2005 Island Packet 51' (15.54 m) 485
Southport, North Carolina, United States
Sweet Dream
Bob Johnson–designed Island Packet 485 Sweet Dream is a proven, turnkey cutter offering long-range comfort and true offshore capability. Built for bluewater or coastal cruising, she stands apart as the kind of boat serious sailors search years to find.
Flag of Registry: United States
- Center Cockpit / Cruisers
- Sail
- Used
- Diesel
- Fiberglass Hull
- HIN/IMO: TDL48534F405
| FEATURES: |
|---|
| In-Mast Furling |
| Electric Winches |
| New Electronics - 2025 |
| Water Maker |
| Hard Bimini |
| Notable Upgrades: -2025 Raymarine electronics suite, dual Axiom displays -New Mack in-mast furling mainsail (2023) -Upgraded Kato davits & Lift system (2023) -Dual Dometic A/C + new diesel heater (2025) -560W solar array w/ MPPT controller (2019) -Coppercoat bottom, serviced & documented |
| Tenders: 2023 Highfield 310 RIB - Equipped with a 20hp Tohatsu Outboard featuring electric start and tilt for reliable, effortless operation. |
$ 398,000 USD
€ 337,092 Euros
$ 543,813 CAD
£ 290,930 GBP
Description
Island Packet 485 “Sweet Dream”
Turnkey Bluewater Cutter Rig • Proven Circumnavigator
Built on the legendary Island Packet bluewater pedigree, Sweet Dream is the kind of cutter-rig cruiser serious sailors wait for — a proven, exceptionally well-equipped bluewater passagemaker with the capability, comfort, and systems to depart today and cruise anywhere.
Meticulously maintained, thoughtfully upgraded, and recently refitted, she is truly turnkey and ready for immediate cruising. From her robust full-keel construction and sea-kindly motion to her spacious, light-filled interior and well-engineered systems, Sweet Dream reflects everything Island Packet is known for: safety, strength, and exceptional livability.
Ocean-ready and well-proven, Sweet Dream has been actively cruised and carefully cared for by experienced owners and is now ready for her next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a high-quality Island Packet 485 with true offshore pedigree — a yacht equally suited for extended passagemaking, comfortable liveaboard life, or serious bluewater adventure.
Data Sheet
HIN/IMO: TDL48534F405
LOA: 51' 7'' (15.72 Meters)
Type: Sail- Used
Year: 2005
Beam: 15' 4''
LWL: 43' 4''
Draft Max: 5' 3''
Cabins: 3
Sleeps: 8
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Hull Shape: Monohull
Air Conditioning: Yes
Tower: No
Bridge Clearance: 63' 5''
Fuel Tank: 300 Gallons (1135.62 Liters)
Fresh Water: 300 Gallons (1135.62 Liters)
Holding Tank: 30 Gallons (113.56 Liters)
Tender HIN: HFM25550A223
Tender Title: VA1532 CK
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: Yanmar
- Engine Model: 4JH3-HTE Turbo
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Drive Type: Direct
- Power HP: 110.00
- Power KW: 82.03
- Fuel Type: Diesel
Generators
Generator 1
- Generator Make: MasPower
- Generator Model: MP6M
- Generator KW: 6.00
Full Details
Designed for serious voyaging, Sweet Dream features a center cockpit that serves as an all-weather command center — high, dry, and offering excellent visibility underway or at anchor. Her heavy-displacement hull and full-foil keel deliver a steady, confident ride, while the cutter rig and impressive 40% ballast-to-displacement ratio inspire confidence in offshore conditions. At sea, she moves with calm authority; electric winches, a bow thruster, and autopilot make passagemaking easy for a couple or short-handed crew. Her long waterline and balanced sail plan reward you with efficient, comfortable miles, from light-air sailing to demanding offshore passages.
On deck, Sweet Dream is arranged for safe, comfortable handling and real-world cruising. Wide side decks, a double-spreader rig, and a hard bimini with full enclosures create a protected, all-weather cockpit. Three electric winches, a Cheetah electric windlass, folding wheel, and deluxe dinghy davits complete a deck layout designed for effortless sail handling and confident docking.
Built for true self-sufficiency, Sweet Dream carries an impressive 300 gallons of fuel and 300 gallons of water. Her cruising systems include 560 watts of solar, generator, watermaker, extensive battery capacity, and serious ground tackle — ideal for extended off-grid living. Throughout, she reflects the Island Packet ethos: premium craftsmanship, abundant storage for spares and cruising gear, and systems engineered for long-term reliability far from shore.
The spacious aft platform serves as both tender storage and a waterside lounge, capable of carrying a 10′ dinghy underway. A custom hard bimini with integrated solar and a full vinyl and sunshade enclosure (2023) transforms the cockpit into a second salon. Upgraded Kato davits (2023), Extendo-boom, powerful bow thruster, and sugar-scoop transom with hot/cold shower make boarding, anchoring, and tender operations simple and secure.
Below, the bright, sun-filled saloon features Ultraleather seating and teak-and-ash flooring, creating a warm, inviting living space. A convertible dinette provides flexible guest accommodations, while dual Dometic A/C units, diesel heat, and abundant ventilation ensure comfort in all climates. The award-winning navigation station — recognized by Sail Magazine — offers a full chart table, high-backed seat, and integrated electronics for serious passagemaking.
The offshore-ready galley is fully equipped for extended cruising, with dual Frigoboat refrigerator/freezers, ENO stove/oven with broiler, microwave, filtered water system, deep double stainless sinks, and Corian countertops — a true working galley at sea.
Sweet Dream’s three-cabin, two-head layout delivers exceptional privacy and livability. The aft owner’s stateroom is a true retreat, featuring a queen island berth, cedar-lined lockers, en-suite head with separate shower, and direct access to the large “garage” lazarette. Forward, the guest cabin offers an island berth, generous storage, and private access to the second head with dedicated shower. The third cabin converts easily to an office, lounge, or bunk room, adapting to family or crew needs. Both heads feature freshwater VacuFlush toilets (rebuilt 2023, serviced 2025), large separate showers, and Corian counters. Excellent ventilation and a thoughtfully engineered layout make Sweet Dream exceptionally comfortable for long-term cruising.
Sweet Dream is not just equipped for bluewater — she has already proven herself there. A rare opportunity to own a fully outfitted, turnkey Island Packet 485 with true world-cruising pedigree.
Sails & Rigging – Cutter Rig
Sweet Dream is rigged for reliable and easy short-handed bluewater sailing, featuring a cutter rig with in-mast furling mainsail, Hoyt self-tacking boom, and upgraded electric winches. This setup provides excellent sail balance and handling in all conditions.
- Standing Rigging: All replaced in 2017
- Running Rigging: All replaced in 2022
Sail inventory:
- Mainsail: Mack Sails in-mast furling (new 2023)
- Staysail & 110% Yankee: North Sails (2017) on Hoyt self-tacking boom (Clean and maintenance - Fall 2025)
- Asymmetrical Spinnaker: Includes downwind pole mounted on mast track
Additional Rigging & Hardware:
- Rigid boom vang for solid sail control
- Mast rails for safe mast access and sail handling
- Harken furling units on Yankee and staysail with furling lines led to caprail-mounted stoppers
- Winch and control layout designed for ergonomic and safe management of all furling lines, staysail sheets, and sail controls directly from the cockpit with an upgraded Harken winch package as follows:
- Two (2) electric primary winches - Upgraded to Harken 64STE - 2-speed.
- Mainsheet and spare main halyard led to the cockpit through stoppers to Harken 48STE Electric winch. The 2nd 48ST-2 speed winch is located on the opposite side of the cabin top. (NOTE: only ONE of the cabin top winches is electric.)
- Mainsail furling and outhaul lines led to the two (2) electric primary winches
- 2 x Harken 32ST and 1 x Harken 16ST winch complete the cockpit layout for controlling furling lines, staysail sheet, and other needs
Mechanical & Systems
- Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 110 hp Turbo Diesel: Professionally serviced in 2021 and again in January 2024. Service included a new aftercooler (2024), raw water pump and impeller (2024), decarbonization, valve adjustments, filters, and fluids. Oil analysis and complete maintenance records are available.
- Generator: MasPower MP6M 6 kW, 220 V — provides reliable onboard power for extended cruising.
- Electrical System: Dual-voltage 220V/120V setup with dual isolation transformers, an inverter, and global power adapters for seamless worldwide cruising capability.
- Python Drive CV Shaft Coupling: Constant-velocity thrust bearing system for smooth, vibration-free propulsion and reduced drivetrain wear.
- Side-Power Bow Thruster: 7 hp unit, fully serviced with all new wiring in 2023.
- Propeller: Three-blade fixed propeller, fully serviced and maintained as of 2025.
Electronics & Navigation (New 2025)
Sweet Dream is equipped with a fully integrated and redundant electronic suite, built for offshore reliability, situational awareness, and modern connectivity.
- Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 9″ MFD: Helm-mounted in a new custom pod. High-performance HybridTouch™ display with HydroTough™ nano-coating, built-in CHIRP sonar, fast 6-core processor, and seamless integration with radar, autopilot, and video systems.
- Raymarine Axiom 9″ MFD (E7036): Touchscreen at the nav desk for network redundancy and enhanced cockpit-to-nav-station integration.
- Raymarine i50/60 Cruise Pack: Triple displays for wind, speed, and depth data.
- Raymarine Quantum Q24C Doppler Radar: Mast-mounted for advanced situational awareness.
- Raymarine i70s Multi-Function Helm Display: Tri-data readout for essential navigation info.
- Raymarine AIS-700: Class B transceiver (Tx/Rx) for collision avoidance and vessel tracking.
- Raymarine EV-400 Autopilot: With P70s color display head and spare unused drive motor for reliability.
- Ritchie SB-500 Compass: (Original) Proven magnetic navigation backup
- PredictWind Data Hub: Advanced weather routing and vessel monitoring capabilities.
- ICOM IC-M510 VHF Radio: With HM-195GB remote mic and antenna kit for clear communications.
- Starlink Maritime Internet (2023): High-speed global satellite connectivity.
- Raymarine ST-60 Wind Transducer: Masthead sensor for accurate wind data.
- Fusion MS-RA670 Stereo: Bluetooth audio entertainment system.
This modernized navigation suite offers reliable offshore redundancy, superior situational awareness, global communications, and onboard entertainment—ideal for serious passage-making or long-term cruising.
Electrical
Sweet Dream is equipped with a comprehensive electrical system designed for worldwide cruising, off-grid independence, and energy resilience.
- Global Power Configuration: Wired for 220V/50Hz service with upgraded dual transformers providing full 110V service at every outlet. Adaptors and shore power options included for compatibility at virtually any marina worldwide (U.S. and European standards).
- Shore Power: Two 30 AMP 220V connectors with a 50 AMP dock service adapter.
- Isolation & Charging: Two Charles Marine isolation transformers and a Charles 100 AMP battery charger ensure safe, efficient shore power integration.
- Solar Array: 560W total (4 × 140W panels, installed 2019) with Blue Star MPPT 75 charge controller for renewable energy generation.
- Alternator: Balmar 6-Series dual-foot 12V 100A alternator (new 2023) for robust underway charging.
- Inverter: Integrated inverter supports seamless AC/DC power usage onboard.
- Transformers: Dual converters (new 2023) enable 220V-to-110V switching, allowing for easy configuration for U.S. or international use.
- Battery Bank: Ten batteries in total, including:
- Dedicated pairs for thruster and windlass
- Six Group-27 Lifeline AGM house batteries (2022–2023)
- Dedicated engine start battery
- Dedicated genset start battery
This extensive system ensures reliable global power compatibility, abundant renewable energy, and ample onboard storage capacity—ideal for extended passagemaking or long-term liveaboard cruising
Other Notable Equipment & Features
- Watermaker: Aqua Base 15 GPH (installed 2019), engineered for reliability and efficiency, providing long-term independence from dockside water sources on extended passages.
- Air Conditioning & Heating:
- Salon / Forward Cabin: 16,000 BTU Dometic DTGX16 (new 2025), offering powerful and quiet cooling.
- Owner’s Stateroom (Aft): 9,000 BTU Dometic unit (2021) with new pump, fittings, and hoses; full seawater system service and descaling of pump and heat exchanger completed in 2025.
- Diesel Heat: Vevor 8 kW forced-air diesel heater (2025) delivering dependable climate control in cooler climates.
- Coppercoat Bottom: Professionally applied multi-season Coppercoat antifouling system with complete maintenance records. Provides long-term hull protection, significantly reducing haul-out frequency and lowering upkeep costs.
- Thru-Hull & Seacock Service (Completed 2025 – $800+) All through-hulls and seacocks were recently serviced to ensure smooth operation and reliability. Service included:
- Cleaning of all grates and scoops
- Cleaning inside of thru-hulls from the exterior
- Removal of corrosion from seacock bodies and flanges
- Lubrication of all seacocks with lithium grease
- Lubrication of ball-valve internals with lithium grease
- Exercising all seacocks to verify operation
- Cleaning of all strainer bowls and baskets
This full-service ensures that the thru-hulls and seacocks are in excellent working condition, ready for safe and dependable cruising.
Deck & Rigging Features
- Custom Hardtop Bimini: Robust structure with enclosure tracks; equipped with four integrated solar panels for added energy independence.
- Sail Handling: All lines are led aft to the cockpit for safe, ergonomic short-handed sailing.
- Folding Stainless-Steel Helm Wheel: Space-saving design, covered in suede for comfort and grip.
- Upgraded Kato Davits & Tender Handling: Heavy-duty Kato davits with integrated winch and Kato Lift system (new 2023), featuring removable stainless stabilizer. Equipped with Kato Lift 230, Harken 57mm blocks, 3/8” line with cam-cleat—designed to handle very heavy outboards with ease.
- Safety Rails: Upgraded tubular stainless-steel life rails on aft deck (2023).
Anchoring & Ground Tackle
- Anchoring System: Cheetah horizontal electric windlass with dual controls at both the helm and foredeck.
- Primary Anchor: 33 kg (73 lb) Rocna with 350 ft of 7/16” chain.
- Secondary Anchor: Fortress backup with 25 ft chain and rope rode.
Safety & Emergency Gear
- Liferaft: SUPERIOR Offshore 6-person fully equipped liferaft (2022).
- Onboard Safety Equipment: Comprehensive gear including first aid kits, life jackets, Life Sling, jacklines with tether clips, and a bosun’s chair for rigging or emergency use.
- EPIRB – ACR Electronics Inc. Model #RLB-41
Tender & Outboard
- 2023 Highfield 310 RIB – equipped with a 20 hp Tohatsu outboard featuring electric start and tilt for reliable, effortless operation.
Maintenance
All systems have been consistently upgraded and professionally maintained to ensure reliability and smooth blue-water cruising. Comprehensive service records are available.
Comprehensive service records are available.
- Engine & Genset: Serviced professionally on schedule; both maintained for reliable offshore operation.
- Last Engine Oil Change: January 22, 2024
- Last Transmission Oil Change: February 20, 2023
- Generator Oil Change: April 11, 2023
- Cutlass Bearing: Replaced April 2022 at Safe Cove Marina, Port Charlotte, FL
- Dripless Shaft Packing: Serviced April 2022 at Safe Cove Marina, Port Charlotte, FL
- Bow Thruster: Fully serviced January 2023 by Florida Bow Thrusters; all new wiring and motor serviced
- VacuFlush Freshwater Heads: Both rebuilt with all new parts in 2023; serviced again in 2025
- Coppercoat Bottom: Maintained on an ongoing schedule; full documentation available
- Windlass: Fully operational with no issues
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 51.58 ft (15.7 m)
LWL (Waterline Length) 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)
Ballast 16,000 lbs
Bridge Clearance 63.5 ft
Fuel Capacity 300 gal
Fresh Water Capacity 300 gal
Holding Tank 30 gal
Engine Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 110hp, Inboard (diesel)
Propeller 3-blade Bronze
Electrical Circuit 220V/110V with converters
Windlass Cheetah Electric
Seating/Sleeping 3 cabins, 2 heads, 6 berths + 2 in salon
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. She’s equally at home making serious bluewater passages or providing refined accommodations for graceful coastal cruising.
Sweet Dream is more than a sailboat—she’s an open invitation to adventure. The world’s oceans are waiting.
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
Contact Us
For more information about this yacht please contact Paige Livengood.
We look forward to working with you!
S&J Yachts
Morehead City North Carolina 28557 United States
Phone: 252-656-0906
Email: info@sjyachts.com
Website: https://sjyachts.com/
Paige Livengood
Broker
Morehead City North Carolina 28557 United States
Direct: 843-607-7778
Cell: 1-843-607-7778
Email: paige@sjyachts.com
Growing up in the heart of the Southern Outer Banks, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, Paige was practically born with a fishing rod in hand and a nautical compass in her heart.
She has fond memories of cruising the barrier islands often searching for the best clamming spots.
A seasoned angler, Paige has spent countless hours on the water, participating in numerous offshore fishing tournaments. Her passion for the sea extends beyond fishing, as she’s also an experienced sailor, having honed her skills from a young age.
Her intimate understanding of the maritime lifestyle, coupled with her keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, makes her an invaluable asset to her clients.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious yacht for a weekend getaway or a high-performance vessel for offshore adventures, Paige’s expertise will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
