1979 Irwin 25 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison
1979 Irwin 25
1971 C&C 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1979 Irwin 25 | 1971 C&C 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1979–1984 | 1971–1975 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 816 kg (1,799 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 25.8 m² (278 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1979 Irwin 25 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Irwin 25 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1979 Irwin 25 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 1979 Irwin 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1971 C&C 27 is 0.61m longer than the 1979 Irwin 25. The 1971 C&C 27 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1979 Irwin 25 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 25.8 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1979 Irwin 25 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1979 Irwin 25 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1979 Irwin 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Irwin 25 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 1971 C&C 27 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: 1979 Irwin 25 · 1971 C&C 27