hunter 45 Cc
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Island Packet 45 ★
19.0
Caliber 45
16.0
Cape Dory 45
18.1
Hunter 45 Cc
17.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Island Packet 45 ★
—
Caliber 45
41.4 %
Cape Dory 45
—
Hunter 45 Cc
40.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Island Packet 45 ★
35.0
Caliber 45
36.9
Cape Dory 45
32.9
Hunter 45 Cc
26.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Island Packet 45 ★
1.75
Caliber 45
1.74
Cape Dory 45
1.81
Hunter 45 Cc
1.99
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Island Packet 45 ★
—
Caliber 45
281
Cape Dory 45
—
Hunter 45 Cc
181
Hull Speed
Island Packet 45 ★
8.2 kts
Caliber 45
8.0 kts
Cape Dory 45
7.8 kts
Hunter 45 Cc
8.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Island Packet 45 ★
2.2
Caliber 45
—
Cape Dory 45
1.7
Hunter 45 Cc
—
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