1972 Irwin 37 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1972 Irwin 37
1983 Irwin 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Irwin 37 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Irwin |
| Year | 1972–1978 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Ketch | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 25 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Irwin 37 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1972 Irwin 37 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1972 Irwin 37 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1972 Irwin 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1972 Irwin 37 is 1.53m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1972 Irwin 37 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Irwin 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.29 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1972 Irwin 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Irwin 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1972 Irwin 37 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Irwin 37 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Irwin 37 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 1972 Irwin 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Irwin 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.