Island Packet Yachts' SP Cruiser, a pilothouse motorsailor, easily is the most unusual Island Packet in what's a very traditional-looking line of sailboats. The SP Cruiser is the first Island Packet to feature a pilothouse and the only one that's more motorsailor than pure sailboat.
But that's not stopping the boats from selling. Gratitude Yachting Center President Ed Kurowski tells Suite101 that the SP Cruiser is drawing plenty of interest from potential buyers, indicating Island Packet has identified a niche for the boat.
"The target audience is sailors who are looking for a more comfortable ride that extends the season," Kurowski says. "You can motorsail when conditions aren't right."
Older sailors who were considering moving to a trawler have purchased the SP Cruiser instead, but the boat appeals to all age brackets, Kurowski said. "The buyers are making this decision based on their families' perceived needs."
Island Packet SP Cruiser Offers Pilothouse, Inside Steering
The most noticeable feature of the SP Cruiser is the sailboat's pilothouse. Inside, the boat features a central helm seat and an L-shaped settee, both of which offer panoramic views through offshore-rated safety glass windows.
Forward of the pilothouse and just aft of the mast, there's a cockpit designed for socializing, with full-length seats, steps to the side decks and a place for an optional table.
The boat has a self-tending jib on a Hoyt boom. Halyards all are led to winches on the mast, while sail controls all are led aft to a single Lewmar 40ST electric winch located in the small cockpit behind the pilothouse.
The SP Cruiser measures 41 feet, 1 inch overall, with 12 feet, 9 inches of beam and a very shallow draft of 3 feet, 8 inches. Although it's configured for ease of handling, it does provide performance, Kurowski said, adding, "the boat sails really well."
Below-Decks Accommodations Include Two Staterooms, Office
Owners will use the pilothouse seating area as their main cabin/salon. Forward, the SP Cruiser features an owner's stateroom with an island berth.
The single head compartment, which includes a separate shower, is aft of the owner's stateroom to starboard, while a walk-through galley with counters on both sides is located to port. Behind the head, Island Packet has placed the navigation station, which also can be used as an office space.
The aft cabin, located to starboard aft of the navigation station, includes twin berths, although it does not feature its own head. Access to the engine, a 110-horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel, is located underneath the inboard berth.
Island Packet SP Cruiser Had Rough Start, But Is Catching On
Kurowski notes that Island Packet introduced the SP Cruiser right around Sept. 11, 2001. "It didn't really get a good start," he says, in part because of the recession that ensued after the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks.
However, the boat now appears to be catching on with buyers, who seem to like its emphasis on comfort, Kurowski says.
The SP Cruiser rarely appears on the used boat marketplace. The sailboat lists for $449,950 new, and Kurowski says it generally sells for about $508,000 fully-equipped and ready to sail away.
With its unusual, non-traditional looks, the SP Cruiser won't appeal to everyone. But it could represent a comfortable boat for a sailor who wants the ability to sail year-round, regardless of the weather.
Jane Anderson - Jane M. Anderson spends as much time as possible on the water, working and sailing on boats. She grew up sailing Sunfish and Rhodes 19s on ...
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