1970 Irwin 34 vs 1975 Westsail 32 — Comparison
1970 Irwin 34
1975 Westsail 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Irwin 34 | 1975 Westsail 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Westsail |
| Year | 1970–1978 | 1975–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.9 m² (516 ft²) | 49.2 m² (530 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 25 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 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Irwin 34 and 1975 Westsail 32 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1970 Irwin 34 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1975 Westsail 32 is a 1970s offering from Westsail from USA. The 1970 Irwin 34 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1975 Westsail 32 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1970 Irwin 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1975 Westsail 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1970 Irwin 34 is 0.61m longer than the 1975 Westsail 32. The 1975 Westsail 32 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Irwin 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.73 and 47.9 m² of sail area. The 1975 Westsail 32, with an SA/D of 12.33 and 49.2 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1970 Irwin 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Irwin 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1975 Westsail 32 has a comfort ratio of 33.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.65. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1970 Irwin 34 and 41.7% for the 1975 Westsail 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Irwin 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1975 Westsail 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Westsail 32 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 1970 Irwin 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.