1979 Irwin 25 vs 1977 Westsail 28 — Comparison
1979 Irwin 25
1977 Westsail 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1979 Irwin 25 | 1977 Westsail 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Westsail |
| Year | 1979–1984 | 1977–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 816 kg (1,799 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 25.8 m² (278 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1979 Irwin 25 and 1977 Westsail 28 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1979 Irwin 25 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1977 Westsail 28 is a 1970s offering from Westsail from USA. The 1979 Irwin 25 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1977 Westsail 28 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1979 Irwin 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1977 Westsail 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1977 Westsail 28 is 0.91m longer than the 1979 Irwin 25. The 1977 Westsail 28 displaces approximately 167% 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 1977 Westsail 28, with an SA/D of 11.16 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1979 Irwin 25 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 1977 Westsail 28 has a comfort ratio of 36.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.66. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1979 Irwin 25 and 41.7% for the 1977 Westsail 28, 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 1977 Westsail 28 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Westsail 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 1979 Irwin 25 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Irwin 25 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.