Sweet Dream - ISLAND PACKET FOR SALE

Turnkey Bluewater Cutter • Proven Ocean Passagemaker

Conceived by renowned naval architect Robert K. (Bob) Johnson, the Island Packet 485 remains a benchmark among bluewater cruisers. Sweet Dream reflects this legacy with exceptional ocean-going manners, dependable offshore performance, and a level of luxury and craftsmanship that distinguishes her in any harbor.

A veteran circumnavigator, Sweet Dream has already carried her crew across the globe. Fastidiously maintained, thoughtfully upgraded, and freshly refit, she is truly turnkey—fully outfitted and ready to depart today. Whether you’re slipping into quiet island anchorages, planning ocean crossings, or setting your sights on a round-the-world expedition, Sweet Dream provides the assurance, comfort, and capability to go wherever your ambitions lead.

Her résumé speaks volumes: Sweet Dream has completed two full circumnavigations with the World ARC—a rare achievement that confirms her status as a genuine world cruiser. Beyond her global passages, the current owners have enjoyed three seasons along the U.S. East Coast, the Florida Keys, and winters in the Bahamas. Now poised for her next voyage, Sweet Dream is more than ocean-ready; she’s a fully equipped circumnavigation yacht and liveaboard bluewater sailboat, purpose-built for serious long-range cruising.

Designed for voyaging, her center cockpit serves as an all-weather command post—high, dry, and with excellent sightlines under sail or at anchor. A robust displacement hull and full-foil keel deliver a steady, confidence-inspiring motion, while the cutter rig and 40% ballast-to-displacement ratio provide security in true offshore conditions. At sea she is composed and efficient; electric winches, a bow thruster, and autopilot make passagemaking straightforward for a couple or short-handed crew. With a long waterline and balanced sail plan, this center-cockpit cruiser rewards you with easy miles—ghosting in light airs or striding through fresh trade-wind seas—an accomplished offshore sailing yacht and expedition-ready cruiser in every sense.

Description

Turnkey bluewater cutter rig • proven circumnavigator. Designed by the legendary naval architect Robert K. (Bob) Johnson, the Island Packet 485 embodies the pinnacle of ocean passagemaking, and Sweet Dream is a quintessential example—combining exceptional seaworthiness, true offshore performance, and a level of comfort and craftsmanship that stands apart. A proven circumnavigator, she has already delivered unforgettable bluewater voyages and, thanks to meticulous maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and a recent refit, she is genuinely turnkey—fully equipped and ready to depart today. From secluded island anchorages to transoceanic routes and globe‑spanning adventures, Sweet Dream supplies the confidence, comfort, and capability to go anywhere without hesitation.

Her sailing résumé is rare and compelling: Sweet Dream has completed two full circumnavigations with the World ARC, underlining her pedigree as a true world cruiser. Beyond her global passages, her current owners have enjoyed three seasons along the U.S. East Coast and Florida Keys, with winters in the Bahamas; now she is poised for her next chapter. Purpose‑built for voyaging, she elevates safety and ease: the high, dry center cockpit becomes an all‑weather sanctuary with commanding views underway and at anchor; a heavy‑displacement hull and full‑foil keel deliver a steady, confidence‑inspiring ride; the cutter rig and a ballast‑to‑displacement ratio of 40% instill trust when conditions turn bluewater. Offshore she moves with grace, while electric winches, a bow thruster, and autopilot make passagemaking effortless for a couple or short‑handed crew. A long waterline and balanced sail plan yield easy miles in everything from whispering zephyrs to fresh trade‑wind swells—proof that Sweet Dream isn’t merely ocean‑ready; she is comprehensively outfitted for serious circumnavigation.

Overview

On deck, Sweet Dream’s spacious aft platform doubles as tender storage and a waterside lounge, secure enough to carry a 10’ dinghy while underway. A custom hard bimini integrates solar panels and, together with a full vinyl and sunshade enclosure added in 2023, transforms the center cockpit into a protected second salon for true all‑weather living. Upgraded Kato davits installed in 2023, an Extendo‑boom, and a powerful bow thruster simplify mooring and tender handling. All sail controls are led to the secure center cockpit, and a sugar‑scoop transom makes boarding effortless, complete with a hot/cold shower for rinsing off after a swim.

Below, the bright, sun‑filled saloon welcomes with Ultraleather cushions and warm teak/ash flooring; a convertible dinette with an additional pull‑out berth flexes for guests. Climate control is assured in any latitude by dual Dometic A/C units, a diesel heater, and abundant opening hatches and ports. The award‑winning navigation station—recipient of Sail Magazine’s “Best Nav Station”—is passage‑making perfection, with a high‑backed chair, a proper chart table, and fully integrated electronics. The offshore‑ready gourmet galley is properly equipped for serious cruising: dual Frigoboat fridge/freezers, an ENO stove/oven with broiler, microwave, filtered water system, deep stainless double sinks, and generous Corian‑topped stowage and counter space.

Accommodations are designed for comfort and privacy on extended passages: a three‑cabin, two‑head layout supports family cruising or hosting friends. The aft owner’s stateroom is a true private retreat with a queen island berth, cedar‑lined lockers, an en‑suite head with separate shower, and direct access to the cavernous “garage” lazarette. Forward, the guest suite offers its own island berth, ample storage, and private entry to the second head with a dedicated shower. Between them, a versatile third cabin converts effortlessly into an office, lounge, or bunkroom to suit family or crew. Both heads use freshwater VacuFlush toilets—fully rebuilt in 2023 and serviced again in 2025—with large separate shower stalls and Corian/acrylic counters. Excellent ventilation from multiple opening ports and hatches and the thoughtful, functional plan strike the ideal balance between comfort and practicality for long‑range passagemaking.

Sails and rigging reflect a brief to make short‑handed bluewater sailing reliable and easy: a cutter rig with in‑mast furling mainsail, a Hoyt self‑tacking boom, and upgraded electric winches deliver superb balance and control in all conditions. The standing rigging was replaced in 2017; all running rigging was renewed in 2022. The sail inventory is current and capable: a Mack Sails in‑mast furling mainsail from 2023; a staysail and 110% Yankee by North Sails from 2017 on the Hoyt self‑tacking boom—cleaned and serviced in fall 2025; and an asymmetrical spinnaker with a downwind pole mounted on a mast track. Additional rigging and hardware include a rigid boom vang, mast rails for secure access and handling, and Harken furling units on the Yankee and staysail with furling lines led to caprail‑mounted stoppers. The winch and control scheme is engineered for ergonomic, safe management from the cockpit, upgraded to a Harken package comprising two electric Harken 64STE primary winches; the mainsheet and spare main halyard are led through stoppers to a Harken 48STE electric cabin‑top winch, with a second Harken 48ST two‑speed winch opposite—only one of the cabin‑top winches is electric; mainsail furling and outhaul lines are led to the two electric primaries. Two Harken 32ST winches and one Harken 16ST winch complete the cockpit array.

Mechanical and onboard systems are equally expedition‑ready. The Yanmar 4JH3‑HTE 110 hp turbo diesel received professional service in 2021 and again in January 2024, including a new aftercooler (2024), new raw‑water pump and impeller (2024), decarbonization, valve adjustments, filters, and fluids; oil analysis and complete maintenance records are on file. A MasPower MP6M 6 kW, 220 V generator provides reliable onboard power at sea. The dual‑voltage 220V/120V electrical architecture, with dual isolation transformers, inverter, and global adapters, supports seamless worldwide cruising. A Python Drive constant‑velocity shaft coupling with thrust bearing delivers smooth, low‑vibration propulsion and reduced drivetrain wear. A Side‑Power 7 hp bow thruster, fully serviced with all new wiring in 2023, adds close‑quarters confidence. The three‑blade fixed propeller has been fully serviced and maintained as of 2025.

Electronics and navigation were modernized in 2025 with a fully integrated, redundant suite built for offshore reliability and connectivity. At the helm, a Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 9” MFD sits in a new custom pod, combining HybridTouch control and HydroTough nano‑coating with built‑in CHIRP sonar, a fast six‑core processor, and seamless integration with radar, autopilot, and video. At the nav desk, a Raymarine Axiom 9” MFD (E7036) provides touchscreen redundancy and tight helm‑to‑nav integration. A Raymarine i50/60 Cruise Pack delivers triple displays for wind, speed, and depth; a mast‑mounted Raymarine Quantum Q24C Doppler radar enhances situational awareness; and a Raymarine i70s multi‑function helm display presents tri‑data at a glance. Collision avoidance and tracking come via a Raymarine AIS‑700 Class B transceiver (transmit/receive). The Raymarine EV‑400 autopilot pairs with a P70s color control head, and a spare unused drive motor rides aboard for reliability. An original Ritchie SB‑500 compass stands as proven magnetic backup. Weather routing and vessel monitoring are powered by a PredictWind Data Hub, while an ICOM IC‑M510 VHF with HM‑195GB remote mic and antenna kit ensures clear communications. Starlink Maritime Internet (2023) brings high‑speed global satellite connectivity. A Raymarine ST‑60 masthead wind transducer supplies accurate wind data, and a Fusion MS‑RA670 stereo provides Bluetooth audio for the soundtrack underway. Together, this suite delivers offshore redundancy, superior awareness, global communications, and onboard entertainment for serious passage‑making and long‑term cruising.

The electrical system is engineered for global roaming and off‑grid independence. Wired for 220V/50 Hz service, upgraded dual transformers provide full 110V at every outlet, with adaptors and shore‑power options to match U.S. and European standards. Shore power enters through two 30 AMP 220V connectors, with a 50 AMP dock service adapter included. Two Charles Marine isolation transformers and a Charles 100 AMP battery charger ensure safe, efficient shore‑power integration. Renewable energy comes from a 560 W solar array—four 140 W panels installed in 2019—regulated by a Blue Star MPPT 75 charge controller. Underway charging is bolstered by a Balmar 6‑Series dual‑foot 12 V 100 A alternator (new 2023). An integrated inverter supports seamless AC/DC use. Dual converters (new 2023) enable effortless 220V‑to‑110V switching for U.S. or international operation. The battery bank totals ten batteries: dedicated pairs for thruster and windlass, six Group‑27 Lifeline AGM house batteries (2022–2023), plus dedicated start batteries for the main engine and genset. The result is reliable global compatibility, abundant renewable energy, and ample storage for extended passagemaking and liveaboard life.

Other notable equipment underscores her self‑reliance. An Aqua Base watermaker produces 15 GPH (installed 2019) to minimize dock dependence on long passages. Climate control is comprehensive: a Dometic DTGX16 16,000 BTU unit (new 2025) cools the saloon and forward cabin quietly and powerfully; the owner’s stateroom aft carries a 9,000 BTU Dometic unit (2021) with a new pump, fittings, and hoses, and the full seawater circuit—including pump and heat exchanger—was descaled and serviced in 2025. For higher latitudes, a Vevor 8 kW forced‑air diesel heater (2025) delivers dependable warmth. Below the waterline, a professionally applied Coppercoat multi‑season antifouling system, with complete maintenance records, protects the hull for the long term and reduces haul‑outs and costs. Thru‑hulls and seacocks received a comprehensive service in 2025 (over $800), including cleaning all grates and scoops, cleaning the insides from the exterior, removing corrosion from seacock bodies and flanges, lubricating all seacocks and ball‑valve internals with lithium grease, exercising every valve to verify operation, and cleaning all strainer bowls and baskets—leaving the system in excellent working order for safe, dependable cruising.

Deck and rigging features are cruiser‑smart. A custom hardtop bimini with enclosure tracks integrates four solar panels, adding to energy independence. All lines are led aft for safe, ergonomic short‑handed sailing. The folding stainless‑steel helm wheel, suede‑covered for comfort and grip, frees cockpit space at anchor. Tender handling is effortless thanks to heavy‑duty Kato davits with an integrated winch and Kato Lift system (new 2023), a removable stainless stabilizer, Kato Lift 230, Harken 57 mm blocks, and 3/8” line with a cam‑cleat—engineered to hoist very heavy outboards with confidence. Safety rails on the aft deck were upgraded in 2023 to tubular stainless‑steel life rails.

Ground tackle is equally robust. A Cheetah horizontal electric windlass offers dual controls at the helm and foredeck. The primary anchor is a 33 kg (73 lb) Rocna on 350 ft of 7/16” chain. For redundancy, a Fortress backup carries 25 ft of chain and a rope rode.

Safety and emergency gear are aboard in depth: a SUPERIOR Offshore six‑person, fully equipped liferaft (2022); comprehensive onboard equipment including first‑aid kits, life jackets, a Life Sling, jacklines with tether clips, and a bosun’s chair; and an EPIRB by ACR Electronics Inc., Model #RLB‑41.

The tender package befits a serious cruiser: a 2023 Highfield 310 with a 20 hp Tohatsu outboard featuring electric start and tilt for reliable, effortless operation.

Maintenance has been proactive and professional, with comprehensive records available. The engine and genset are serviced on schedule for reliable offshore operation; the last engine oil change was January 22, 2024; the last transmission oil change was February 20, 2023; and the generator oil was changed April 11, 2023. The cutlass bearing was replaced in April 2022 at Safe Cove Marina, Port Charlotte, FL, and the dripless shaft packing was serviced at the same time and place. The bow thruster was fully serviced in January 2023 by Florida Bow Thrusters with all new wiring and the motor serviced. Both freshwater VacuFlush heads were rebuilt with all new parts in 2023 and serviced again in 2025. The Coppercoat bottom is maintained on schedule with full documentation, and the windlass operates perfectly.

Dimensions and specifications reinforce her bluewater brief: LOA 51.58 ft (15.7 m); LWL 43.33 ft (13.2 m); beam 15.33 ft (4.67 m); draft 5.25 ft (1.6 m); displacement 39,000 lbs (dry) with 16,000 lbs of ballast; bridge clearance 63.5 ft; fuel capacity 300 gal; fresh water capacity 300 gal; holding tank 30 gal. Power is a Yanmar 4JH3‑HTE 110 hp inboard diesel driving a three‑blade bronze propeller. The electrical circuit is 220V/110V with converters. A Cheetah electric windlass handles ground tackle. Accommodations comprise three cabins and two heads, with six berths plus two additional berths in the saloon.

This is an exceptional opportunity to own an Island Packet 485 with modern systems, luxury refinements, and a proven offshore pedigree. Sweet Dream blends Island Packet’s renowned build quality with premium upgrades that elevate safety, performance, and onboard comfort—equally at home on serious bluewater passages or delivering refined accommodations for graceful coastal cruising. Sweet Dream is more than a sailboat—she is an open invitation to adventure. The world’s oceans are waiting.