Island Packet Estero 36

Island Packet Estero, a 2010 model, built in 2009 is fully equipped for bluewater cruising and now exclusively for sale with DBY Boat Sales.

Currently owned by a meticulous couple that have spared nothing on making this boat an incredibly tidy and safe, comfortable cruising yacht.

Introduced in 2009 to the extensive range of Island Packet yachts, the 36-foot shoal draft Estero is Island Packet’s attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. The boat’s length-to-beam ratio of 2.95m is also in keeping with Bob Johnson’s previous designs, as is the conservative ballast displacement ratio of 40 per cent.

The Estero’s forward saloon is principally a social/dining area. With the drop-leaf table up, there is comfortable seating for two couples. With the dining table down, it converts into a roomy V-berth.

Just aft of the mast and to port is the U-shaped galley. The galley placement is probably the biggest advantage of this layout compared with other boats in this size. Instead of being tucked into an aft corner or in the line of traffic, the galley is set near the fore-and-aft center of the boat, with a hatch overhead and opening portlights for ventilation and a view.

The galley covers all the essentials such as counter space, cupboards, and deep well-insulated fridge-freezer systems.

Opposite the owner’s cabin is the nav station with a fold-down chart table and a roomy pilot berth.

The Estero foresail sets from a Hoyt boom fixed just forward of the stem on the bowsprit. In this way, both the jib and the main are self-tacking, so working to windward is as easy as turning the wheel. The arrangement also allows for tight sheeting angles.The mainsail and jib halyards are led to dedicated Lewmar Ocean Series 16C two-speed winches on the mast; this reduces clutter at the cabin and makes sense for cruising boats with a furling mainsail.

The mainsail roller-furling control line, jib sheet, and spare mainsail halyard lead aft through stoppers to the Ocean Series 30CT two-speed self-tailing winch on the portside of the companionway. The mainsheet and boom-vang lead through a stopper and matching winch on the starboard side of the companionway.

The 7-foot-long cockpit seats offer plenty of room to stretch out. A large starboard locker offers room enough for two folding bikes and more; a port tray keeps small items accessible. Liner bins in the coamings keep the deck clear of running rigging. The emergency tiller has a dedicated spot in the starboard locker. The large starboard locker contains the 6.5 kva Fischer Panda gen set, the 30 gal/hour water-maker with ample additional storage space.

Visibility is excellent, and the twin 2-inch cockpit drains and high bridgedeck deal with any boarding waves. Drop boards are solid hardwood.

Comfortable platform seats are integrated into the stern rail. A high coaming and wide passage forward leads to the foredeck where a deep locker with an aft-opening Lewmar hatch seals a deep anchor well. The divided well swallows up chain and fenders and drains into the bilge through a watertight bulkhead that seals the locker off from the rest of the boat.

Custom-made, and extremely robust, stern arch, which houses the dinghy davit with electric winch, and provides footing for 3 solar panels and various antennas.

For sale with DBY Boat Sales Pittwater Office in Newport. Please call +61 2 9999 3311 for an inspection. For additional high-resolution photos and detailed inventory, please email sales@dbyboatsales.com.au.