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COMFORTABLY NUMB

51.5' 2003 Island Packet 485

$380,000.00

Last Updated: 2026-06-10

COMFORTABLY NUMB is currently the only Island Packet 485 available on the west coast of North America. She has been meticulously maintained by a very knowledgeable yachtsman and commercial airline pilot. A personal inspection of COMFORTABLY NUMB is highly encouraged and it will reveal a clean, and capable luxury blue water cruising yacht that is turn-key and ready to make ocean passages immediately.

Partial list of recent upgrades:

  • Custom Hard Top & Drop Curtain Enclosure around center cockpit
  • Raymarine Navigation Electronics
  • Raymarine Autopilot
  • Spectra Watermaker
  • Washer / Dryer
  • Starlink Wifi System

The "Full Foil Keel" on the 2003 Island Packet 485 is a proprietary underwater design from Naval Architect Bob Johnson. Despite the modern association with the word "foiling" (such as hydrofoils that lift a racing boat uot of the water), Island Packet's design is not a hydrofoil. Instead, it is a highly evolved, hydrodynamic refinement of the traditional long full keel

The core design principles, structural engineering, and performance trade-offs of the 485’s underbody are detailed below.

Key Design Elements Hydrodynamic Shape: Traditional full keels resemble flat planks. Bob Johnson shaped the 485's keel like an aerodynamic wing profile (airfoil). As water flows past, the foil shape generates hydrodynamic lift, significantly reducing leeway (sideways slipping) when sailing close-hauled.

Cut-Away Forefoot: The front section of the keel is cut away rather than extending all the way to the bow. This design choice reduces wetted surface area and allows the 485 to tack and maneuver quickly in tight marinas, resolving a classic flaw of older full-keel designs.

One-Piece Construction: The hull and keel are molded as a single, continuous piece of hand-laminated fiberglass. There are no keel bolts to rust, leak, or fail, completely eliminating the risk of catastrophic keel detachment common to modern fin-keeled racing boats.

Double-Bottom Protection: The 16,000 lbs of dense lead ballast is encapsulated low inside the hollow fiberglass keel cavity. It is sealed permanently with a specialized mortar mixture and capped with heavy layers of solid fiberglass. If the boat suffers a severe grounding that breaches the outer fiberglass skin, water cannot enter the living spaces of the yacht.

Running Gear Protection: The keel runs deep enough to create a physical barrier for the propeller and rudder. The rudder is connected to the back of the keel structure via a protective rudder shoe, making it nearly impossible for the boat to snag crab pots, lines, or debris while offshore.

Performance Characteristics

  • Sea-Kindly Motion: Unlike modern flat-bottomed boats that slam violently into oncoming waves, the heavily ballasted, full-foil shape slices through waves. This significantly dampens pitching and rolling, creating a highly comfortable ride that minimizes crew fatigue during ocean crossings.
  • Tracking & Stability: The long underwater profile gives the Island Packet 485 exceptional directional stability. It locks onto a course easily, putting very little strain on the autopilot or steering system.

COMFORTABLY NUMB is easy to see on our docks at Emery Cove in Emeryville, CA


Make: Island Packet
Model: 485
Year: 2003
Length: 51.5ft

Name: COMFORTABLY NUMB
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Engine/Fuel Type:
Located In: Emeryville, CA

  • Category: Sail
  • Class: Cruisers
  • Keel: Full Keel
  • Designer: Bob Johnson
  • Builder: Island Packet Yachts
  • Beam: 15.33 feet
  • Bridge Clearance:
  • Min Draft:
  • Max Draft: 5.25 feet
  • Cabin Headroom: feet
  • DryWeight: pounds
  • Ballast: pounds
  • CruisingSpeed: knots
  • Total Engines: 1
  • Engine 1
  • EngineMake: Yanmar Diesel
  • EngineModel: 4JH3-HTE
  • EngineYear: 2003
  • EngineFuel: diesel
  • Total Power: 100
  • PropellerType: 3 Blade, Bronze
  • EngineHours: 6225

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 300 gallon
  • Fuel Tank Count: 1
  • Water Tank Capacity: 300 gallon
  • Water Tank Count: 1
  • Holding Tank Capacity: 60 gallon
  • Holding Tank Count:1
  • Cabins: 3
  • Heads: 2

Additional Descriptions

Deck & Hull

COMFORTABLY NUMB has a cream colored gelcoat hull that shines like new. A Blue boot stripe just above the black bottom paint indicates a well trimmed vessel. A rub rail with stainless steel striker plate protects the hull sides. A varnished teak caprail tops a wide bulwark which rises towards the bow for secure footing. Another stainless steel protective strip is secured to the outer perimeter of the cap rail to further protect the hull sides from pilings and other hazards. The deep scooped transom is one of the nicest features on this model. Large molded steps on either side of the transom make for easy access through the stern rail gates to the water. The transom non-skid is beige to keep it cool underfoot in the tropics. A hot/cold freshwater shower nozzle and control valve are mounted in the lower port step. A telescoping stainless steel swim ladder is housed beneath a hinged cover on centerline and is deployable from the water for safety. The bow has a graceful overhang with a molded an integral, molded in anchor platform supporting double bow rollers. The bow platform is capped with varnished teak.

Stainless steel stanchions mounted well outboard atop the cap rail support double wire lifelines. Boarding gates are located on each side and on each side of the transom. The bow pulpit extends fully forward to the tip of the anchor platform. A Stainless steel multifunctional cruising arch is welded into the pushpits on the quarters. A folding seat is mounted on the centerline stern rail. The arch provides superb mounting for antennas, wind generator, solar panels, rod holders, and dinghy davits. Side rungs make access to these to these antennas easy and are great for the kids to jump off while swimming. The arch mounted dinghy davit is a much better solution to dinghy storage than the standard boom crane for the Island Packet 485. It’s far easier to use, clears the aft deck, and gets the dinghy up high enough for safe offshore passages while still allowing the transom swim step to be used with the dinghy fully raised.

An offshore sailing yacht of this size just begs for a well-protected center cockpit. COMFORTABLY NUMB has a custom hard top and isinglass cockpit drop curtain panels. All sail controls are lead to the cockpit for safe offshore sail handling. Visibility is excellent from the cockpit. Seatback coamings are tall enough for good back support and wide enough for sitting and stepping on. Navigation instruments are mounted in a large Whitlock pedestal and nav pod. The Custom cockpit cushions are very comfortable and robustly fabricated. A back support is aft of the helm. The custom Island Packet engine panel is mounted to port of the helm in a cockpit coaming recess. A teak folding drop leaf cockpit table is mounted on the steering pedestal. Coaming cuddies for line tails are forward to port and starboard. Stereo speakers are mounted in the cockpit coaming forward and also in the outer cockpit coaming facing the aft "party" deck. A deep cockpit locker with hinged lid is located in the forward port cockpit settee.

The Island Packet 485’s side decks are wide and easy to move about. The molded-in diamond pattern is a nice balance of traction and comfort under bare foot while being easy to clean. Mooring cleats are mounted in the caprail. A large bow storage locker is accessed through a Lewmar deck hatch. Anchor rode bins are on either side of this locker. Racks for lines are to port. A deck fitting for the salt water wash down hose is flush mounted just inboard of the bulwark to port of the hatch. The aft deck is wide and spacious. A flush hatch on centerline accesses the very large stern storage locker. This space easily stores extra sails, folding bikes, dive gear, fenders, extra lines, and other gear one would prefer not to lug through the companionway hatch. The Spectra Fresh WaterMaker and steering systems are found in this space and easy to inspect and service. A flush hatch to port hinges open to access the propane locker where two large aluminum gas bottles are mounted. A smaller deck locker is to starboard beneath the flush, hinged hatch.

The raised trunk cabin is fitted with an array of fixed ports, opening ports, overhead hatches, and cowl vents with dorade boxes to provide visibility, natural light, and ventilation. Teak non-slip steps are strategically placed around the cockpit and aft deck for stepping into or out of the cockpit. A varnished teak eyebrow trim strip around the coachroof sides accents the coachroof profile. Mast "granny" bars on either side of the mast are fitted for support.

Accommodations

Entering the interior from the cockpit on the comfortably angled companionway steps, one will be immediately impressed by the expansive main salon with panoramic views through an array of large windows. Full length settees with gently angled shapes, luxurious upholstery, and an open central area invite socializing and gracious entertaining. A hallmark Island Packet feature, the main salon dining table stows against the forward bulkhead and easily deploys to create a large dining area when desired. Settees extend on built-in rollers for table seating, with the starboard side converting to a queen size berth when fully extended. A smaller, removable table is also provided with a lift-out post for mounting at either side of the saloon for occasional use. The navigation center, adjacent to the companionway in its own spacious alcove, features a high backed swivel armchair, inlaid table with storage tray, and cabinetry space with navigation and control equipment flush mounted. A hinged, vertical storage bin neatly stows charts aft of the seat, and the master electrical panels for shipboard AC and DC equipment are within easy reach of both the nav area and companionway.

Select teak hardwoods and veneers are used for interior bulkheads, cabinetry and trim, with deluxe raised panel cabin doors, extensive radiaus corner detailing, cedar lined lockers and drawers, and teak and holly soles in all staterooms as well as the forward passageway and main saloon. A furniture quality satin varnish finish covers all interior wood surfaces. Slip resistant molded cabin soles are located in head and shower compartments, galley, nav center and companionway area. Premium designer fabrics and surfaces harmonize and compliment the luxurious interior throughout.

Ample interior natural light and ventilation is provided by a total of fifteen stainless steel opening ports, six opening overhead hatches with built-in Ocean Air shades and screens, and seven large fixed saloon windows with stainless steel exterior frames and deep tinted safety glass that exceed CE Category-"A" requirements. Numerous lights are located throughout the interior for general illumination, reading or night lighting in key areas. Convenience lights are also installed in deck lockers, bilge areas and machine spaces.

  • Phasor 8KW Generator
  • Central Heat and Air Conditioning thoughout
  • 3 Stateroom 2 Head Configuration
  • Navy Blue designer fabric upholstery throughout in excellent condition
  • OceanAire Screen / Blinds on all overhead hatches
  • VacuFlush freshwater marine toilets

Galley

The galley has a wide, open layout with ample room for two or more to work comfortably together, and three opening ports to keep it light and airy. Two Frigoboat refrigerated compartments outboard have drop-front design hinged lids on gas strut supports for easy access. With extensive insulation and gasketing, these may be configured into refrigerator or freezer compartments as desired. A convenient pull-out refrigerated drawer is included below for quick access to popular beverages and foods. All of the conveniences one has come to expect from island Packet are also provided, including built-in dish racks and cutlery drawers, deep double sinks, trash bin, microwave, and abundant cabinet and locker storage. Further enhancements include custom Corian counter surface with integral sea rails, Force-10 LPG range with broiler, extra harness attachments. The spacious design of this exemplary galley will make it a pleasure to use.

Owners Stateroom Aft

Entering the owner’s stateroom aft, one is welcomed by the attractive offset queen-sized island berth surrounded by a wide teak and holly sole and array of cabinets, locker, drawers and shelves, as well as a luxurious dressing chair. Extra height rods are provided outboard in the hanging locker, and a vanity area with a mirror and drawer sits just forward of the berth. The private aft head is located ensuite, and features a vanity with integrally molded Granulon countertop and sink, separate shower stall with teak seat and folding acrylic doors, and a standard VacuFlush head situated in an alcove with a curved Granulon countertop forming secure and comfortable seating.

The wide aft deck house has numerous opening ports at the cabin sides and on the aft face, a central overhead hatch and two Dorade vents to make this entire living area particularly bright and well ventilated. A door is provided for access to the lazarette storage area through the aft bulkhead.

VIP Stateroom Forward

The forward guest stateroom features private access to the adjacent head, a large double island berth, and an array of lockers, cabinets, drawers and shelves suitable for extended stay aboard. As in the owner’s stateroom aft, the berth top hinges on gas support struts to reveal a blanket tray underneath. Several ports and an overhead hatch provide ample light and ventilation. The forward head compartment has a vanity with a wrap-around Granulon counter and integral sink, plus a separate stall shower with teak seat and folding acrylic doors. An electric drain pump is standard for both forward and aft showers, plus sole drains in the vanity/head areas are provided for routine clean up. The VacuFlush toilet is located in a curved area of the vanity counter to provide "captain’s chair" seating. Two opening ports, an overhead hatch and Dorade vent keep this area bright and fresh.

Office Cabin

The third cabin, located across from the forward head, has been configured to be a multi-use area, suitable for both an office and workshop. The L-shaped counter/desk/bench has built in cabinets under each end and a central knee-well with an electric retracting upholstered chair operated by the push of a button. A Washer/Dryer unit is located in the cabinet below the fwd counter in this office area. A single berth could be created in this office as well.

Sails and Rigging

  • Sparcraft Double Spreader Keel Stepped Spar
  • Sparcraft Rigid Boom Vang with lifting spring and control line led aft
  • In-Mast Roller Furling Quantum Premium CL Laminated Fabric Mainsil
  • Hoyt Self Vanging Boom for Staysail
  • Harken Electric Furler for Genoa
  • Harken MKIII Roller Furler for Staysail
  • Lewmar 64 Electric Self Tailing Primary Winches on Cockpit Coaming
  • Harken Adjustable Genoa Tracks on Caprail
  • Lewmar 48 Electric Self Tailing Winch on starboard side cabin top
  • Lewmar 48 Self Tailing Winch on port side cabin top
  • Lewmar 30 Secondary Winches on Cockpit Coaming
  • 2 - Lewmar 30CST Halyard Winches on Mast
  • Cockpit Storage Bins for sail control lines

Electrical Details

  • 8KW Phasor Generator in the forward section of the engine room
  • 3000 Watt Mastervolt Inverter / Charger
  • 40 Amp Battery Charger
  • Electrical DC Grounding / Bonding System
  • UL Listed pre-tinned 600V color coded and numbered wiring throughout
  • Perko Rotary Isolation Switches for House, Engine and Generator Batteries
  • 110V AC / 12V DC Breaker panel w/ volt and ammeters
  • 50A 120/240 V AC Shorepower System services two 50A 120V shipboard systems
  • 75' 50A 125/250V Shorepower Cord
  • 25' 50A 125/250V Shorepower Cord
  • 75' 30A 125V Shorepower Cord

Mechanical Details

  • Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100HP engine with 6225 hours
  • Single Lever Throttle / Shifter on steering pedestal
  • SidePower 7 hp Bow Thruster with Joy Stick Control on pedestal
  • Kanzaki Model KM4A transmission
  • Python drive axle shaft system with thrust bearing for noise and vibration reduction
  • Extensive Sound Control with premium lead lined insulating foam in engine room
  • Dual Racor 900MA fuel filters for main engine
  • Custom Island Packet engine instrument panel in cockpit
  • Muir Cheetah Model HR2500 12V horizontal anchor windlass with chain gypsy and line warping drum
  • PSS Dripless Packing Gland
  • 3 Blade 21" x 16" right hand bronze propeller
  • 8KW Phasorr diesel generator with remote control panel
  • CruiseAire 12,000 BTU air conditioning/reverse cycle heat in aft stateroom with SMXir controller
  • CruiseAire 10,000 BTU air conditioning/reverse cycle heat in salon with SMXir controller
  • CruiseAire 18,000 BTU air conditioning/reverse cycle heat in forward stateroom with SMXir controller
  • 11 Gallon Hot Water Heater w/ engine heat exchanger, insulated hot water hoses throughout
  • Racor 500MA fuel filter for generator
  • Walbro 12V electric fuel priming pump
  • Lewmar Mamba geared direct drive steering system
  • Fuel, Water and Holding tanks below cabin sole maximize storage and stability and minimize trim changes with varying fluid levels
  • 300 gallon aluminum fuel tank
  • 300 gallons of fresh water in two ThermoCure molded, baffled fiberglass tanks and mechanical gages on each tank
  • 60 gallon ThermoCure molded fiberglass holding tank with deck pump out and overboard macerator pump. Dedicated vacuum pumps for each head.
  • Acugage Ultra-8 tank systems monitor for water and holding tank levels
  • (2) FrigoBoat 12V refrigeration/freezer compressors with Carel digital thermostats, Smart Speed Controllers, and refrigerant keel coolers
  • Rule 3700 Electric bilge pump with automatic switch and "on" indicator light in galley
  • Manual bilge pump
  • Shower drain pumps and ice box drain pumps with strainers
  • UL Listed Bronze thru-bolted flanged seacocks on all thru-hulls below waterline, ball valves on thru-hulls in boot stripe

Cockpit and Deck Details

  • Custom Stainless Steel Cruising Arch
  • Tender with outboard engine mounted on davits high under cruising arch
  • Custom Hard Top with full cockpit enclosure
  • Integral Boom Dinghy Lift mechanism extends from boom for lifting
  • Stern rail w/ fold down bench seat and two stern gates with quick release lifelines
  • Huge Lazarette Storage Garage with access from deck or aft stateroom
  • Large Swim / Boarding platform with twin set of molded steps leading to aft deck
  • Hide-away Swim Ladder under flush mounted panel
  • Hot & Cold Cockpit Shower
  • Wide integral Bow Platform
  • Six 12" mooring cleats and two 12" spring line cleats, S/S chocks and flush mounted chafe guards

Additional Features

  • Dvd Player
  • Cockpit Shower
  • Log Speedometer
  • • RayMarine
  • Heating
  • • Cruiseair
  • Radio
  • Navigation Center
  • Davits
  • Tender
  • • Achilles
  • Solar Panel
  • • 2X Kyocera 250W
  • Plotter
  • • RayMarine Axiom
  • Oven
  • Compass
  • • Ritchiie
  • Vhf
  • • Simrad
  • Flat Screen Tv
  • Wind Speed and Direction
  • • RayMarine
  • Inverter
  • • Victron Energy 3000 Watt
  • Electric Bilge Pump
  • Battery Charger
  • • ProMariner
  • Depthsounder
  • • RayMarine
  • Furling Genoa
  • Bimini Top
  • Cockpit Cushions
  • Cockpit Speakers
  • Furling Mainsail
  • Hard Top
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave Oven
  • Radar
  • • RayMarine
  • Liferaft
  • • Zodiac
  • Gps
  • • RayMarine Axiom
  • Hot Water
  • Shore Power Inlet
  • Deep Freezer
  • Manual Bilge Pump
  • Outboard Engine Brackets
  • Electric Winch
  • • Lewmar
  • Steering Wheel
  • Cd Player
  • Cockpit Table
  • Wi Fi
  • Bow Thruster
  • • SidePower
  • Tv Set
  • Tiller
  • Air Conditioning
  • • Cruiseair
  • Sea Water Pump
  • Spray Hood
  • Washing Machine
  • Electric Head
  • Radar Reflector
  • Swimming Ladder
  • Autopilot
  • Generator
  • • MasPower 8KW

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.

Mark Miner

Yacht & Ship Broker
mark@rubiconyachts.com

415-290-1347 - mobile
510-601-5010 – office

3300 Powell St., Ste 105
Emeryville, CA 94608

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