1977 Irwin center cockpit ketch 37"

[Stevediveski]

Hi Again,
Does anyone know anything about the irwins? In particular the on noted in the title. And is there qanyone around St Petersburg, Florida that can survey a boat?
Thanks to all, Steve

[satdiver]

BoatUS - Boat Reviews - Irwin 37

Also if you put the constraints you are working with and goals people here would likely be able to help you vet out some designs. Although everyone has an opinion on what makes a good boat and what doesn't the information for the most part is pretty useful.

Here is another good source of information for some common bluewater crusing boats. If that is what you're looking for.

Sailboat Reviews of Offshore Cruising Yachts : Bluewaterboats.org

[irwin37]

Not a light wind boat, and does not go to weather really well but the interior is what sold us,its huge inside. Planning ours as a coastal cruiser. Its not an overly built boat but I figure is made it this far so Im guessing it will make it another couple of years. It better, I have been working on mine for 4 years.

[lifeofreilly57]

the last one I looked at had all the same general issues listed in the review.
Lots of interior space for the price point. Pay particular attention to the hull to deck joint and decks on an older one.
Looked at one a number of years ago and noticed leaking at the hull/deck joint in several places during sea trials.

[Stevediveski]

Thanks, anyone else?

[letsgetsailing3]

Look at the boat yourself before you get a surveyor.

[maaseial]

Hey dude. I just joined the forum because I aquired a 37 MKIII. EVERYthing needs pretty much replacing inside. It was pretty much gutted when I got it. I think this boat is a gem in the rough. I need to install new bulkheads. (they were taken out) I'll be posting photos soon of what it looks like now, and as it comes along in the rebuild. I wish I could get a hold of the contruction plans and wiring diagrams and plumbing plans and stuff. I'll be looking into that too. take care and good luck with your rebuild.

[SWFLman]

I recently purchased a 42 foot center cockpit. And I'm in the middle of refurbishing. The previous owner re-did all of the gel coat on the hull. I just recently finished painting the top deck and re-furbishing the toe rail. I will also be doing the interior and upgrading all of the systems. At present, in the process of pulling the engine out. My understanding the standard engine is the perkins 4108, 48 hp. I have a 4236 (I think).... which is a 75 hp. I heard that the 42 footer was generally a little bit underpowered. Anybody have any advice or questions.... would love to hear from you.......

[biker6977]

Hey! I think that boat is on my list to look at- back off
Kidding- it is on my list but we're a while out from being seriously looking- right now we're keel kicking.
I like the openness and the aft cabin.
good luck!

[lesterbutch]

My wife and I sailed a 37' Irwin ketch for twenty years both coastal and blue water. It handled well in seas up to about 20 feet and occasionally random waves of thirty or more. The only complaint or perhaps concern we had was the hull was not particularly heavily built and it's ability to go to windward was poor, about 45 degrees of the wind. However that said it provided us with great comfort and pleasure for those 20 years. I sold it seven years ago and regretted it. We bought a 35' Pearson Sloop a year ago and just finished the rebuild on it and launched today! A much heavier built hull and we are hoping it works to windward better and gives us near as much pleasure as the Irwin.


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[Nicholson58]

My dock-mate has a 54 Irwin center cockpit. Its a dump with potential. He assures us it s a "BOAT" not a "YACHT". I have seen many of the older Irwins. They can vary from extremely nice to needing lots of help. The interiors are usually spacious. Pay attention to the advice from the other posters. Make sure you see it in person, perhaps with the surveyor. Consider the cost of re-power if its original. Make sure you are not looking at wet core & blisters - everything else is cosmetic.

[lesterbutch]

Contrary to your friends definition, here is the definition from the free dictionary

1. (Nautical Terms) a vessel propelled by sail or power, used esp for pleasure cruising, racing, etc