Opinions on my "short" list?

[FamilyVan]

I notice a lot of people are steering you away from Irwins, but I also notice your budget is $20k. I'd rather sail on a $20k Irwin than a $20k Tayana or Oyster- that's for sure. You can get a lot of Irwin for $20k.


Factory finish is basic, but as far as I know- the boats don't just randomly sink. People don't buy them to buck the Humboldt current- but for coastal cruising I think they're fine.

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by FamilyVan

I notice a lot of people are steering you away from Irwins, but I also notice your budget is $20k. I'd rather sail on a $20k Irwin than a $20k Tayana or Oyster- that's for sure. You can get a lot of Irwin for $20k.


Factory finish is basic, but as far as I know- the boats don't just randomly sink. People don't buy them to buck the Humboldt current- but for coastal cruising I think they're fine.

Good point. Crappy boats are cheaper than good ones.

[FamilyVan]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Good point. Crappy boats are cheaper than good ones.

Well, for $20k you are going to get a $20k boat. Well maintained and upgraded Irwins will fall into that price range.

[Theunknown]

Great tips, thanks!

More boats seem to be popping up on the market now that spring is getting here. Lots of Irwins/Endeavours out there. Seems like they aren't on the top of everyones list but if a well equipped one in better than average shape shows up it may be worth a closer look!!! Hopefully the right boat will show itself over the next few months!

[brownoarsman]

I was staying away from those boats too based on their rep on CF and other sites. But since purchasing the Pearson, I've talked with many accomplished cruisers and former Irwin owners who were very happy with them. Horses for courses, I suppose; these owners thought they were great for Keys and Bahamas sailing. Relatively settled water, centerboard models, etc.


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[Theunknown]

Thanks Brownoarsman. Hope your having fun on the new adventure!

[Scout 30]

Practical Sailor published a 2 volume set of sailboat buying books in the 80's. In it they describe Irwins as boats of "mediocre quality & finish" with hulls built with minimal layup & a lot of cosmetic flaws. They describe deep hollows in the hulls which I witnessed firsthand when I worked at a marina. This was due to pulling hulls that were too thin out of the molds while they were still green in an effort to rush production. They also suffered from defective gelcoat. The hull to deck joint is overlapping flanges with polyester slurry fastened with self tapping screws. These were cheaply built mass produced boats designed to provide the most bang for the buck. If you're just looking for the biggest boat for the least amount of money they might fit the bill but I'd consider a better quality option.

[Theunknown]

Thanks Scout 30 I appreciate you sharing this knowledge.