1970 Irwin 34 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Irwin 34 | 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1970–1978 | 2012–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.73 m (41.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 9,800 kg (21,605 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.9 m² (516 ft²) | 79.0 m² (850 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Irwin 34 and 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Irwin 34 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1970 Irwin 34 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1970 Irwin 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 at 12.73m (41.8ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 2.37m longer than the 1970 Irwin 34. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 80% 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1970 Irwin 34 and 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 150L 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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 · 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42