The Island Packet 27 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with teak wood trim and a teak and holly cabin sole. It is a Cutter-rigged sloop; with a spooned raked stem; a vertical transom; a rudder mounted to the keel, controlled by a wheel and a fixed long keel or optional long keel and centerboard. It displaces 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) and carries 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of ballast.

The keel-equipped version of the boat has a draft of 3.70 ft (1.13 m), while the centerboard-equipped version has a draft of 6.0 ft (1.8 m) with the centerboard extended and 2.67 ft (0.81 m) with it retracted.

The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar diesel engine of 18 hp (13 kW). The fuel tank holds 19 U.S. gallons (72 L; 16 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 31 U.S. gallons (120 L; 26 imp gal).

The mainsheet traveler is on the rear taffrail. The cockpit features two jib winches and two halyard winches. The cockpit has room for eight adults and includes an icebox. There is a bowsprit with an anchor roller.

The galley is located on the port side of the boat and includes a two-burner alcohol-fired stove and optional pressure water supply. The head is located just aft of the forward "V"-berth, on the starboard side. Additional sleeping accommodation is provided by a cabin settee, which converts to a double berth, plus a single berth to port. The cabin table folds up against the bulkhead.

Cabin ventilation consists of six opening ports and a forward hatch.
Extract all the weights and measures from the text
8000 lb / 3629 kg
3000 lb / 1361 kg
3.70 ft / 1.13 m
6.0 ft / 1.8 m
2.67 ft / 0.81m
18 hp / 13 kW
19 US gallons / 72 L / 16 imp gal
31 US gallons / 120 L / 26 imp gal