1978 Bristol 40 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Irwin |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 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 1978 Bristol 40 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1978 Bristol 40 is 2.44m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1978 Bristol 40 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 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 1978 Bristol 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). 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 1978 Bristol 40 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 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 1978 Bristol 40 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 1978 Bristol 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Bristol 40 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: 1978 Bristol 40 · 1983 Irwin 32