1972 Ranger 29 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Ranger 29 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Ranger | Irwin |
| Year | 1972–1978 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gary Mull | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Ranger 29 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s design by Ranger from USA, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1972 Ranger 29 was penned by Gary Mull. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1972 Ranger 29 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 2.74m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 136% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Ranger 29 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.47 and 35.0 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 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Ranger 29 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Ranger 29 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 Ranger 29 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1972 Ranger 29 · 1985 Irwin 38