1981 Pearson 36 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 36 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Irwin |
| Year | 1981–1985 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,124 kg (13,501 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.6 m² (555 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 36 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 0.91m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.66 and 51.6 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Irwin 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Irwin 38 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 1985 Irwin 38 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1981 Pearson 36 · 1985 Irwin 38