1987 Island Packet 31
$57,000
Boat in Wilmington, NC 28412 US
Built in 1987
31
1 Engine (Yanmar)
31 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Solid and dependable cruising in classic Island Packet style. Welcome aboard John B, a meticulously maintained 1987 Island Packet 31 cutter rig designed by renowned naval architect Bob Johnson. With an immaculate Yanmar 3GM30F engine showing only 680 hours, professionally inspected standing rigging (2022), and comprehensive sail inventory including roller furling genoa and club-footed staysail, she's turn-key ready for weekend cruising, long-distance sailing, or living aboard.
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES
· LOA / Beam / Draft: 31'0" / 11'6" / 4'0"
· Displacement / Ballast: 11,000 lbs / 4,500 lbs
· Fuel / Fresh Water: 20 gals / 75 gals
· Holding Tank: 14 gals
ACCOMMODATIONS & INTERIOR
· Layout: 2 Cabins / 1 Head
· Galley: U-shaped to port with 2-burner propane stove and oven | Deep ice chest | Two-tub stainless steel sink
· Main Salon: Generous seating both sides with fold-up table and abundant storage
· V-Berth: Exceptionally wide forward cabin with chain locker access
· Quarter Berth: Large to starboard, can be enclosed to create private second cabin
· Head: Starboard with manual marine head and shower compartment
· Navigation Station: Comprehensive to starboard with all electrical controls
MECHANICAL & PROPULSION
· Engine: Yanmar 3GM30F | 30 HP | 680 Hours (1987)
· Drive & Prop: Shaft drive with 2-blade propeller
· Hot Water: 10-gallon tank with dual heating (120 VAC shore power and engine heat exchanger)
ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION
· Chartplotter: Garmin (New 2025)
· Radar: Garmin
· Instrumentation: Raymarine Windlog/Multi Display
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
· Shore Power: 30 amp connection
· Battery Charger: Xantrex
· Bilge Pump: Electric
SAILS & RIGGING
· Sail Inventory: Mainsail | 110% Genoa (roller furling) | Staysail on club (roller furling)
· Rigging: Standing rigging professionally inspected - excellent condition (2022)
· Mast Height Off Deck: 47 ft
· Deck Layout: Classic Island Packet bowsprit carrying two anchors with ample chain and rode
DECK & EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
· Cockpit: Spacious and secure with aft helm steering
· Canvas: Complete cockpit enclosure plus full dodger
· Fresh Water: Deck washdown system
· Storage: Deep lazarettes
· Ports: Stainless steel port lights
· Dinghy: Davits installed
GROUND TACKLE
· Anchors: Two anchors with chain and rode on Island Packet bowsprit
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
The Island Packet 31 represents Bob Johnson's masterful integration of traditional catboat design principles with modern cruising requirements. Built by Island Packet Yachts from 1983-1989 with only 262 hulls produced, this design features a long keel configuration with optional centerboard. The wide 11'6" beam provides tremendous interior volume while maintaining excellent sailing characteristics. The full keel with cutaway forefoot offers superior tracking and seakeeping while the cutter rig allows versatile sail configurations for all weather conditions.
CRUISING HIGHLIGHTS
Island Packets are renowned as tough, seakindly vessels designed to meet the needs of serious cruising sailors. The wide decks provide secure, ample maneuvering room with all sail handling accomplished from the safety of the cockpit - no need to go forward. The spacious cockpit features secure seating with the steering quadrant conveniently accessible under the helm seat. Below, the exceptional beam creates remarkable living space that belies the 31-foot length. The vessel's design philosophy emphasizes ease of handling, comfort, and blue-water capability.
VESSEL CONDITION
John B has been meticulously maintained and upgraded by her current owner. The engine is in immaculate condition, all sails are ready for immediate use, and recent upgrades include a new Garmin chartplotter installed in 2025. The standing rigging received professional inspection in 2022 and was found to be in excellent condition. This vessel is truly turn-key and ready to take you on your next journey.
ABOUT THE ISLAND PACKET 31
With a displacement of 11,000 lbs and ballast of 4,500 lbs (40.91% ballast-to-displacement ratio), the IP31 offers stability and comfort in a manageable size. The full keel draws 4 feet (with centerboard option allowing 3'0" board up / 7'0" board down for shoal-draft cruising). Her modest 530 sq ft sail area and long waterline of 27'75" provide a comfortable hull speed of 7+ knots while maintaining excellent fuel economy from the reliable Yanmar diesel.
VIEWING
Contact Integrity Yacht Sales today to schedule a showing of John B and discover where this capable Island Packet 31 can take you next - whether that's weekend getaways on the Intracoastal Waterway or long-distance coastal passages.
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/23/26 | Initial price | $57,000 |
Videos from Integrity Yacht Sales on this 1987 Island Packet 31
1987 Island Packet 31 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1987 Island Packet 31
Customers praise the 1987 Island Packet 31 for its exceptional build quality and solid construction, highlighting its sturdy hull and reliable craftsmanship
Many appreciate the spacious and comfortable interior layout, which offers ample storage and a cozy ambiance for extended cruising. Sailors often mention its stable and predictable handling under sail, making it a favorite for both coastal cruising and longer voyages. Additionally, owners value the boat's classic design combined with practical features, noting that it maintains good resale value and continues to perform well even decades after its launch. Overall, the 1987 Island Packet 31 is regarded as a dependable and well-designed cruiser that appeals to those seeking comfort and seaworthiness.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1987 Island Packet 31 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat known for its classic design and solid construction. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Island Packet 31 features a robust fiberglass hull with a full keel, providing excellent stability and durability for offshore cruising.
Comfortable Interior: The layout offers a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage, making it comfortable for extended voyages.
Traditional Aesthetics: Its classic lines and cutter rig give it a timeless appearance that appeals to many sailors.
Easy Handling: The cutter rig and balanced sail plan make it manageable for short-handed sailing.
Good Load Carrying: The boat is designed to carry cruising gear and supplies efficiently without compromising performance.
Cons
Moderate Speed: Due to its full keel and heavier displacement, the Island Packet 31 is not a particularly fast sailboat, especially in light wind conditions.
Draft Limitations: With a draft of around 4 feet, it may be restricted in very shallow waters or certain coastal areas.
Older Systems: Being a 1987 model, some boats may require updates or maintenance to original mechanical and electrical systems.
Limited Interior Headroom: Though comfortable, the cabin headroom is moderate and may feel cramped to taller individuals.
Made For
The 1987 Island Packet 31 is ideal for sailors seeking a sturdy and comfortable cruising sailboat. It's perfect for those who value a spacious interior, solid construction, and ease of handling, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, or extended voyages. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a couple looking for a reliable and cozy boat to explore the waters, the Island Packet 31 offers a blend of performance and comfort tailored to those who appreciate classic, well-built cruising yachts.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Other Information about Integrity Yacht Sales
Coastal Carolina is one of the jewels of the East Coast Cruising Grounds. From our fantastic sailing grounds to fishing charters to the gulf stream to the simple pleasures of the Intercoastal Waterway - there is nothing like North and South Carolina to enjoy time out on the water.
Our broker in the Wilmington and Coastal Carolina region is Reuel Sample. Reuel has over 45 years experience sailing. His family sailed home from Brisbane, Australia in 1973. They made another transatlantic crossing in 1985. He is a former Navy officer and currently owns an Irwin 46, which he has sailed up and down the east coast of the United States. Reuel has extensive knowledge of bluewater sailboats, inshore sailboats, and power craft. Reuel also comes from a digital marketing background and knows how to get your boat in front of the right buyers. He is based in Wilmington, NC and is ready to assist you in the Carolinas.
Login with Google
