1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison

1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
VS
1985 Irwin 38

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Hallberg-Rassy 3521985 Irwin 38
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyIrwin
Year1985–19931985–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersTed Irwin
Dimensions
LOA10.72 m (35.2 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.8 m² (611 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
16.83
1985 Irwin 38
15.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
42.87
1985 Irwin 38
42.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
0.72
1985 Irwin 38
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
23.10
1985 Irwin 38
20.06

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.

In terms of size, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 measures 10.72m (35.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 0.86m longer than the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.83 and 56.8 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 Hallberg-Rassy 352 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 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 Hallberg-Rassy 352 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1985 Irwin 38 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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