1963 Cal 40 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1963 Cal 40
1985 Irwin 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1963 Cal 40 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cal | Irwin |
| Year | 1963–1972 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bill Lapworth | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.3 m² (660 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1963 Cal 40 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1963 Cal 40 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1963 Cal 40 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1963 Cal 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1963 Cal 40 is 0.61m longer than the 1985 Irwin 38. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1963 Cal 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 61.3 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1963 Cal 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1963 Cal 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 1963 Cal 40 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1963 Cal 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1963 Cal 40 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1963 Cal 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Irwin 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.