Irwin 37 Competition Information, Review, Specs

The Irwin 37 Competition entered production in 1973, aligning with Irwin Yachts' period of significant output in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company, founded by Ted Irwin in 1966, was known for its fiberglass construction, a standard for the industry during its operational years. While the builder article highlights Irwin's focus on both racing and cruising, the "Competition" moniker and its "1 Ton" designation (referencing the One Ton Cup rule) clearly indicate an intention for spirited performance on the racecourse. Some sources indicate the Irwin 37 1 Ton began production in 1972. Over 600 Irwin 37s were reportedly sold between 1971 and 1982, with the model sometimes offered with three different sail plans. There were also later iterations, such as the Irwin 37 Mk V, suggesting ongoing development and minor variations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 37 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, the Irwin 37 Competition is characterized by a fin keel and spade rudder, features typically associated with good maneuverability and performance. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.06 indicates moderate performance, suggesting it is neither a dedicated light-air ghoster nor an overpowered heavy-air beast, but rather a versatile performer. The ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.48 points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its displacement to length ratio of around 256.28 classifies it as a moderately heavy displacement vessel, reinforcing its sturdy cruiser characteristics rather than that of a lightweight racer. Owners have generally described the Irwin 37 Competition as a reasonably good performer, stable, and stiff with good righting capability. The hull speed is calculated at 7.34 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not readily available in the provided data, reviews and owner accounts suggest the Irwin 37 Competition offers spacious accommodations for its size, designed to sleep six people in a typical two-cabin layout. The interior often features a V-berth forward, a main salon, galley, and sometimes quarter berths, providing ample space for guests or family. Given Ted Irwin's emphasis on practical and livable boats for cruising and liveaboard lifestyles, the interior would likely prioritize comfort and functionality. General construction practices for Irwin Yachts in the 1970s often involved a one-piece molded fiberglass hull with hand-laid layers. While specific details on finish quality and materials vary, some refurbished examples showcase replaced interior flat surfaces with new marine-ply, indicating potential for customization and updates by owners. Engine access and sound insulation are noted as particularly good in some Irwin 37 models.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Irwin 37 Competition often praise its generous interior volume and its capability as a comfortable weekender or coastal cruiser. The boat is sometimes referred to as a "One-ton Momma," suggesting a robust and accommodating vessel with good sailing potential. While it offers a lot of boat for the money, some reviews suggest it may lack the sailing performance finesse of more dedicated racing designs, prioritizing comfortable anchorage living over extreme speed or intricate construction details. Common topics in owner forums include refit questions, indicating that many boats of this vintage are undergoing renovations and upgrades, further speaking to their enduring appeal and solid foundational design. Some owners also note good ventilation through hatches.