Robert K Johnson is best known as the owner/ceo and chief designer of Island Packet Yachts, a well known blue water cruiser manufacturer located just a few minutes drive from the Com-Pac Yachts yard in Florida. As part of the research for my Good Old Boat article profiling Island Packet, I had the privilege of getting the grand tour of the IPY facility, and a long interview with Mr Johnson himself. Reading his resume is a guided tour of the boating history, community and personalities of Gulf Coast Florida. This is where I grew up, folks.
You may know Mr Johnson as the man who designed the CP 19 and the CP 27.
http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_services/more_online/robert_johnson.php
Wow Henry, I'm commenting again in a part of the Forum that I do not usually frequent.
Enjoyed reading the interview with Bob Johnson because I was once a proud owner of a NEW 1990 Island Packet 35 and shared the IP history for 10 years.
My IP35 was, without a doubt, a well made, strong, and very capable blue water cruising boat. I personally installed most of the ancillary systems that most cruisers want on their boats and SAFELY experienced several thousand cruising miles passing 'neath her keel. The highlight was our first of two extended cruises to the Bahamas in 1997. We thoroughly enjoyed the IP35 which got us hooked on living aboard and led to the purchase of a Krogen Manatee 36' Trawler. Sold house, put what was left in 10 X 10 storage compartment, and lived aboard for a few years. Settled back down here in sunny SW Florida as trailer sailors and trailer power boaters.
capt_nemo