Irwin 41 Citation Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 41 Citation is characterized by an exceptionally high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 54%, with 9,500 lbs of lead ballast counteracting a total displacement of 17,500 lbs. This configuration results in a very "stiff" boat that can carry its full sail plan well into higher wind ranges without excessive heeling. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 18.75, the vessel is energetic and capable of light-air performance that the brand's heavier "Cruising" and "Classic" models cannot match. The rig dimensions, as cataloged by Mauri Pro Sailing, feature a 54.9-foot I-measurement and a 17-foot J-measurement, supporting a total sail area of nearly 787 square feet.

Handling is precise due to the deep spade rudder and fin keel, providing the tracking and pointing ability required for SORC-style racing. However, the deep 7.25-foot draft limits its utility in shallow coastal areas like the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay. While many Irwins were built for the charter trade, the Citation 41 was engineered for the "around the buoys" racing circuit, offering a responsive helm and a more involved sailing experience than the traditional Irwin deck-saloon models.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 41 Citation follows a sophisticated racing layout designed to accommodate a full crew of eight people. The forward section contains a traditional double V-berth cabin. The main salon features two straight settees, notably augmented by pilot berths located above and behind the settee backs—a common feature in 1970s and 80s performance boats to allow crew to sleep on the high side while underway.

The most distinctive structural feature is the double-cockpit design. The helm is located in a small aft cockpit for the driver, while a separate, larger center cockpit serves as the crew's workspace, housing the mainsheet traveler and primary winches. The companionway enters through this center cockpit, leading to an L-shaped galley on the port side and a dedicated navigation station to starboard. An aft cabin provides a double berth and private access to the head, which is also accessible from the main salon. Despite its racing pedigree, the vessel retains a level of "liveability" with wood trim and a functional layout, though it lacks the expansive headroom and storage found in the sister Citation 39 or the center-cockpit cruiser siblings.

Popular Mentions & Media

The 41 Citation holds a unique place in nautical history as the production realization of Ted Irwin’s most successful racing yacht, Razzle Dazzle. That specific hull achieved legendary status by winning the 1982 SORC, proving that Irwin’s design office could compete at the highest levels of international offshore racing. While the production 41 Citation is rare, its silhouette is often recognized in historical SORC coverage from the early 1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the 41 Citation with the understanding that it was a limited-production performance boat. Technical research from owner forums suggests several high-signal areas for inspection:

• Fuel and Water Capacity: The boat carries only 20 gallons of fuel and 40 gallons of water. For a 41-foot boat, this is extremely low and reflects its racing intent. Buyers looking to convert a Citation to a cruiser will likely need to find space for auxiliary tankage.
• Keel-Hull Joint: Owners have reported that the bilge area can contain lead blocks used as internal ballast, which can obscure the keel bolts. A thorough survey is required to ensure no "smile" or separation exists at the joint, especially given the leverage of the 7.25-foot keel.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: Like many Irwins of this era, the hull-to-deck joint may develop leaks over time. Water intrusion here can migrate to the interior bulkheads and cause delamination if not addressed with re-bedding.
• Fuel Tank Material: Many Irwins from the early 1980s used aluminum fuel tanks that are prone to pitting and corrosion from the bottom up. Accessing and replacing these tanks can be a major structural project.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for owners is the Irwin Yacht Owners association, which maintains a technical repository and a dedicated community for all Ted Irwin designs. Information on original sales materials and rig specifications can occasionally be found through the Irwin Citation 41 Brochure archives, which provide insight into the original factory options.

The Verdict

The Irwin 41 Citation is a "wolf in sheep’s clothing" within the used boat market—a rare, high-performance racing hull disguised as a standard production yacht. It is best suited for sailors who prioritize speed and windward ability over the voluminous interior storage of a dedicated cruiser.

Pros:

• High-performance SORC-winning hull design.
• Extremely stiff and stable due to a 54% ballast ratio.
• Unique double-cockpit layout optimizes crew work and helming.

Cons:

• Prohibitively deep 7.25-foot draft for many coastal regions.
• Insufficient fuel and water tankage for extended cruising.
• Extremely rare, making parts and sister-ship comparisons difficult.