1970 Irwin 34 vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison
1985 Sabre 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Irwin 34 | 1985 Sabre 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Sabre |
| Year | 1970–1978 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.9 m² (516 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Irwin 34 and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Irwin 34 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1970 Irwin 34 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 1970 Irwin 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1970 Irwin 34 is 0.61m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 1970 Irwin 34 displaces approximately 33% 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 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Sabre 32 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 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1970 Irwin 34 and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 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 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Irwin 34 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 1985 Sabre 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1970 Irwin 34 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1970 Irwin 34 · 1985 Sabre 32