1983 Irwin 43'

[Atraxia]

Hi forum members,
A friend of mine wants to purchase an Irwin 43' 1983 said to be only 3 of them made. I don't know much about them and would like any info you can give me to help him make a decision. He intends to sail it in the Carib's mainly and around Panama. No crossings or heavy sailing intended for now. Thanks a lot!!

[Stillraining]

It will serve him well then.

[Atraxia]

Thanks Stillraining. I understand you own one so you know what you're talking about. Thanks again!!

[steve_hendry]

A resource: Irwin Yachts
apparently the 43 went through 2 mods, Mark 2 and Mark 3.

Another resource is the Irwin email list archive at Sailnet:
SailNet irwin List Archive

My rule for Irwins, having owned two, is that you need be fairly handy and suspicious, since corners were cut in the construction. But they're good boats for the money.

[Stillraining]

FWIW... Lord willing I do intend to sail mine to Mexico and Hawaii and back so we will see..but I will be reinforcing quite a few things first...Once you get into the 52/53 models and above they are go anywhere in the world boats. IMO...below that we have what we have ...very comfortable and capable and moderately fast coastal cruisers...that's what they were designed for.

Ive had mine out in 47 knots and she was just stretching her legs.

[TugTubPaul]

We purchased an 85 Irwin 43 about a year ago. We loved the look and feel of the Irwin CC boats. They have lots of deck space above, and living space below. We are very happy with our Irwin and plan to go cruising for a few years.

After reading comments on this blog we were concerned about the quality and sailing ability of Irwins. We've found the quality of the boat is good. Just after we purchased her we had the mast and boom painted, and we have had to replace hatch seals. We consider this to be maintenance that comes with owning a 25 year old boat.

She is a great boat to sail, a very smooth and gentle ride. We crossed from Catalina to Long Beach in 8-10 foot swells with 20 knot winds and felt like we were out on a picnic. We are able to sail at 5-6 knots with 12 knots of wind at 35 degrees.

There is a yahoo users group for Irwins with lots of information and pictures.

[Atraxia]

Thanks to all replyers. Since the boat seemed a good bargain my friend wanted to go ahead with the deal but the buyer dissapeared. Thanks and I'll keep u updated if there are any news.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by TugTubPaul

She is a great boat to sail, a very smooth and gentle ride. We crossed from Catalina to Long Beach in 8-10 foot swells with 20 knot winds and felt like we were out on a picnic. We are able to sail at 5-6 knots with 12 knots of wind at 35 degrees.

I've looked on-line at these and thought they looked like a possible. But you're kidding I hope here, 35 degrees in 12 knot wind???? I hope you mean apparent wind direction and not heel.