Calliope - ISLAND PACKET FOR SALE

The Island Packet 485 is a celebrated bluewater cruiser that blends contemporary thinking with timeless character. Stretching just under 52 feet, this offshore cruising yacht is built for distance and assurance, featuring a robust full-foil keel for superb stability, a moderate draft for versatile access, and rugged construction paired with inviting comfort.

Its cutter rig delivers a straightforward, easily managed sail plan ideal for a cruising couple. With substantial displacement and ballast, the yacht tracks confidently in demanding weather. The composed motion and efficient hull form make it a trusted passagemaker for ocean passages.

Below, the 485 opens to a generous, finely crafted interior with excellent headroom and large ports that flood the space with light. The warm salon complements a capable galley and a flexible three-cabin, two-head arrangement, highlighted by a serene owner’s stateroom forward. Abundant storage throughout supports life aboard, underscoring its stature as a liveaboard sailboat.

Purpose-built for serious voyaging, the 485 carries ample fuel and water, a dependable 110 HP Yanmar, and serviceable systems designed for ease. With its graceful profile, comfort-first philosophy, and renowned seaworthiness, this center-cockpit cutter remains a benchmark luxury sailing yacht for bluewater cruising.

Calliope comes extensively outfitted and carefully cared for. Successive owners have continuously upgraded and maintained her, including new Axiom Pro multifunction displays with sonar, an Evolution Autohelm with EV-1 and ACU-400 using the existing Mamba drive, Starlink (2024), SSB, VHF, and full AIS transmit/receive capability.

Rigging and sail updates include new wire standing rigging, new headsail furler drums, and an in-mast furling swivel and drum in 2023, a new 110% genoa in 2024, and several fresh running lines in 2024/2025.

On deck, the Muir Cheetah 2500 windlass was replaced in 2021 and its motor upgraded in 2023. The bimini is new from 2021, with fresh isinglass on the dodger front added in 2024. Exterior brightwork was stripped and refinished in 2023 and refreshed in 2024. The Kato arch (2017) carries dinghy davits, an outboard lift, and solar panels.

Mechanically, Calliope has been kept ready for carefree cruising. The 110 HP Yanmar saw major overhauls in 2016 and 2020, with a new turbo in 2020. A serpentine-belt conversion was completed earlier; in 2019, the CV joint, thrust bearing, and damper plate were replaced. In 2024, the heat exchanger, intercooler, raw water pump, hoses, port forward motor mount, and propeller were renewed for confidence under power.

Additional enhancements include a Code 0 (2021), new batteries (2024), a new wind generator (2024), replacement of all above-water thru-hulls plus genset and main engine thru-hulls, a new cutlass bearing and stern tube, upgraded mattresses in both cabins, a Spectra 12V watermaker, and a washer/dryer—delivering autonomy for long-range cruising.

The meticulous stewardship of Calliope stands out—one owner, a professional pilot, maintained her with aviation-level precision. The owners lived aboard and cruised for three years, planning many more before circumstances changed. Now lying in a slip at West Shore Marina, this ocean-going monohull is truly turnkey, offshore-ready, and poised for her next adventure.

Description

The Island Packet 485 is a celebrated bluewater cruiser that fuses modern innovation with a timeless profile. Stretching to nearly 52 feet overall, it was conceived for serious passagemaking with reassuring comfort and safety. A powerful full-foil keel lends superior directional stability and forgiving manners, while the shallow draft expands your cruising grounds. Heavy displacement and generous ballast translate into a steady, predictable motion and reliable performance when the weather hardens. A manageable cutter rig makes short-handed sailing effortless—perfect for a couple—and the efficient hull rewards you with an easy motion on extended passages.

Step below and you are welcomed by a bright, beautifully finished interior with abundant headroom and large windows that bathe the main salon in natural light. Opposing settees frame a convertible dining table and a smaller cocktail table with twin ottomans; the starboard settee opens to a double berth, and both serve as excellent sea berths. The galley is comprehensively equipped and sized for life at sea, while the versatile three‑cabin, two‑head layout features a generous owner’s suite forward, ample storage throughout, and the kind of thoughtful detailing that makes long-term liveaboard cruising a pleasure.

Designed for real-world voyaging, the 485 carries large fuel and water capacities, a dependable 110 HP Yanmar, and straightforward, robust systems for easy maintenance. With its comfort-first ergonomics, classic lines, and hard-won reputation for seaworthiness, the Island Packet 485 remains a touchstone among true ocean-going cruising yachts.

Calliope stands apart thanks to comprehensive outfitting and diligent, continuous care. Over six years with her previous owner and three years with her current owner, she has been consistently upgraded. New Raymarine Axiom Pro multifunction displays with sonar pair to an Evolution Autohelm (EV-1 and ACU-400) driving the existing Mamba autopilot. Communications and connectivity are thoroughly modern with Starlink (2024), SSB, a VHF radio, and full AIS transmit-and-receive capability.

Sail and rig developments are equally current: new wire standing rigging, new headsail furler drums, and a renewed in‑mast furling swivel and drum in 2023; a crisp 110% genoa in 2024; and multiple new lines in 2024 and 2025. On deck, the Muir Cheetah 2500 windlass was replaced in 2021 and received a new motor in 2023. The bimini is new from 2021, with fresh isinglass added to the forward dodger panel in 2024. Exterior brightwork was stripped and refinished in 2023, then refreshed again in 2024. A robust Kato arch (2017) integrates dinghy davits, an outboard engine lift, and solar panels.

Mechanically, Calliope has been proactively maintained for worry‑free cruising. The 110 HP Yanmar received major overhauls in 2016 and 2020, with a new turbo fitted in 2020. A serpentine belt conversion was performed earlier, and in 2019 the driveline was renewed with a new CV joint, thrust bearing, and damper plate. In 2024, the heat exchanger, intercooler, raw water pump, hoses, port‑forward motor mount, and propeller were all replaced to ensure robust, reliable operation.

Further enhancements underscore her offshore readiness: a Code 0 (2021), all new batteries (2024), a new wind generator (2024), all above‑water through‑hulls replaced along with genset and main‑engine through‑hulls, a new cutlass bearing and stern tube, upgraded mattresses in both cabins, a Spectra 12V watermaker, and a Splendide washer/dryer. The level of attention is exceptional—one owner is a professional pilot who has maintained Calliope with the same meticulous discipline he brings to aviation. The current owners have lived aboard and cruised for three years. Though they intended to continue voyaging for many more, changing circumstances prompt the sale. Calliope lies in a slip at West Shore Marina and is unequivocally READY TO GO.

Overview

On deck, wide side decks make movement fore and aft effortless, and the generous platform just aft of the cockpit invites lounging and serves as a practical stage for launching and retrieving the tender. Steps to port and starboard descend to the stern platform for easy provisioning from shore. Lift the central hatch and you discover a cavernous aft‑deck locker with twin bins to port and starboard, accessible also from the aft owner’s suite—one of many thoughtful details that set the Island Packet 485 apart.

The center‑cockpit configuration unlocks a remarkably private aft owner’s stateroom with its own head and shower, a hanging locker, cubbies, and abundant storage under the berth, plus interior access to the aft‑deck locker. Descending the companionway, the sheer scale and brightness of the saloon impress immediately: large windows flood the space with daylight. Two opposing settees frame a large drop‑leaf table and a smaller cocktail table, flanked by two ottomans; the starboard settee converts into a double, and both serve as excellent sea berths. To port of the companionway and one step down, the forward‑facing navigation station becomes true command central with a high‑back swivel armchair, ample real estate for instruments, a wet locker, and clear electrical panels. One step down to starboard of the saloon is the sea‑going galley, appointed with solid‑surface countertops, dual stainless‑steel sinks, a top‑loading Frigoboat refrigerator and freezer with controllers and air‑dryers to prevent line freezing, a pull‑out refrigerated drinks drawer, a pull‑out trash bin, and a Force 10 three‑burner stove with oven, complemented by a microwave/air fryer added in October 2022; storage and work surface are generous and secure for cooking underway. Forward, a step down reveals a practical office/laundry space to starboard and a head with a separate stall shower to port, leading to the forward guest stateroom with a centerline queen and voluminous storage beneath; the forward head opens either from this cabin or the passageway. Both heads are fitted with Vacuflush toilets. The interior is finished with solid teak and oak soles, Ultraleather cushions, custom lee cloths for the forward cabin, mid‑cabin, saloon settee, and aft cabin, OceanAir saloon blinds with blinds/screens on all overheads, and screens on all opening ports. Climate control is assured by three reverse‑cycle heat and air units, whether you are at the dock or on the hook. A Splendide washer/dryer (2016) is discreetly concealed behind teak louvered doors, and upgraded 12" mattresses were installed in the forward and aft cabins in 2021.

Under the waterline and across the hull and deck, maintenance has been exemplary. The rudder shaft packing was renewed in April 2024, the bottom was prepped and painted in spring 2024 with Sea Hawk BioCop1230‑1Sea, and the hull was washed and waxed. Exterior brightwork was stripped and received ten coats of Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish in April 2023, then sanded and refreshed with three further coats in February 2025. Ground tackle inspires confidence: a Muir Cheetah 2500 bidirectional windlass (2021) with a helm remote was fitted with a new motor in January 2023. The primary anchor is a Rocna 40 (88 lbs) on 250' of 3/8" G43 HT chain and 250' of 3/4" triple‑strand rode; the secondary is a 60‑lb Bruce on 50' of 3/8" G43 HT chain and 200' of 3/4" triple‑strand rode. For heavy weather you’ll find a drogue, the Delta 96", with its own dedicated gear comprising 50' of 7/16" chain and 300' of 1" three‑strand nylon. A deck washdown serves fresh or raw water. A robust towing rig stands ready with 300' of 1" triple‑strand nylon, a bridle, and a fishplate. An Extendo Boom system streamlines dinghy launch and recovery, lifelines offer port and starboard boarding gates, six mooring cleats simplify shoreside work, and the aft‑deck locker swallows cruising stores. The 2017 AB RIB (10AL) measures 10' and carries a 15 hp 2‑stroke Yamaha outboard.

The cockpit is equally well considered, with new cushions (April 2024), a new dodger and front isinglass (August 2024), and a bimini new in 2021 with new side panels added in 2022; bimini bales fold neatly forward of the dodger and grab rails are fitted to both structures. A teak cockpit table, full enclosure, and zip‑in sunscreens to port, starboard, and aft extend living space in all weather. Companionway screen doors with Plexiglass inserts improve airflow and visibility. The 2017 Kato Marine arch incorporates a 6:1‑purchase dinghy davit, mounts for solar panels, and a flag mount. A Magma propane grill (2017), an outboard bracket on the aft rail, a wheel/binnacle cover, seven hatch covers, and an Awntex cover for the forward saloon window add thoughtful practicality. A sugar‑scoop transom with ladder ensures easy water access.

Sails and rigging are optimized for bluewater reliability and ease. Standing rigging, including both headsail roller furlers, drums, and lines, was replaced in March 2023; the in‑mast furling system received a new lower drum and masthead swivel the same month. The mainsail and staysail are by North Sails (2016); the 110% genoa is from February 2024; a Code 0 by Mack Sails (2021) comes with a UV cover and continuous furler. For severe conditions, a North Sails storm trysail and a storm spitfire staysail are aboard. The Hoyt boom was stripped, primed, and painted in February 2025. A new mainsheet arrived in March 2023, with a new topping lift and staysail outhaul in July 2024. New Endura Braid 11 mm (7/16") main and genoa halyards at 125 feet each were fitted in May 2025, with a spare main halyard led aft to the cockpit. A Dutchman boom brake tames gybes, a Forespar carbon‑fiber whisker pole is mast‑mounted, and a Tri‑Lens radar reflector rides high on the mast. The genoa track and cars were updated by Harken in 2018. Winch power is comprehensive: two Lewmar 65CEST two‑speed electric primaries (gearboxes renewed in 2016 and 2017), one Lewmar 48CEST two‑speed electric on the starboard cabin top, one Lewmar 48 CST on the port cabin top, two Lewmar 30 CST secondaries, two Lewmar 30 CST for the main and jib halyards, and one Lewmar C16 for the staysail halyard.

Mechanical and plumbing systems reflect the same depth of preparation. The Yanmar 4JH4‑HTE 110 HP diesel received its 2,000‑hour service at 4,694.8 hours in 2024, along with a new heat exchanger, intercooler, raw‑water pump, and hoses; the port‑forward motor mount and stuffing‑box packing were also replaced, and a four‑blade Max‑Prop was fitted in 2024. The turbocharger is new from 2020, and a Balmar serpentine belt system increases alternator efficiency. In 2019, the driveline saw major preventative work: transmission rebuild, new diesel engine damping plate, CV joint, thrust bearing, stern tube, and cutlass bearing. Fresh water independence comes via a Spectra Newport 400 Mark II watermaker (2017) producing 5 gallons per hour. Laundry duties are handled by a Splendide washer/dryer (2016). Ship’s power away from the dock is supported by a Maspower 8 kW generator with sound shield (MP8M/208MSA). Climate is managed by Cruiseair across three zones at 16K/12K/10K BTU with reverse‑cycle heat. Close‑quarters control benefits from a 7 HP bow thruster with the upper unit replaced in 2017, a five‑blade prop added in 2021, and fresh below‑waterline parts—props, pins, nuts, and zincs—in 2024. Cold storage is by Frigoboat for refrigerator, freezer, and drink drawer, with controllers and drying filters added in 2016 to prevent line freezing. Both heads are Vacuflush; the aft VG‑4 vacuum generator was rebuilt in 2024, the forward VG‑4 in 2025. All above‑water through‑hulls were replaced, as were the genset and diesel through‑hulls. The manual bilge pump is new, electric bilge pumps complement it, and a new deck‑wash pump was installed in 2023. A hot‑and‑cold shower graces the swim platform. Two 10‑lb propane tanks are installed, with all propane components in the aft locker replaced in 2024.

Electrical systems are equally thorough. A Mastervolt 8K generator had its mixing elbow, impeller, fuel filter, and secondary fuel filter replaced in 2020–2021, and a Super Wind 350‑II wind generator was added in August 2024. The 120‑volt AC side features a robust distribution system, a 30‑amp stern shore‑power inlet with breaker, and a 50‑amp stern shore‑power inlet with breaker added in March 2023. Shore‑power inventory includes one 50‑amp and two 30‑amp cables plus one 25' 50‑amp shore‑power cable extension. A Mastervolt 100‑amp Chargemaster Plus three‑stage charger (2021) charges all batteries, including dedicated thruster and windlass banks. A ProMariner Prosafe galvanic isolator protects the 50‑amp circuit, while a Xantrex Freedom X 2000 W inverter with remote monitor at the nav station supplies AC outlets underway. The 12‑volt DC system is equally robust: house power is six Lifeline Group 27 AGM batteries at 100 Ah each (July 2024); the windlass and bow‑thruster bank comprises two Lifeline Group 27 at 100 Ah each (July 2024); engine start and generator start batteries are each Lifeline Group 27 at 100 Ah (July 2024). A Victron Energy Smart Sense Battery Long Range monitor (2020), a high‑output alternator with a serpentine belt and a spare, and an automatic charging relay for start batteries tie the system together. Interior and exterior lighting, DC USB outlets, and a masthead anchor light (October 2022) complete the package.

Solar capacity is substantial, with four Solara panels on stern brackets totaling 540 watts (2017), managed by four Victron Energy 75/15 SmartSolar MPPT controllers (2020) and monitored via a Watt Wizard display (2017).

Navigation, electronics, and entertainment were comprehensively renewed between 2018 and 2021. At the helm and at the nav station you’ll find Axiom Pro 12" displays, driven by a Raymarine suite that includes a 36‑mile radar overlay on the MFDs, speed, depth, temperature, and sonar. There is an i70s multi‑display at the nav station and three i70s units at the helm. Steering is by Evolution Autohelm with EV‑1 and ACU‑400, a p70s control head, and the proven Mamba drive. A Ritchie compass tops the pedestal. Communications and situational awareness are deep: AIS700 transceiver, Icom M‑604 VHF with electronic fog‑horn/hailer functionality, ICOMM‑802 SSB with HAM channel open and new single‑sideband insulators (March 2023), Starlink Maritime antenna (August 2024), and InReach (August 2024). Charts are provided via Lighthouse Axiom 3 electronic cards. Entertainment includes a flat‑screen Sylvox 12V TV with Glomex antenna, a Nylavee Bluetooth sound bar in the saloon, a Fusion UD750 stereo (2016), saloon speakers, cockpit speakers (2022), and wiring for SiriusXM and weather.

Safety and spares are carried in depth for ocean passages. Equipment includes a Switlik MOM8A rescue horseshoe recertified in July 2023, a Switlik six‑person liferaft recertified in July 2023, four fire extinguishers recertified in April 2024, and a FireBoy bottle in the engine compartment (May 2024). Redundancy and communication extend with InReach by Garmin (August 2024). Safety harnesses and jacklines are aboard, as are PFDs, an emergency tiller, a stern boarding ladder, and smoke/CO alarms with carbon‑monoxide detectors installed in both forward and aft cabins. A full tool kit and manuals for the boat and equipment ride aboard. An extensive inventory of spares accompanies the yacht—contact the listing agent for the detailed list.