This is the final hull built in this series, thus the newest. Trades Considered.
The Packet Cat 35 is a rather revolutionary departure from the typical sailing catamaran. It features a unique DeltaPod Bow. This partially submerged, central deep V plays a full-time, active role controlling pitch and wave action underway. Its large reserve buoyancy dramatically increases both forward and diagonal stability. The central, concave wake generated by the pod effectively increases bridgedeck clearance and prevents significant wave action between the hulls. Residual wave action behind this wake is contained under the raised bridgedeck further aft, combining to virtually eliminate the discomfort and harshness of wave impacts under the central area. The full foredeck, wide side decks, inboard shrouds and full rail enclosure provide easy and secure access to all points on deck. A large, built-in padded foredeck lounge with hinged backrest offers a new dimension in luxury and convenience. The wrap-around cockpit offers a deluxe steering console with folding table and controls for the twin diesels, and a raised helm seat, giving the skipper an unobstructed view while remaining in the center of cockpit activity. Main and jib sheets are nearby for convenient singlehanded sail trim. The large "tunnel" under the cockpit and between the hulls provides a convenient, sheltered "garage" for parking a dinghy when not underway. With an innovative and well-appointed interior, there is a feeling of space and natural "flow" along with a sense of comfort and style. The central cabin's settee quickly converts to a double berth with a simple pullout extension. Excellent ventilation and natural light are provided through five overhead hatches, the wraparound deck house windows, and the companionway enclosure and galley serve-through window. The open U-shaped arrangement in the aft main cabin area is located convenient to both the salon and cockpit, yet is out of interior traffic patterns. Complete galley facilities will satisfy both the liveaboard or weekend escape lifestyles. A louvered sliding door provides privacy for the entire starboard master suite area, with two overhead hatches and four opening ports providing excellent natural light and ventilation. The port-side stateroom arrangement is virtually identical to starboard, except for the addition of a privacy bulkhead with door just forward of the salon steps. A walk through door at the aft end of both tub-shower stalls provides excellent access to the engines, steering, and adjacent equipment space. Molded engine beds with integral drip pans combine with fastidious mechanical, electrical, and plumbing detail to make this area attractive, functional and reliable. Extensive sound reduction measures further enhance cruising comfort, and overhead lights provide ample illumination. The Packet Cat 35 delivers spirited sailing performance with low heel angle on or off the wind, and tacks easily even in light air. Highly effective foil section keels combine with arc-bottom hull forms and the DeltaPod Bow for exceptional tracking and seakeeping, while twin elliptical rudders provide fingertip steering control and immediate response. The sloop sail plan, equipped with both a roller furling, fully-battened mainsail and genoa as standard equipment, keeps the well-balanced rig simple without sacrificing sailing performance. The hull laminate is designed to meet or exceed demanding ABS structural standards and is built in one piece of solid biaxial roving combined with an internal stringer and grid system. This exceptionally strong unit structure has vastly superior impact and puncture resistance compared to thinner skinned, cored construction, or conventional woven roving lay-ups, yet maintains a moderate overall weight and ensures long term structural integrity. The integrally molded keels and skeg-mounted rudders even allow for beaching and drying out, while foam-filled, watertight chambers provide flotation for added offshore security. Deck laminates are also engineered for high strength with reduced weight utilizing Island Packet's exclusive PolyCore system.
