1975 Cape Dory 28 vs 1972 Irwin 37 — Comparison
1975 Cape Dory 28
1972 Irwin 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Cape Dory 28 | 1972 Irwin 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Irwin |
| Year | 1975–1983 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Ketch |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 1972 Irwin 37 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1972 Irwin 37 is a 1970s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1972 Irwin 37 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1972 Irwin 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1972 Irwin 37 is 2.75m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory 28. The 1972 Irwin 37 displaces approximately 136% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.76 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The 1972 Irwin 37, with an SA/D of 15.29 and 57.6 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1972 Irwin 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 39.4% for the 1972 Irwin 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1972 Irwin 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory 28 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 1975 Cape Dory 28 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.