Compare 258 Journey to 268/270 Islander

[scarboni]

Owned a 268 Islander that my wife and I 'weekended" on for 13 years. Looking into a 258 Journey or 270 islander and wondering how the cabin/berth accommodations compare with the 268.
Safe boating and stay healthy,
Steve

 

[family affair]

The layout of the 268 and 270 are the same in the cabin.
The 258 will have about 6" less ceiling height and no enclosed head. With all of the cushions in place on the 258, you will have more bed space and overall length by up to a foot or more since there is no head and galley.

 

[doug228]

The layout of the 268 and 270 are the same in the cabin.
The 258 will have about 6" less ceiling height and no enclosed head. With all of the cushions in place on the 258, you will have more bed space and overall length by up to a foot or more since there is no head and galley.

Interesting, I was sold on an islander to upgrade from my seafarer. But am concerned the bed will be no bigger...I'll have to measure them first. Definately need the enclosed head as we have done more touring than fishing. Also considering a 265 express, but they are even harder to find.

Not sure I want to jump as far as a 282, have even start looking at pursuits, so far only comparable with a stand up head is same size as sailfish.

 

[Hookup1]

I got out of a larger boat because my needs changed. I looked at all GW models for the smallest boat with an enclosed head. The Islander was the boat. I only occasionally stay on board. In my opinion it's barely livable but it can be done for short periods. I really like my 268 for my use case. I day fish in NJ and FL Keys. It holds all my tackle safely inside (compared to center consoles), has an enclosed head, a cabin and enclosure to get out of the weather/sun, good seakeeping and affordable. I would prefer a 270 with the extended running surface, support for heavier and higher hp 4-stroke engine.

 

[doug228]

can you measure the v berth next time your at the boat? length and width would be handy.

 

[scarboni]

Very much appreciate all the feedback.
We are probably 50/50 touring & picnicking/fishing.
Don't mind sacrificing the standup head or galley for larger sleeping berth though it seems with the 258 I'll lose the cabin height.

 

[Ryhlick]

I own a 228 and fish regularly on a 258. The cabin space is not that much bigger than the 228, a few inches wider and about 6" longer. Not a lot of creature comforts on a 258, but it is a good day cruiser.

 

[family affair]

Very much appreciate all the feedback.
We are probably 50/50 touring & picnicking/fishing.
Don't mind sacrificing the standup head or galley for larger sleeping berth though it seems with the 258 I'll lose the cabin height.

With all of the cushions in place, the 258 has good elbow room and length for 2 to sleep. I'm 6'1 and didn't feel cramped. The 268/270 v-birth is about 2-3" shorter than I would like it to be but I can make it work.

 

[Hookup1]

This is simple enough that I don't need a picture. 1997 268 Islander.

The v-berth bunks are 6' 1" on the diagonal from both aft edges.

The cabin height forward is 64" from the floor. The cabin height mid-ship to the steps is 6' 1" from the floor.

Overall width at aft end of v-berth is 67".

 

[doug228]

Interesting. I just measured my seafarer and the bed is slight bigger.
6 foot 3 along the edges
70 inches wide at the aft end.
Cabin height is around 65 or inches.

I'll have to lay in the islander to decide. Not having the bulkhead at the edge of the bed may help the bed feel bigger.