2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Irwin |
| Year | 2003–2014 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.15 m (43.1 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.05 m (13.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 84.0 m² (904 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II is a 2000s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II measures 13.15m (43.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.05m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II is 1.57m longer than the 1985 Irwin 38. The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.75 and 84.0 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 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) 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 39.1% for the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II 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 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II 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: 2003 Hallberg-Rassy 43 Mk II · 1985 Irwin 38