Sailing Performance & Handling
The Avanti 42 is characterized by a significantly more responsive feel than its center-cockpit counterparts. Because the cockpit is located further aft, the steering system typically employs a more direct mechanical linkage, which provides the helmsman with better "feel" and more immediate feedback from the rudder. With a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio for its class, the boat excels in light-to-moderate air, a design necessity for the light winds of Florida’s west coast where it was conceived.
The hull's entry is fine enough to prevent excessive pounding in a chop, though like many Ted Irwin designs, it carries significant beam aft to provide stability and interior volume. According to historical data from Irwin Yachts, the vessel was offered with various keel configurations, including a shoal-draft wing keel that allows for exploration of thin waters like the Bahamas without sacrificing too much lift when beating to windward. In heavy air, the Avanti 42 remains predictable, though it benefits from early reefing to manage its generous sail area and maintain an upright, efficient plane.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike the Irwin 42 Center Cockpit, which focuses on a sprawling master aft cabin, the Avanti 42’s aft-cockpit arrangement dictates a more traditional offshore interior. The layout usually features a spacious V-berth forward, a large U-shaped dinette in the salon, and a functional sea galley. The primary benefit of the Avanti configuration is the expansive, unobstructed salon that feels more connected to the cockpit.
The interior is typically finished in a mix of teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners, reflecting the production efficiencies of the St. Petersburg factory. Sibling models built on this same hull include the ubiquitous Irwin 42 Center Cockpit (CC) and the later Irwin 43, which often incorporated a modified transom and slightly updated interior cabinetry. While the CC models were the darlings of the charter industry, the Avanti 42 was marketed toward the private owner who preferred a traditional "sailor’s" layout. The headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, a hallmark of Ted Irwin’s commitment to liveability.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Avanti 42 with a focus on structural maintenance typical of fiberglass boats from the 1970s and 80s.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many production boats of this era, Irwin used balsa or plywood coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, cleat mounts, and the mast step is a common finding. Soft spots on the side decks should be thoroughly investigated with a moisture meter and sounding hammer.
- Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates on the 42-foot hull series are known to require regular inspection. Leaks at the deck level can lead to "crevice corrosion" where the stainless steel passes through the deck, and in some cases, the bulkheads to which they are bolted may show signs of rot if leaks were left unaddressed.
- Rudder and Post: The spade rudder is a large, high-load component. Owners have occasionally reported "rudder slap" or play in the bearings. It is vital to inspect the rudder for water absorption or delamination, which can lead to internal structural failure of the foam core.
- Blistering: Irwin hulls from this period are known to be susceptible to osmotic blistering. While often cosmetic, a haul-out and "tap test" of the hull below the waterline are essential to determine the extent of any hull saturation.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Avanti 42 benefit from a robust and dedicated legacy community. The Irwin Yachts website remains the primary repository for technical data, including original brochures and sail plans for the Avanti series. Additionally, the Irwin Yachts Owners Group (an independent collective of enthusiasts) provides a deep archive of restoration projects and technical workarounds for this specific hull series.
The Verdict
The Irwin Avanti 42 is an excellent entry point for sailors seeking a 40-plus-foot cruiser that doesn't feel like a heavy-displacement "tank." It strikes a rare balance between the comfort Irwin is known for and a genuine turn of speed that can surprise many modern production boats.
Pros:
- Excellent light-air performance and nimble handling compared to CC versions.
- Spacious, airy salon with superior headroom for a boat of its vintage.
- Shoal draft options make it an ideal platform for coastal cruising and island hopping.
Cons:
- Construction quality can be inconsistent; requires a rigorous pre-purchase survey.
- Lacks the massive aft "great cabin" found in the center-cockpit sibling.
- The aging balsa-cored decks frequently require expensive re-coring if not properly maintained.
