1990 Feeling 32 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1990 Feeling 32
1983 Irwin 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Feeling 32 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Feeling | Irwin |
| Year | 1990–1998 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Philippe Harlé | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.20 m (26.9 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.15 m (10.3 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.50 m (4.9 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Feeling 32 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s design by Feeling from France, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1990 Feeling 32 was penned by Philippe Harlé. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1990 Feeling 32 measures 9.85m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.15m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1990 Feeling 32 is 0.10m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1983 Irwin 32 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Feeling 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.49 and 40.0 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 1990 Feeling 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Feeling 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Feeling 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 32 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 1990 Feeling 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1983 Irwin 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.