Island Packet 27
Built 1984–1992 by Island Packet Yachts (Largo, Florida)
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About the Island Packet 27
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1984–1992
- Builder
- Island Packet Yachts (Largo, Florida)
- Designer
- Robert K. (Bob) Johnson
- Length
- 26.5 ft
- Waterline
- 24.25 ft
- Beam
- 10.5 ft
- Draft
- 3.7 ft
- Displacement
- 8,000 lb
- Ballast
- 3,000 lb
- Hull / keel
- full keel
- Rig
- cutter
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 19 gal
- Water
- 31 gal
- Holding
- 11 gal
- Number built
- 243
- Bow thruster
- often added later
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- rack and pinion · Edson
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 19 gal
“19 US gal” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.com · “19 (gals)” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.comThe Island Packet owners' site (IP Home Port) spec page and its all-model comparison table agree; the site calls its figures representative, as Island Packet specs changed during production.
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Water 31 gal
“31 US gal” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.com · “31 (gals)” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.com
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Holding 11 gal
“11 US gal” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.com · “11 or 12 (gals)” — owners' association (1984-1992), iphomeport.comThe model page gives 11 US gal; the site's comparison table gives 11 or 12.
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Water heater unknown
Island Packet's model and spec-comparison pages list no water heater, and the Practical Sailor and Good Old Boat reviews don't mention one.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster often added later
No builder list, review or listing was found showing a bow thruster on an Island Packet 27. Our earlier figure comes from a general, unsourced remark that many Island Packet owners add one, so treat it as unconfirmed.
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Stern thruster not fitted
Nothing was found either way; our earlier figure of none appears to be an assumption, not a sourced fact.
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Steering rack and pinion · Edson
“STEERING COMPONENTS: 1 FIG. 343-1S AFT MOUNT RACK & PINION STEERER ... ISLAND PACKET 27, 31 & 38 (S-1252)” — spec database, edsonmarine.com · “Direct Steering System: Island Packet's geared rack and pinion steering system provides positive feel and superior relia” — brochure (c1994-1995), cdn.yachtbroker.orgEdson's steering data sheet S-1252 (the maker's parts and layout sheet) covers the Island Packet 27, 31 and 38: an aft-mount rack-and-pinion steerer under a pedestal or seat, with a 26-inch wheel. The builder's mid-1990s IP40 brochure calls geared rack-and-pinion standard on every Island Packet; it postdates the 27 but matches.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Hull length (LOD) 26.5 ft; 30 ft overall including bowsprit (sailboatdata lists both). Centerboard version drew 2.67 ft board up / 6.0 ft down.
Engines fitted
-
Yanmar — 18 hp, diesel, single
standard
Sailboatdata lists an 18 hp Yanmar diesel as original equipment; a 1988 listing confirms the original engine was 18 hp. Model not named in the sources read (18 hp matches the two-cylinder 2GM20F).Sources: sailboatdata.com · manitowoc-marina.com
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Yanmar 3YM30 — 30 hp, diesel, single
common repower
A 1990 boat was repowered in 2013 with a 30 hp 3YM30; another 1990 boat lists a repowered 30 hp Yanmar.Sources: easternyachtsales.com · ecys.com
-
Yanmar 3GM30 — 24 hp, diesel, single
common repower
A 1988 boat was repowered in 1995 with a three-cylinder Yanmar 3GM30 (listed at 24 hp).Sources: manitowoc-marina.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
No builder, owners' association or review source mentions a generator for the Island Packet 27, and the owners' association photo gallery has no generator photos for this model.
Known problems for this model
-
Encapsulated stainless chainplates (crevice/stress corrosion) rigging
Chainplates are glassed into the hull/caprail area where corrosion cannot be seen; boats before the 1996 model year used 304 stainless, which the former factory staffer running IP Ancestry says lasts roughly 20-25 years. A specialist yard reported most IP chainplates it replaced were failed or near failure, so plan on inspection or replacement (pre-1996 boats).island-packet-ancestry.com · forums.ybw.com
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Aluminum holding (and some fuel) tanks corrode plumbing
Owners report aluminum holding tanks installed under the cabin sole corroding and needing to be cut out for replacement; later boats moved to fiberglass tanks.forums.ybw.com
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Full keel with prop in aperture - poor control astern hull
Owners and reviewers note the full-keel boats back up unpredictably; many owners add a bow thruster.practical-sailor.com · forums.ybw.com
Engines & parts
Yanmar 3YM30 / 3YM20 parts: good
Factory common repower engine — you entered “Yanmar 3YM30”
Current-generation Yanmar with full dealer support; raw water pump impellers are Jabsco-compatible.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), Yanmar USA genuine parts
Common problems (3)
-
Leaking heat exchangers and overheating cooling
Owners report heat exchangers leaking (pressed-in tube joint) and overheating; trapped air in the freshwater circuit and failed impellers are other common causes.forums.ybw.com · forums.sailboatowners.com
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Seawater pump leaks cooling
The Johnson seawater pump is a frequent leak source, and leaks near the elbow hose can corrode the starter and heat exchanger studs.forums.ybw.com
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Restrictive cast iron elbow exhaust
The cast iron exhaust riser/elbow clogs with soot, raising back pressure.forums.ybw.com
Maker’s service schedule (18)
| Engine oil & filter change | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.4 Inspection Every 150 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Engine Oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Replace engine oil filter | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Transmission fluid change KM marine gear (shaft drive) | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.4 Inspection Every 150 Hrs (or one year). ... (2) Replace the Marine Gear oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Transmission fluid change SD sail-drive installations | 100 hrs or 6 mo | “4.3.3 Inspection Every 100 Hrs (or six months). (1) Replace the Sail Drive Oil” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Fuel Tank Refer to 4.3.1(4). (2) Replace the Fuel Filter” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drain fuel/water separator | 50 hrs or 1 mo | “4.3.2 Inspection Every 50 Hrs. (or Monthly) (1) Drain the fuel/water separator.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drain fuel tank (water/sediment) | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year). (1) Replace the Fuel Tank Refer to 4.3.1(4).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “The impeller must be replaced with new one periodically (every 1000 hrs or 4 years whichever comes first).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test | 1 yr | “Replace the fresh water coolant Every year When long life coolant is used of a specified type (see page 24), a replaceme” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Replace the alternator driving belt with new one every 1000 hours or four years, whichever comes first, even if there is” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). (1) Inspection and Adjustment of Intake/ Exhaust Valve Clearance.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Injector test / service | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (2) Inspect and Adjust the Fuel Injection Spray Condition.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Inspect/adjust fuel injection timing (dealer) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (4) Inspect and Adjust the Fuel Injection Timing” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Replace flexible engine mounts | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Be sure to replace the Yanmar flexible engine mounts every 1000 hours or 4 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Breather diaphragm assembly inspection (dealer) | 1,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “4.3.6 Inspection Every 1000 Hrs (or 4 years). ... (5) Diaphragm assembly inspection” — manufacturer, j30.us |
| Check wiring connectors | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “4.3.5 Inspection Every 250 Hrs (or one year).” — manufacturer, j30.us |
Service part numbers (9)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150 |
“3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 119305-35170 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65 (Oil)” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “It fits Yanmar 1GM10, 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM, 3GM30F, 3JH2E, 3YM30, 4JH3E engines. Cross Reference: 119305-35151 119660-3515” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 104500-55710 | “Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 104500-55710 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller | Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200 |
“3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 128990-42570 IMPELLER KIT” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 2YM15 3YM20 3YM27A, 3YM30R 3YM30” — dealer, palmerpower.com |
| Drive belt early 3YM30 / 3YM20, below the serial break |
Yanmar 128990-77350 | “128990-77350 3YM30 up to serial #E01732 Belt” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “S/W Pump Belt 1 128990-77350 < E00304” — dealer, ellebogen.com |
| Drive belt later 3YM30 / 3YM20, from the serial break |
Yanmar 104511-78780 | “104511-78780 3YM30 starting serial #E01733 Belt” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780 E00305 >” — dealer, ellebogen.com |
| Drive belt June 2004 up to serial E20847 |
Yanmar 129612-42290 | “Alternator V-Belt 1 129612-42290 June 2004 > / < E20847” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit up to serial #E01732 ... 129612-42290 V-BELT, A37.5 (Alternator)” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Drive belt from serial E20848 (120 A alternator) |
Yanmar 128990-77580 | “Alternator Flat Belt 1 128990-77580 E20848 >” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3YM30 Basic Service Kit starting serial #E20848 ... Serpentine belt 128990-77580” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 128270-12540 | “Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “128270-12540 Air Element” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Thermostat | Yanmar 128990-49800 | “Thermostat 1 128990-49800 / Thermostat Gasket N/A Not Fitted” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “128990-49800 Thermostat” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Yanmar 3GM / 3GM30F parts: good
Factory common repower engine — you entered “Yanmar 3GM30”
Very popular (used 3GM30Fs sell for $3,000+) and supported by a strong parts network. Cylinder head overhauls (valve seals, lapping, injector service) are a common, parts-supported repair.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), HDI Marine (stainless exhaust elbows), Parts4Engines
Common problems (2)
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Overheating at cruise rpm cooling
The 3GM30F has a known overheating tendency linked to its heat exchanger; owners also trace it to coked elbows, worn impellers, scaled heat exchangers or air in the raw water circuit. Some heat exchangers were replaced under warranty.forums.sailboatowners.com
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Mixing elbow corrosion exhaust
OEM elbows corrode internally and should be inspected or replaced with stainless versions before they let water into the engine.practical-sailor.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (2)
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs | “The normal replacement interval for the element is 250 hours ... Filter cleaning First time 50 hours Filter element repl” — manufacturer, c320.org |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs | “Washing period Every 250 hours” — manufacturer, c320.org |
Service part numbers (10)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150 |
“3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 119305-35170 1 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Maintenance kit Yanmar 2GMF, 2GM20F, 3GMF, 3GM30F ... Yanmar 119305-35170 Oil Filter” — dealer, marinedustrie.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 104500-55710 | “Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104500-55710 1 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller Japan-built 3GM / 3GM30(F) (serial not starting with E) |
Yanmar 124223-42092 | “Impeller 1 124223-42092 / Impeller Gasket 1 124223-42110” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 124223-42092 1 IMPELLER, PUMP” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller European-built GM-YEU (serial starting with E) |
Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200 |
“(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 3GM30-YEU, 3GM30C-YEU 3GM30F-YEU, 3GM30FC-YEU” — dealer, palmerpower.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM30F, 3GM30FC, 3TN30F, 3YM20, 3YM30, 3YM30AE engines. Cross Reference: 128990-42200” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 25132-003700 | “Alternator Belt 1 25132-003700” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 25132-003700 1 V-BELT, A37” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 104511-78780 | “S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104511-78780 1 V-BELT, M/19” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 128270-12540 | “Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 128270-12540 1 ELEMENT, AIR CLEANER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Zinc / anode raw-water 3GM / 3GM30; also sold for the F (heat-exchanger) versions |
Yanmar 27210-200300 | “27210-200300 Yanmar Engine Zinc Anode For 2GM(D), 3GM(D), 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, zincsforboats.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM, 2GM20F, 2GM15, 2GM20, 3GM30F, 3GMF, 3HMF, 3GM30H engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Thermostat 3GM30F / 3GMF (fresh-water cooled) |
Yanmar 121750-49800 | “Thermostat 1 121750-49800 / Thermostat Gasket 1 129350-49541” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “Thermostat for Yanmar 2GMF, 3GMF, 3HMF, 2GM20F, 3GM30F, 3HM35F / REC121750-49800” — dealer, marineparts.eu |
| Thermostat 3GM / 3GM30 (raw-water cooled) |
Yanmar 105582-49200 | “Replaces Yanmar Marine 105582-49200 ... 1GM, 2GM, 3GM, 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, repowermarine.com · “1GM10, 2GM20 & 3GM30 Thermostat to fit raw water cooled engine versions ... equivalent to 105582-49200” — dealer, parts4engines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Steering
Edson — Pedestal chain-and-wire steering parts: good
Edson (New Bedford, MA) still sells service parts: chain-and-wire kits, sprockets, idlers, pull-pull conduit steering and internal pedestal parts, and keeps steering data sheets by boat model, many decades old.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (service parts)
Common problems (3)
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Old or slack steering wire steering
Edson advises replacing steering wire about every five years, checking tension with the wheel locked, and inspecting under load annually; owners often find decades-old stiff wire.usna.edu · youtube.com
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Lubrication and fastener checks steering
Chain, wire, sheaves and pedestal bearings need regular oiling or greasing, and clevis/cotter pins and bolts should be checked monthly to avoid failures.usna.edu
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Replacing engine control cables in the pedestal steering
Swapping throttle/shift cables inside an Edson pedestal is a common owner job requiring removal of the wheel shaft sprocket pin.forums.sailboatowners.com
Edson — Traditional geared steerers (worm / rack-and-pinion) parts: good
Edson says its traditional wheels and geared steerers are still available, now built with modern materials; rack-and-pinion steerers are offered for transom-hung and inboard rudders.
Parts sources: Edson Marine (traditional steerers)
Model sources (10)
sailboatdata.com · island-packet-ancestry.com · forums.ybw.com · manitowoc-marina.com · easternyachtsales.com · ecys.com · iphomeport.com · iphomeport.com · edsonmarine.com · cdn.yachtbroker.org
Other Island Packet models
- Island Packet 31 1983–1989
- Island Packet 32 1990–1996
- Island Packet 35 1988–1994
- Island Packet 350 1997–2004
- Island Packet 38 1986–1993
- Island Packet 40 1994–2000
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.