Design and Construction
Early Irwin 52s were built with solid-glass hulls. The Series II, introduced in 1982, adopted Klegecell coring from the waterline up, while all models had plywood-cored decks. Irwin addressed the risk of rot in those decks by saturating four-inch squares with resin.
The hull-to-deck box joint is a defining visual feature, incorporating a wide bulwark and handsome teak caprail. The stanchions are tall but only adequately supported. Early pulpits were screwed to the teak caprail; on later boats, they were through-bolted.
Early hulls used three massive interior pans tabbed to the hull. This construction restricted interior choices and limited access to the hull itself. The Series II switched to all-wood interior construction, with bulkheads and facings glassed directly to the hull. That allowed customized plans and made retrofits easier.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
Under full canvas, she moves smartly in light to moderate air and comes alive in the trades, though she isn’t particularly close winded. The versatile sailplan keeps her balanced and works well with an autopilot, while the mizzen can be used to trim the helm. Her 44-foot waterline lets her reach steadily at 8 knots.
The underbody combines a cutaway long keel with a partially balanced rudder. Most boats were centerboard models, drawing just 5 feet 6 inches with the board up. Under power, the 52 handles extremely well, and with a feathering prop she backs true.
Cockpit and Accommodations
These beamy cruisers made no apology for their motoryacht-like interior accommodations, spacious cockpit, and wide side decks. The center-cockpit arrangement created a large, comfortable space rather than one merely squeezed above the engine room, and a person can sleep comfortably on either side.
Pre-1982 boats share a drop-down galley to starboard, a large navigation station to port, and a palatial saloon. The aft cabin has an athwartship double berth, along with a private head and shower. Forward, there’s a large V-berth, a quarter cabin with upper and under berths, and a second large head.
Series II boats often retained the basic layout but substituted island berths in both the forward and aft cabins. Large side and forward-facing cabintrunk ports flood the interior with light. Decadent features included a stand-up refrigerator and freezer, a breakfast bar with stools, air conditioning, and a generator.
Known Issues
A problem common to most Irwin 52s is the iron maststep set low in the bilge, which corroded over the years. Buyers should also be wary of delaminated floors around the mast because those floors were made from glassed-over wood.
Other potential problems include leaking chainplates, spars that need repainting, and spider cracks with deck delamination. The 52 was built during the blister period, so most boats will show a blister repair in their past.
On early models, the deck hardware was somewhat undersized for a 44,000-pound boat. The extensive 12- and 110-volt systems will need updating if they’re still original, and wiring access is poor on pre-1982 boats.
Machinery, Refits, and Ownership
The Series II introduced in 1982 was substantially upgraded and easier to retrofit than the early pan-built boats.
Most Irwin 52s carried the Perkins 4-236 85-horsepower diesel. It is a workhorse respected for reliability, reasonable service access, and widely available parts despite having been discontinued long ago. The engine sits beneath the saloon cabin sole, with terrific access that also simplifies repowering.
The Irwin 54, which replaced the 52 in 1988, is essentially the same boat and is easy to confuse with it.
The Verdict
The Irwin 52 combines generous living space with capable performance underway. It is a stout, stable offshore cruiser that puts comfort and steady progress ahead of racing pace. Its deck-saloon vision and transformation of the center cockpit set a template that other builders followed.
The Series II’s construction improvements make later hulls the more sensible used purchase.
Pros
- Trend-setting deck-saloon layout with motoryacht-like volume and plenty of light
- More than 250 built and readily available on the used market
- Series II introduced cored topsides and customizable wood interiors
- Perkins 4-236 diesel with strong parts support and excellent access beneath the saloon sole
- Staysail-ketch rig balances well and suits offshore work under autopilot
Cons
- Iron maststep is prone to corrosion, with possible delamination in the mast floors
- Early pan construction limits hull access and interior flexibility
- Early deck hardware is undersized for the boat’s displacement
- Original electrical systems require updating, and pre-1982 wiring access is poor
- Not close winded; most boats will show evidence of past blister repair
