Irwin 28 Information, Review, Specs

Hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, Irwin Yachts, under the guidance of its founder Ted Irwin, made a significant impact on the American sailboat manufacturing scene. The Irwin 28 represents a design that aimed to combine performance with a sturdy, stable platform, suitable for navigating diverse conditions and offering a secure sailing experience.

History and Design

The story of the Irwin 28 begins in 1970, marking its entry into a prolific era for Irwin Yachts. Ted Irwin, whose passion for boat building ignited at a young age, officially established Irwin Yacht and Marine Corporation in 1966. The company quickly became a prominent producer of fiberglass sailing vessels, a material that became standard during its operational years. The Irwin 28, therefore, was constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, typical of the builder's robust approach.

True to Ted Irwin's diverse design philosophy, which balanced a personal interest in racing with a focus on comfortable cruising, the Irwin 28 was conceived as a practical and livable boat. Over its extended production run, the model underwent a number of changes, and variations existed, including the availability of a keel/centerboard option with drafts ranging from 3.0 feet (board up) to 7.25 feet (board down). Specific iterations like the Irwin 28 Mk III and Mk IV emerged, though changes between versions were often subtle, primarily concerning the keel. The Mk IV, for example, was produced from 1976 to 1981.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Irwin 28 is characterized as a heavy sailboat, yet it maintains a reputation as a reasonably good performer. With a displacement of 7,900 pounds spread across a 22.5-foot waterline, its displacement-to-length ratio calculates to approximately 309.6. This places it firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light-displacement flyer.

Despite its weight, the Irwin 28 boasts a generous sail plan. With a total calculated sail area of 396.62 square feet, its sail area-to-displacement ratio is around 17.1. This indicates a powerful rig for its displacement, allowing the boat to perform capably in varying wind conditions. However, later versions, such as the Mk III and Mk IV, showed a slightly lower reported sail area-to-displacement ratio of 15.39, suggesting a more moderate performance profile in those iterations.

Stability is another key attribute of the Irwin 28. A ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 38.0% (3,000 lbs of lead ballast in a 7,900 lb boat) contributes significantly to its inherent stiffness and stability. Owners and reviews often praise the boat for being stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capability. In terms of handling, the boat generally performs well in and out of berths and harbors. While some owners might consider upgrading jibs for enhanced performance, the overall consensus points to a balanced and manageable sailing experience, whether equipped with a tiller or wheel steering.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of 28 feet and an 8-foot beam, the Irwin 28 offers a typical interior layout for sailboats of its size and era. While specific details vary between individual vessels and production years, the arrangement generally features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert into berths, a galley area, and a head compartment.

Interior finishes usually comprised a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a practical and durable environment common in production coastal cruisers of the time. Storage would typically be found under berths and settees, as well as in lockers. Specific information regarding maximum headroom is not readily available, but generally, boats of this size from the 1970s aimed for functional standing room in key areas. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, common features for comfortable liveability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Irwin 28 for its solid construction, a hallmark of Irwin Yachts' fiberglass production. The boat's stability and comfortable motion in a seaway are consistently highlighted, making it a favored choice for coastal cruising. Its robust build quality makes it a popular candidate for restoration projects, offering accessible value in the used boat market.

However, like many older vessels, common maintenance items may arise. Issues with the original Atomic 4 gasoline engine, which was standard on many models, are sometimes discussed in owner forums, often leading to rebuilds or repowering considerations. While not exclusively tied to the Irwin 28, a recurring theme with older fiberglass boats can be the need to re-bed original deck fittings to address potential leaks. Owners of older Irwin models have also noted a lack of readily available original manuals, though active online communities provide valuable support and shared knowledge.