S/V Halcyon — a 1986 Island Packet 38 located in Marigot Bay, Sint Maarten (Dutch Part), for sale by broker. Responses to inquiries may come from a broker who is representing the owner as a fiduciary.
The Island Packet 38 remains a “gold standard” for sailors seeking a safe, predictable, and heavily built cruiser for coastal or offshore work. Its legendary build quality and interior volume make it an exceptional value for those prioritizing comfort and longevity.
Halcyon is an upgraded version of the IP 38. She has recently had a very efficient self-steering system added under the oversight of her very experienced, knowledgeable owner. Additionally, her chainplates have been replaced for rig dependability and reliability. She offers exceptional seaworthiness and a comfortable motion in heavy seas. The Full Foil Keel provides superior protection for the propeller and rudder. The interior is spacious and well ventilated, with a dedicated stall shower. High-capacity water and fuel tanks are suited for long-range cruising. Given the IP 38’s following and earned reputation in the offshore cruising category, combined with kudos for her build specs and scantlings, the next owner will find her a strong offering when resale is considered. A wise choice for sailors who seek to sail farther safely in all conditions.
Features
- Hydrovane windvane steering system
- Yanmar engine
Specifications
| Name | S/V Halcyon |
| Make | Island Packet |
| Model | 38 |
| Year | 1986 |
| Type | Monohull Sailboat |
| Builder | Island Packet |
| Designer | Bob Johnson |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Cabins | 2 |
| Heads | 2 |
| Galley | Amidships to starboard |
Dimensions
| Loa | 38ft / 11.58m |
| Lwl | 33ft / 10.06m |
| Beam | 12ft 6in / 3.81m |
| Headroom | 6 ft 6 in |
| Draft | 4ft 0in / 1.22m -> 8ft 0in / 2.44m |
| Mast Height | 54ft 0in |
Tankage
| Fuel Tanks | 57 gallons |
| Water Tanks | 157 gallons |
| Holding Tanks | 20 |
Performance
| Engines | 54HP Yanmar 4JH5E 2018 |
| Engine Hours | 939 |
| Wiring | 110V |
| Displacement | 21500 lbs |
| Speed | 7.7 kn |
| Sails | Mainsail, jib, staysail |
Layout Diagram
Inventory
Accommodation
- The interior of the Island Packet 38 was revolutionary for its time, utilizing the boat’s 12' 8" beam to create a "Tri-Cabin" layout that provides genuine privacy for two couples.
- Unlike many 38-footers of the late 1980s that relied on cramped quarter berths, the IP 38 features a dedicated aft cabin with a double berth and standing dressing area.
- The forward cabin is equally spacious, centered around a large V-berth and complemented by abundant cedar-lined hanging lockers.
- The salon is characterized by Island Packet’s signature bulkhead-mounted table, which folds down to reveal a wine rack and storage, opening up the floor space when not in use.
- The use of solid teak and teak veneers, combined with a teak-and-holly sole, creates a warm, traditional aesthetic.
- A standout feature is the head compartment, which includes a separate stall shower, a luxury rarely found on yachts of this size.
Interior comforts and amenities
- Very comfortable interior with two heads featuring electric toilets, a spacious aft cabin, a high-ceilinged forward cabin, a practical galley, and a convivial saloon with plenty of room to move around.
- High-quality woodwork in excellent condition, abundant storage throughout, and a layout well suited for extended cruising or liveaboard use.
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
Electronics and navigation
- Autopilot
- GPS – Raymarine A9 with AIS
- Depth sounder
- Anemometer
- Speed log
- Primary VHF radio
- Secondary VHF radio
- Direction finder
- Wind direction indicator
- Wind speed indicator
- Compass
- Stereo
- Stereo speakers
Electrical systems
- Solar panels
- Batteries (2024)
- Windlass
- Inverter (110V)
- Battery charger
- Propane shut-off valve
- Fume detector
- Vented propane locker
- Propane tanks
Deck and hull equipment
- The cockpit is spacious, wide, and well protected from the sun by the companionway cover, bimini top, and connecting canopy. Additional large sunshades provide further protection while at anchor.
- Cockpit cushions
- Cockpit table
- Fenders and dock lines
- Aluminum bottom dinghy with anchor
- Dinghy davits
- Swim platform with ladder
- Navigation lights
- Automatic masthead mooring light
- Secondary anchor
Sails and rigging
- Sails are in good condition and were serviced this year.
- Mainsail
- Jib
- Staysail
- Standing rigging replaced (2017)
- 316 stainless steel chainplates installed (2017)
Mechanical equipment
- Yanmar 4JH5E 54 HP diesel engine (940 hours)
- Max-Prop propeller
- Hydrovane windvane steering system (2026)
- Manual bilge pump
- Electric bilge pump
Safety equipment
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency tiller on Hydrovane
- Lifelines
- Harnesses
Dinghy
- 10' aluminum Hypalon dinghy
- Yanmar 15 HP outboard
Tankage
- Fuel capacity: 57 US gallons
- Water capacity: 157 US gallons
- Holding tank capacity: approx. 20 US gallons
Owner's comments and boat history
- Under sail, the Island Packet 38 is surprisingly capable. Well-rigged and carrying a generous sail plan, she gets moving early in light winds despite her solid cruising displacement and heavy-duty construction.
Boat description equipment
- Self steering system added
- Chain plates have been replaced
- Full Foil Keel
- Dedicated stall shower
- High-capacity water and fuel tanks
Exterior Photos
Deck Photos
Interior Photos
Other Photos
