Dufour 375 Grand Large vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 375 Grand Large | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Irwin |
| Year | 2009–2013 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.38 m (37.3 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.05 m (33.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 240 L (63.4 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 375 Grand Large and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 375 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The Dufour 375 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the Dufour 375 Grand Large measures 11.38m (37.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 0.20m longer than the Dufour 375 Grand Large. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 375 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.27 and 61.0 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 375 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) 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 30.9% for the Dufour 375 Grand Large and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 375 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 240L 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 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Dufour 375 Grand Large · 1985 Irwin 38