Quote:
Originally Posted by white rabbitt
Would an Irwin 43 Mark II be a good boat to use to sail around the world ? How would it handle in a typhoon or hurricane ?
|
Although I agree with other posters, let me try to directly answer your question:
NO
I own a Irwin 43 MK II. I love the boat, I live year around, it gives me the best space for a 43 footer, and I have seen many 50 footers that have less space. It is a solid boat, no question. I pounded on the rocks for half an hour last year with no significant damage except the sacrificial part of the
rudder.
She is designed to be comfortable and a fast boat. I can easily
cruise at 7 knots, when sailing gets below 4 knots I use the
engine. Great for
family vacations, great for
living aboard. Great for sailing around, going to the
Bahamas, even the
Carribean.
However, the roominess inside, is not good for ocean
work. The
keel and
hull configuration makes for a very uncomfortable ride in following seas. She may not be able to close haul and bite in as many other boats. The
Center cockpit configuration makes is scary to be on the aft
deck when things are rolling, because you are standing there with
lifelines at knee level and nothing else.
So, you would not be comfortable. In comparison, a Westsail 42 has much less space, but has a much more capable
rigging and
hull to deal with these conditions. Same with the Island Packets, although i have heard of chainplate failures.
Sure you could go around the world, but she would not be a "googd" boat ot go around the world. As long as she is well maintained, she will withstand any
weather you can throw at her.
But you would be better off with a aft
cockpit Ketch-Cutter. If you go with a
center cockpit, a large
radar arch would be very good to have. And an inner staysail.
If you really want an Irwin to go around the world, you may consider the 41, which is a totally different design. Not as user-friendly as the 43 MKII, but she is ketch-cutter rigged and has a fuller keel.