Irwin 37 CC (and larger Irwins)

[Dpackie]

Hey Folks. Looking to hear about Irwins. The 37CC might be the smallest boat on our list as a potential live-aboard. Also have some interest in the slightly larger Irwins up to the 44.

How do they sail?
What are some common issues?
On the list along with Pearson 424s so a head to to head would be cool if anyone has experience with both.
Thanks.
Dave

[BobHorn]

Lived aboard a 41CC for six years. Cruised south as far as St.Martin and up the East Coast to Maine. Loved it, great layout. Had an offer in on a 37CC but it failed survey, blisters, leaking rudder, sagging support for mizzen mast.


Would love a 43CC but with the bowsprit it would be higher marina fees than we would like.

[Dpackie]

Originally Posted by BobHorn

Would love a 43CC but with the bowsprit it would be higher marina fees than we would like.

Right. On a side note, if you wanted a bit more boat, is it realistic to think you could carry a better launch and stay at anchor more, avoiding marina fees for a 47+ foot boat?

[Near2KR]

If it anything like the 42 staysail ketch I've been working on, i'd look really carefully at the mast compression post base ( maststep? ) in the bilge. Then I'd look at that again. Then look at all the topside leaks from bad deck drains and stantions that mount through the toerail. Then I'd look really closely at the mast step again.

[BobHorn]

I think the main mast is keel stepped. On the 37 we had surveyed there is no compression post for the mizzen mast, the deck support sagged, couldn't close the door to the aft head.
The six years we lived aboard we cruised for three years. While cruising we hardly ever went into a marina, so size wasn't an issue. The other three years were spent in marinas, mostly getting the boat ready to go cruising.
After we sold the 41 we bought a house. We recently bought a Whitby 42 but with a house to maintain it will spend a fair amount of time in a marina, hence the concern about length. The Whitby would make a great cruising boat, but again, having a house will limit the amount of cruising time. Wish we had found it when we bought the Irwin.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Dpackie

Hey Folks. Looking to hear about Irwins. The 37CC might be the smallest boat on our list as a potential live-aboard. Also have some interest in the slightly larger Irwins up to the 44.

How do they sail?
What are some common issues?
On the list along with Pearson 424s so a head to to head would be cool if anyone has experience with both.
Thanks.
Dave

Dave,
If you want to know any/everything about Irwins, speak w/Gene Gammon. Here is his website Irwin Yachts - Irwin Sailboats Parts & Manuals
He can also tell you what to look for when inspecting them. The guy is very knowledgeable.

[BobHorn]

Dave,
You never specified whether live-aboard in a marina, part time cruising or full time cruising.

[BobHorn]

Dave, budget?

[KadeyKrogen38]

There are still many Irwin’s still out there. Back in the production days, Irwin’s were the Hunters of their era. You mentioned a Pearson which is a much higher quality boat.

[PuttingDoctor]

Dpackie, come join the Irwin Sailboats group on Facebook. We have over 1700 Irwin owners who are all happy to help without negative comments.

I personally have over six years had both a 1987 38 MK II CC and now a 1981 46 Ketch.

See you there.

Glen

[onestepcsy37]

not sure about your budget but if you go up to 44 feet the toughest boat out there is a csy 44. they made about 250 of them and there are always a few for sale.


we had the csy 37 B plan which i think is the best cruiser liveaboard ever made in the entire universe but there are not many for sale. they only built about 40 of them and another 40 of the A plan but that sucks.


there is also a csy 33 which is as rugged and well built as the other csy boats but there aren't many of them for sale and they can be a bit crowded for more than 2 living aboard.