Irwin 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Irwin 32 in 1970 marked another chapter in Ted Irwin's prolific career. Having founded Irwin Yacht and Marine Corporation in 1966, Irwin quickly established a reputation for designing and manufacturing fiberglass sailboats that catered to diverse sailing interests. While known for his personal interest in racing and the development of successful performance yachts, Irwin also emphasized creating practical and livable boats for cruising and the burgeoning yacht charter market. The Irwin 32 embodies this dual focus, initially designed as a "dual-purpose cruiser-racer" for its era.

During its production run, the Irwin 32 offered versatility in its keel configuration. While the standard model featured a keel/centerboard arrangement, providing a flexible draft ranging from a shoal 3.5 feet to a deeper 7.83 feet, a fixed shoal keel version with a 4-foot 2-inch draft was also available. The original deeper fixed keel of 5 feet was later discontinued. Powering these vessels, owners typically had a choice between the venerable 30hp Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine or an optional 25hp Volvo MD-2B diesel auxiliary engine. After its production concluded in 1974, the robust tooling for the Irwin 32 was subsequently utilized to build the Endeavour 32, a model that shares a nearly identical hull and interior layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Irwin 32 is often praised for its balanced sailing characteristics and comfortable motion, performing like a larger vessel. Its design incorporated a hull that was considered "slightly more speedy" than many contemporary designs, suggesting a focus on respectable performance for a cruiser.

The boat's performance ratios provide further insight into its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 15.64, the Irwin 32's SA/D ratio indicates a moderately powered boat. This suggests a vessel that will perform adequately in light air but truly shine and handle well in moderate to fresh breezes without being overly tender.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio: With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.43, the Irwin 32 is a relatively stiff and stable boat. This higher ratio suggests good resistance to heeling, contributing to a more comfortable ride, especially in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A D/L ratio of approximately 328.5 places the Irwin 32 firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes to its solid feel and comfortable motion, allowing it to punch through chop effectively rather than bounce over it.

Owners frequently report that the Irwin 32 "sails beautifully" and is "well balanced," offering an "easy motion through rough waters." Its PHRF rating, typically between 186 and 192, reflects its design for capable handling over outright high performance, consistent with its cruiser-racer roots. The centerboard option further enhances its versatility, allowing for exploration of shallow anchorages while still providing deeper draft for upwind performance when needed.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite being considered relatively narrow by some standards, the Irwin 32 is noted for its roomy interior. While specific headroom details for the original Irwin 32 are not precisely documented in all sources, the nearly identical Endeavour 32, built from the same tooling, boasted a comfortable headroom of about 6 feet 4 inches on the centerline.

The typical interior layout for the Irwin 32 features a V-berth forward, providing a comfortable sleeping area for two. A marine head is commonly situated to port, often opposite storage or a hanging locker. The main salon usually comprises settees on either side, often convertible into berths, with a central drop-leaf table for dining. The galley is typically located aft, often to starboard, equipped with basic cruising amenities. The general finish quality and use of materials are characteristic of production boats from its era, with a focus on functionality and durability in fiberglass construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Irwin 32 consistently praise its robust construction and comfortable sailing characteristics. Many appreciate its "easy motion through rough waters" and the feeling of sailing a "bigger boat" than its 32-foot length might suggest. The vessel's inherent stability and balance are frequently highlighted as significant strengths, making it a reliable choice for both coastal cruising and longer passages.

While Irwins, like many production boats of their time, can be susceptible to common issues such as aging original deck fittings that may require re-bedding, no specific widespread structural problems are consistently reported for the 32 beyond typical wear and tear on older vessels. Owners of the centerboard version should be mindful of the condition of the centerboard lanyard, which has been noted as a potential point of wear in similar Irwin models. Overall, the Irwin 32 remains a popular choice on the used boat market for those seeking a "reliable, well-designed cruising sailboat that offers comfort and capability at an accessible price point."