1996 Hunter 290 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
1983 Irwin 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Irwin |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1983 Irwin 32 is 0.91m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 1983 Irwin 32 displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Hunter 290 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 38.9 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 1996 Hunter 290 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Hunter 290 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Hunter 290 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 1996 Hunter 290 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.