1977 Cal 33 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1977 Cal 33 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cal | Irwin |
| Year | 1977–1982 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1977 Cal 33 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Cal 33 is a 1970s design by Cal from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1977 Cal 33 was penned by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1977 Cal 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1977 Cal 33 is 0.31m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1977 Cal 33 displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1977 Cal 33 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.53 and 43.0 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 1977 Cal 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1977 Cal 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1977 Cal 33 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1977 Cal 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Cal 33 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 1977 Cal 33 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1977 Cal 33 · 1983 Irwin 32