Disclaimer: This blog post may read like an advertisement, but it isn’t. We have no affiliation with Island Packet Yachts beyond being happy owners of one of their sailboats. All impressions are simply our own experiences and appreciation for the boat and the people behind it.

A little over a year ago we bought our 2020 Island Packet 349 ‘Koko‘ secondhand, and in the process we got connected with Darrell and Leslie, the co-owners of Island Packet Yachts. That connection turned out to be far more than a name on an email or a voice on a phone call. From the very beginning, they made us feel like part of the Island Packet family, answering questions, offering guidance, and showing a level of personal involvement that you just don’t expect when you’re buying a boat—especially when it isn’t fresh off the production line, but one that had already changed hands.

So when we mentioned that we’d be in the Largo, FL area and thought it would be nice to stop by and say hello, they didn’t just smile politely. They offered us a proper visit and a tour of the factory where our very own boat had first been built. For us, that was something special. Walking through the factory, seeing the care that goes into each hull, and hearing directly from individuals who worked on our boat gave us a whole new appreciation for what we already knew: Island Packet Yachts doesn’t just build sailboats, they stand behind them long after they’ve left the yard.

That spirit of support has been there from the beginning. The boat we fell in love with was sold through the in‑house brokerage of Island Packet Yachts. Buying secondhand through the manufacturer’s own channel turned out to have real advantages, and much of that was thanks to Scott. He runs the brokerage, and he was the one who had listed our 349 and managed the entire process from beginning to end. Scott’s knowledge of Island Packets is deep. Being a Packeteer himself, he knows these boats inside and out, and he somehow pulled off things that felt nearly impossible, like securing us a slip in one of the most sought-after marinas in St. Petersburg. He smoothed out paperwork tangles, kept communication flowing when timing was tight, and made the entire process feel less like a transaction and more like teamwork.

But the real surprise came after the purchase. Scott and Darrell arranged for one of their engineers to spend an afternoon with us on the boat, walking us through every system, patiently answering questions, and making sure we felt at home with her. Think about that for a second: you buy a used(!) boat, the deal is done, money has changed hands, and then the manufacturer offers to send an engineer to help you settle in. No contract clause, no hidden fee, just genuine support.

And it didn’t stop there. When we discovered a few minor issues that needed fixing, the factory sent an engineer out to take care of them, again at no cost to us. Over the months, whenever we had a question, we reached out directly to Darrell, Scott, or Leslie, and every time we got not just a quick reply but thoughtful help that went beyond what we asked. It’s one thing to say a company stands behind its products, but it’s another to see the owners themselves digging into your questions and making sure you’re taken care of. That’s not the kind of support you expect in today’s world, and yet here it is, alive and well at Island Packet Yachts.

Walking into the Island Packet factory today didn’t feel like stepping into a business. It felt like dropping in on friends who just happen to spend their days building sailboats.

Darrell himself greeted us warmly when we arrived, taking the time to chat before he was called away for an appointment. Even in those few minutes, his enthusiasm for the boats and the people who sail them came through clearly. He then left us in the capable hands of Joel, a long‑time member of the Island Packet crew, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Joel gave us a personal tour of the factory that was not only fascinating but also incredibly informative.

He led us through the entire boat-building process, step by step, starting with the molds. At the time, they were working on a new 359, the slightly updated evolution of the 349. Seeing that mold was a bit surreal. It’s essentially the same as our own boat, and standing beside it we were struck by how massive it looked. Hard to believe that’s what our boat looked like in its earliest stage.

From there, Joel showed us how the rudders are built, and then we moved into the carpentry corner, which felt like stepping into a workshop of pure craftsmanship.

Everything is done in‑house. You see stacks of raw wood in one corner, and then the machinery and skilled hands that transform it into the beautiful interiors Island Packets are known for. Solid wood everywhere, no shortcuts with laminates or plywood. Watching the care that goes into each detail—many of which you might not notice individually once you’re aboard—made us appreciate how those small touches add up to the unmistakable feel of an Island Packet.

Next came the area where the boat’s deck is fabricated…

… followed by the space where the skeleton of the cabin floor, with compartments for tanks and storage, are mounted.

Joel pointed out the keel, integral to the hull, soon to be filled with lead. It was remarkable to see the bones of a boat before it becomes the finished product we know.

Later, we walked through the stages where the interior is installed, wiring and plumbing laid, and systems integrated.

The pride of the workers was obvious in every corner. Joel introduced us to Tom, the man responsible for all the stainless steel components. He fabricates everything in‑house, from backing plates to the polished handrails, stanchions, and pulpits. Seeing his enthusiasm and passion first hand, and learning how every component is made from scratch gave us a new appreciation for the workmanship and quality we see and touch every day on our own boat.

By the end of the tour, we had learned so much more than we expected. Seeing the process firsthand, guided by someone who has spent years shaping these boats, made us realize just how much passion and skill goes into every Island Packet. It wasn’t just a factory visit. It was a glimpse into the heart of what makes our Koko so special.

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