Irwin 38-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Irwin 38-2 was in production from 1984 to 1988, emerging during a period when Irwin Yachts was known for building both capable performance vessels and comfortable family cruisers. Designer Ted Irwin, who began building boats at 15, established Irwin Yacht and Marine Corporation in 1966, quickly becoming one of the largest sailboat producers in the United States. Irwin's design philosophy was diverse, often incorporating lessons from the racecourse into comfortable cruising yachts, and also catering to the burgeoning Caribbean yacht charter market by emphasizing comfort and practicality. The Irwin 38-2 reflects this ethos, offering a blend of solid construction and generous living spaces. Notably, a keel-centerboard version was also available, allowing for a shallower draft when raised (4.5 feet) and increased performance and stability with the board down (9.67 feet).

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.7, the Irwin 38-2 offers moderate performance, suggesting it is a capable cruiser rather than a light-air speed demon. This ratio indicates a boat that will move well in a breeze but may require more wind to get going compared to lighter, more performance-oriented designs. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.35, points to a reasonable degree of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind. However, in heavier conditions, a boat with this ratio might exhibit a more tender motion than those with higher ballast ratios.

The displacement to length ratio, calculated at approximately 260, places the Irwin 38-2 firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser. This weight class generally translates to a comfortable and steady motion in a seaway, making it suitable for longer passages where comfort is paramount. The full foil fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to predictable handling and good directional stability. Owners often describe the Irwin 38-2 as a boat that tracks well and offers a comfortable ride, making it a suitable platform for cruising and even liveaboard use.

Accommodations and Layout

The Irwin 38-2 is renowned for its spacious and comfortable interior, particularly due to its center cockpit configuration. This layout typically allows for two full cabins, making it well-suited for liveaboard use or extended cruising. The aft cabin, often considered the owner's stateroom, is generally quite large and private, sometimes featuring an en-suite head compartment or direct access to a shared aft head.

The main salon is typically expansive, offering comfortable seating, a dining area, and often a well-appointed galley. Reviewers and owners frequently praise the livability of Irwin interiors from this era, characterized by good use of space for storage and a traditional finish. While specific headroom figures are not always readily available, the design goal was clearly to maximize interior volume for comfort. Ventilation is generally achieved through numerous opening ports and overhead hatches.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Irwin 38-2 frequently highlight its robust construction and generous interior volume as significant strengths. Many praise the boat's suitability for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles, citing the comfortable motion in a seaway and the spacious accommodations. The center cockpit design is often appreciated for creating separate living zones and providing a secure helm position.

However, common maintenance issues noted by owners, similar to many boats of this vintage, can include the original engine wiring harnesses, which may require replacement due to corrosion. The longevity of the original deck fittings and potential for leaks over time are also sometimes mentioned, suggesting that re-bedding of hardware may be a necessary project for older models. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the active online community of Irwin owners underscores the enduring appeal and practicality of these boats, often making them good candidates for restoration and repowering projects.