Irwin 30 Citation Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Irwin 30 Citation in 1977 emerged from Ted Irwin's prolific design career, which spanned both successful racing yachts and comfortable cruisers. Irwin Yachts, under Ted's guidance, aimed to produce fiberglass sailing vessels that blended luxurious accommodations with easy sail handling in a fast hull, aligning with the company's ethos of building "a good boat for the money" while catering to the burgeoning cruising market. The 30 Citation was specifically conceived as a cruiser, prioritizing comfort and practicality for its size.

A key design feature of the Irwin 30 Citation is its fiberglass solid hull and deck construction, a standard for the builder during its operational years. The boat was primarily offered with a shoal draft keel as standard, but options for a deeper 5.33-foot keel or a versatile keel/centerboard configuration (drawing 4.0 feet up and 8.08 feet down) were also available, providing flexibility for different sailing grounds. This design consideration highlights Irwin's commitment to adaptability for various sailing needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Irwin 30 Citation is a masthead sloop with a length overall of 30.0 feet and a waterline length of 26.92 feet, propelled by a total sail area of 495 square feet. It features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its directional stability and control.

Analyzing its performance ratios reveals its character as a sturdy cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.56, the Irwin 30 Citation is a moderately powered vessel. This suggests a boat that performs reliably in a range of wind conditions, likely excelling more in moderate to fresh breezes rather than light air. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.413 is relatively high, indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 238.19 places it in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between performance and seakindliness. Owners have consistently described the Irwin 30 Citation as a very safe boat with good performance and well-behaved handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 30-foot length, the Irwin 30 Citation is notable for its spacious and comfortable interior, being described as "more spacy than 62% of all other designs" in its class. Ted Irwin's design philosophy emphasized livability, and the 30 Citation reflects this with an "excellent and very comfortable cabin layout". While specific headroom figures are not available in the provided data, Irwin designs typically aimed for good interior volume. The typical interior arrangement would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a private head compartment. The focus on comfort and practicality for extended cruising means the interior would prioritize functional living spaces, often featuring warm wood trim and ample storage for a boat of its size, though specific details on materials and ventilation would require direct inspection of individual boats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Irwin 30 Citation frequently commend the vessel for its solid construction and comfortable motion, reinforcing its reputation as a capable coastal cruiser. Its sailing characteristics are generally praised, with many considering it a safe and reliable choice for the money. However, as with many boats of its vintage, potential owners should be aware that some Irwin models, particularly others in the Citation series, have noted issues with the deck-to-hull joint possibly developing leaks over time, which can be challenging to address. While not universally reported for the 30 Citation specifically, it reflects a general area for vigilance in older fiberglass boats. The active community of Irwin owners online further attests to the enduring appeal and practicality of these boats, often sharing advice and support for maintenance and improvements.