1972 Irwin 28 owner here. It’s always felt a little home made to me so makes sense that they kept a lot in house. Very solid hull, leaky hull deck joint connected with screws. Many happy summers with my family but we stay 10 miles or so from port. No frills but not as slow as slow as it looks.
I picked up a 39.9 1979 Irwin early last year, and you're spot on! This boat is fabulous for my local, Miami the Bahamas. And you're right, it's never going to win races, but you're going to feel great when you get there.
When I lived up in Brevard county, I had a beautiful Irwin 40' center console and she took my and my motley crew to the Bahamas many times. Safely. Slowly. And with questionable cargo a couple of times. I miss my Windsong II!
When I lived up in Brevard county, I had a beautiful Irwin 40' center console and she took my and my motley crew to the Bahamas many times. Safely. Slowly. And with questionable cargo a couple of times. I miss my Windsong II!
Sorry to disagree, but my Irwin 37 Mk3 had crossed the atlantic and pacific several times and is solid and stable in high winds and seas.... thay are fantastic blue water boats and anyone who has owned one and sailed them will tell you the same... but yes, they are not a fast boat, you're not winning any races in the cruising line of these boats.
We are currently redoing a 1979 Irwin 37' center Cockpit (feel free to follow us, and I swear...our videos will get better 🤣) but I'll say this, as we strip it out... it is well built. A few things I'll end up changing.... but, not much. We are on southwest coast of Florida, and will only go island hopping, and to the Bahamas... so I do agree... Irwin's are perfect for that. Can't wait till she is done!!
I am the proud owner of an Irwin 33 1976. She is solid like a tank, simple and well thought out, and can point 10 degrees closer to the wind than any other boat. Atomic 4 still purrs like a cat and she’s still the fastest boat in our Club 43 years later…
When I was shopping for boats about 7 years ago, Irwin was on my list. But I couldn't find one in my size range. So I got a child from Irwin, an Endeavour. Sure, not an ocean boat, but island hopper, which was my intent, with a relatively shoal draft (4.5 ft). No circumnavigation in my sights. My boat' s hull is like pure Irwin in design and construction. Great information, and there were three bananas, not just one. Keep up the great work.
Tim, your punch line was perfect. I just bought an Irwin 54 in Lake Erie from a reluctant seller. I will be moving her to St. Pete Fl. starting the end of May via Nova (frickin) Scotia, if you want to buddy boat along in Kady K on any of the trip. My wife and I like your videos (well most). You have a captivating and easy presentation style.
You just reminded me that when we think about what type of person we are (racer, cruiser, weekender,…) we tend to jump one or three notches higher than reality. And our decisions are based on that assessment. So scaling myself back to reality, I think my ideal boat is 38’ to 42’, old, initial price wise a monohull but maybe even a cat.
Thanks Tim, I just finished looking at an Irwin 37 in the water and will wait until it’s out after 20 Oct to look at the hull. Some of the through hulls have been replaced apparently
I had an Irwin 41, lived aboard on the Chesapeake bay and took two cruises to the Bahamas. One cruise was offshore from North Carolina to the Bahamas and the other was on the icw. Great liveaboard and your video was right on. There are a few things about the boat that are a problem. The chain plates are glassed in the hull and can not be inspected. The aluminum fuel tanks are glassed in under the cabin sole and are subject to pitting. I replaced my fuel tanks and it required a saws all to get the tanks out. Loved the Perkins 4-154.
Love my 73 28.5 shoal keel skeg rudder IRWIN 8000LBS dry built super well and ocean cruising wise if a Cape Dory 28 can do it then a IRWIN 28.5 MK III can also definitely do it. Over sized standing rigging beefy mast and boom hardware hand made bow pulpits and a solid deck layout, I feel like my little IRWIN is totally underrated and I feel like they deserve way more credit as open water cruisers.
Just looked at one, 1976 with the retractable center board. I like that shallow draft and hull looks very solid. The cockpit seems cramped though, by the steering pedestal, I'd prefer tiller. Do you have wheel, how's she doing now? Also appealing is so many ports that all open, lots of fresh air. Enjoy : )
Ted Irwin live in tarpn springs fl. I knew him and his suns and looked at his 53 after his death. He lived and built his boats in Tampa Bay along with a lot of the boats you talked about like Charlie Morgan.
Very nice commentary Tim. We've had our Irwin 37 CC or going on five years and then failing her around West Coast Florida the keys and the near Bahamas and a little bit on Lake Michigan before that. We love her roomy interior and she is quite capable for the sailing that we do. I think the only issue really is we would like about five or six more feet of boat. And if we did that would likely be another Irwin
Man i had an Irwin 30 that I loved. she was shoal draft sloop, and she was tough as nails. I learned on that boat, I've hit bottom, I've bumped docks, and I've accidentally ran that old atomic 4 without its cooling systems thru-hulls open and she just took it. She was so ugly we called her bilgy, but she would sail against the wind just fine and ive had her going 8knts with good winds before. Ill miss that boat. And id totally sail that thing anywhere. we used to make a game of taking it out in storms on our lake the only thing that kept us off the water was bad lightning.
That is a totally different story anyone who is buying a boat you have to consider what do you want to do with the boat. Any competent captain can take a Irwin that is rigged properly in any way you want keep in mind I said competent captain
I've been going back through your videos, and like these, and noted that you are trying to build the cruising kitty, and was thinking that you have just about enough material in these to write a coffee table book, just get some more pics in, with the text from these.... Just an idea. Oh, and you might wanna up the SPF 😎 you're looking kinda lobstery.
Do you like the morgan 41 vs an Irwin 41. Comfort and safetly are most important. Also, I may live on the aboat for the summer to get out of the heat of Atlanta. I want to Island hop and go up and down the east cost. I will bring my wife and my two adult boys and girl freinds, if they find one they want to take. lol I am also open to aother 80's or 90's vintage boat 38 and up., if you have a any recommendations. Thanks, Glen
OK... So i am not certain I get your assertion about Irwin's not being a blue-water boat because they are not built "Heavy enough" I think like most Irwin Owners, I look for all the information I can about this brand and the products. I am not a particular fan of your reviews as I find them a bit superficial, just sort of skimming over the highlights that we can all find on the internet. Of course I understand you are creating but I think you missed the mark on this one. I have dug a bit deeper on the matter and have spoken to a number of people who were involved in the production of these boats, including Ted Irwin Jr. These boats were built primarily on commission and not just churned out like the garbage production boats of today (which also kept his prices more reasonable), While I speak strictly for the 52 and up, to assert that these boats are not built heavily enough for rough seas is preposterous. The hull, from the keel to the waterline is 3" of solid glass and, from the waterline to the deck hull joint is 2" thick with a 3/4" core; the areas of drain penetration in this section are a solid inch of glass. In short, the boat is built like a tank. The spars are built of a robust aluminum extrusion, and while they may not be race boats, the 52-2 that I own is certainly rigged like one with a litany of fine tuning capability on the rig that is usually only found on race boats (including a ketch rig where each mast has independent standing rigging). At 44,500 pound with a 5.3' shoal keel, she may not point high into the wind like a racing boat, but she certainly can bash waves all day like a battleship.
Razzle dazzle was a sailboat owned by jack London. Without doubt that's where the name came from. You covered every irwin except the one I'm thinking of buying. The 28 footer.
I know this may be a big ask, but could you do one of this type video on the Gemini's and give your opinion on it for Island hopping the Caribbean? Thanks
Reminds me of the Whitby 42. Love the tool table adjacent to the engine access in the passageway between the main cabin and the aft. Have not seen the plan layout for the Irwin, maybe the same?
thanks for your videos, there is no one explaining this brands and their use. I was looking for an Irwin 35 but now I´m changing my mind, I wanna a boat to go to French Polynesia not sure which brands would be more suitable and also not a lot of money, I´m trying to get something around 35 feet...or less to reduce the price tag... if you can suggest any other brands more suitable and with a reasonable price...... the "blue water" boats are really out for me...
You stated the Irvin 41 isn't heavy enough to be a safe blue water boat but you previously recommended the Hunter 466 that's weighs 25K which is about the same. Does a true blue water boat really need to weigh 40K?
Is bluewater really about weight or is it safety equipment, keel length, strength in glass, rigging...? Bluewater is tricky, the more things we have the safer it is to cross an ocean. Bluewater is just risk mitigation in my opinion.
Hi Tim, I love these "brand" videos, a great source of info for someone not being able to afford a newer boat and looking for something older, are you considering doing one on Nonsuch sailboats?
I looked at a 45' a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit too much of a project boat for me. I am looking for something that does not need as much work as the one I toured. But, had she been in better shape I would have bought her in a second.
I personally grew up on a Irwin they are very well built vessels. I have been half way around the world. They are awesome built boats. I personally prefer the center cockpit instead of the racing Cruiser I grew up on the 38th but it was not as good as the center cockpit which reminds me more of a motor sailboat and as much more space built in 1980 Perkins 80 horsepower instead of a Yanmar 30 horsepower big difference but that's if you like sailboats I have moved on and I would like to have a grand Banks or a Katiecrogin
I have an Erwin 31 Citation with the fixed keel 4 foot draft. Feels very solid. I’ve seen what look like lesser boats to Pacific crossings frequently on RUclips. Any reason my Erwin wouldn’t make it if I ever get the chance? Of course if I would ever attempt it, I would make sure all she and all her systems are in tiptop condition.
Tim, I have a question I hope you can answer. I get conflicting opinions from some of the more experienced salts I have spoken to about this. I want to operate my electrical needs using a portable generator. I want to use my 30 amp shore cord to plug into a generator that has a 30 amp outlet. Can this be done or can I only charge my batteries using the 110 option with an extension cord and a charger. Thanks
So, about that Irwin 41.... Great boat in so many ways. But, butt ugly center console (every inch raised above the freeboard looked like an ugly super structure.) It may be the very first boat I loved....to hate. It was so safe as a genuine blue water boat- in every regard. I just couldn't get over the center cockpit. Heartbreaking. Really.
1972 Irwin 28 owner here. It’s always felt a little home made to me so makes sense that they kept a lot in house. Very solid hull, leaky hull deck joint connected with screws. Many happy summers with my family but we stay 10 miles or so from port. No frills but not as slow as slow as it looks.
Been living on my Completely refitted Irwin 28 for 7 years. Love it and she's fast as hell upwind. I Leave 30 foot CS's in my wake.
I picked up a 39.9 1979 Irwin early last year, and you're spot on! This boat is fabulous for my local, Miami the Bahamas.
And you're right, it's never going to win races, but you're going to feel great when you get there.
When I lived up in Brevard county, I had a beautiful Irwin 40' center console and she took my and my motley crew to the Bahamas many times. Safely. Slowly. And with questionable cargo a couple of times. I miss my Windsong II!
When I lived up in Brevard county, I had a beautiful Irwin 40' center console and she took my and my motley crew to the Bahamas many times. Safely. Slowly. And with questionable cargo a couple of times. I miss my Windsong II!
I've sailed on an Irwin 37 CC a couple of times, and you nailed it when talking about their boats.
We own a 41 and love this boat. We’ll be moving on her full time next month. Thanks for another great video.
Sorry to disagree, but my Irwin 37 Mk3 had crossed the atlantic and pacific several times and is solid and stable in high winds and seas.... thay are fantastic blue water boats and anyone who has owned one and sailed them will tell you the same... but yes, they are not a fast boat, you're not winning any races in the cruising line of these boats.
Concur my 39 citation is a solid.
We are currently redoing a 1979 Irwin 37' center Cockpit (feel free to follow us, and I swear...our videos will get better 🤣) but I'll say this, as we strip it out... it is well built. A few things I'll end up changing.... but, not much. We are on southwest coast of Florida, and will only go island hopping, and to the Bahamas... so I do agree... Irwin's are perfect for that. Can't wait till she is done!!
Another good review Tim. I appreciate the amount of research you've done for each of these, thanks!
I am the proud owner of an Irwin 33 1976. She is solid like a tank, simple and well thought out, and can point 10 degrees closer to the wind than any other boat. Atomic 4 still purrs like a cat and she’s still the fastest boat in our Club 43 years later…
I’m new in the sailing scene so a lot of the discussion was over my head but enjoyed the talk.
I'm rebuilding a 1978 Irwin 45 CC Ketch I bought last year.
When I was shopping for boats about 7 years ago, Irwin was on my list. But I couldn't find one in my size range. So I got a child from Irwin, an Endeavour. Sure, not an ocean boat, but island hopper, which was my intent, with a relatively shoal draft (4.5 ft). No circumnavigation in my sights. My boat' s hull is like pure Irwin in design and construction. Great information, and there were three bananas, not just one. Keep up the great work.
Tim, your punch line was perfect. I just bought an Irwin 54 in Lake Erie from a reluctant seller. I will be moving her to St. Pete Fl. starting the end of May via Nova (frickin) Scotia, if you want to buddy boat along in Kady K on any of the trip. My wife and I like your videos (well most). You have a captivating and easy presentation style.
You just reminded me that when we think about what type of person we are (racer, cruiser, weekender,…) we tend to jump one or three notches higher than reality. And our decisions are based on that assessment. So scaling myself back to reality, I think my ideal boat is 38’ to 42’, old, initial price wise a monohull but maybe even a cat.
Thanks Tim, I just finished looking at an Irwin 37 in the water and will wait until it’s out after 20 Oct to look at the hull. Some of the through hulls have been replaced apparently
I had an Irwin 41, lived aboard on the Chesapeake bay and took two cruises to the Bahamas. One cruise was offshore from North Carolina to the Bahamas and the other was on the icw. Great liveaboard and your video was right on. There are a few things about the boat that are a problem. The chain plates are glassed in the hull and can not be inspected. The aluminum fuel tanks are glassed in under the cabin sole and are subject to pitting. I replaced my fuel tanks and it required a saws all to get the tanks out. Loved the Perkins 4-154.
Same issues on my Irwin 38 MKII CC. Other then that I would not part with her.
Love my 73 28.5 shoal keel skeg rudder IRWIN 8000LBS dry built super well and ocean cruising wise if a Cape Dory 28 can do it then a IRWIN 28.5 MK III can also definitely do it.
Over sized standing rigging beefy mast and boom hardware hand made bow pulpits and a solid deck layout, I feel like my little IRWIN is totally underrated and I feel like they deserve way more credit as open water cruisers.
Just looked at one, 1976 with the retractable center board. I like that shallow draft and hull looks very solid. The cockpit seems cramped though, by the steering pedestal, I'd prefer tiller. Do you have wheel, how's she doing now? Also appealing is so many ports that all open, lots of fresh air.
Enjoy : )
Ted Irwin live in tarpn springs fl. I knew him and his suns and looked at his 53 after his death. He lived and built his boats in Tampa Bay along with a lot of the boats you talked about like Charlie Morgan.
Will an erwin 65 not cross an ocean?
And do you reply? I have made a few comments in the past.
Thanks Tim I was wondering if you were going to cover Irwin. You answered the questions I had
Very well said
Good points, well said
Very nice commentary Tim. We've had our Irwin 37 CC or going on five years and then failing her around West Coast Florida the keys and the near Bahamas and a little bit on Lake Michigan before that. We love her roomy interior and she is quite capable for the sailing that we do. I think the only issue really is we would like about five or six more feet of boat. And if we did that would likely be another Irwin
Of course thatwas supposed to read sailing around not failing around
lol 38 CC here and need another 2 feet or so in the cockpit for company.
Thanks all ways for info
Man i had an Irwin 30 that I loved. she was shoal draft sloop, and she was tough as nails. I learned on that boat, I've hit bottom, I've bumped docks, and I've accidentally ran that old atomic 4 without its cooling systems thru-hulls open and she just took it. She was so ugly we called her bilgy, but she would sail against the wind just fine and ive had her going 8knts with good winds before. Ill miss that boat. And id totally sail that thing anywhere. we used to make a game of taking it out in storms on our lake the only thing that kept us off the water was bad lightning.
What would you consider an ocean crossing boat? Something like the over-built island packet or a southerly?
That is a totally different story anyone who is buying a boat you have to consider what do you want to do with the boat. Any competent captain can take a Irwin that is rigged properly in any way you want keep in mind I said competent captain
I've been going back through your videos, and like these, and noted that you are trying to build the cruising kitty, and was thinking that you have just about enough material in these to write a coffee table book, just get some more pics in, with the text from these.... Just an idea.
Oh, and you might wanna up the SPF 😎 you're looking kinda lobstery.
Do you like the morgan 41 vs an Irwin 41. Comfort and safetly are most important. Also, I may live on the aboat for the summer to get out of the heat of Atlanta. I want to Island hop and go up and down the east cost. I will bring my wife and my two adult boys and girl freinds, if they find one they want to take. lol I am also open to aother 80's or 90's vintage boat 38 and up., if you have a any recommendations. Thanks, Glen
Have an Irwin 23 1970. Antique vessel registered. 👍🏻. Thick Solid fiberglass Thanks
Sounds just like my plan! Thanks
Looking at a Irwin citation 40 and literally nothing about this model on the net that I can find . What do you think as a world cruiser?
OK... So i am not certain I get your assertion about Irwin's not being a blue-water boat because they are not built "Heavy enough" I think like most Irwin Owners, I look for all the information I can about this brand and the products. I am not a particular fan of your reviews as I find them a bit superficial, just sort of skimming over the highlights that we can all find on the internet. Of course I understand you are creating but I think you missed the mark on this one. I have dug a bit deeper on the matter and have spoken to a number of people who were involved in the production of these boats, including Ted Irwin Jr. These boats were built primarily on commission and not just churned out like the garbage production boats of today (which also kept his prices more reasonable), While I speak strictly for the 52 and up, to assert that these boats are not built heavily enough for rough seas is preposterous. The hull, from the keel to the waterline is 3" of solid glass and, from the waterline to the deck hull joint is 2" thick with a 3/4" core; the areas of drain penetration in this section are a solid inch of glass. In short, the boat is built like a tank. The spars are built of a robust aluminum extrusion, and while they may not be race boats, the 52-2 that I own is certainly rigged like one with a litany of fine tuning capability on the rig that is usually only found on race boats (including a ketch rig where each mast has independent standing rigging). At 44,500 pound with a 5.3' shoal keel, she may not point high into the wind like a racing boat, but she certainly can bash waves all day like a battleship.
I just love ur videos. Keep them coming sweets🤗🤗🤗
Razzle dazzle was a sailboat owned by jack London. Without doubt that's where the name came from. You covered every irwin except the one I'm thinking of buying. The 28 footer.
I know this may be a big ask, but could you do one of this type video on the Gemini's and give your opinion on it for Island hopping the Caribbean? Thanks
Reminds me of the Whitby 42. Love the tool table adjacent to the engine access in the passageway between the main cabin and the aft. Have not seen the plan layout for the Irwin, maybe the same?
thanks for your videos, there is no one explaining this brands and their use. I was looking for an Irwin 35 but now I´m changing my mind, I wanna a boat to go to French Polynesia not sure which brands would be more suitable and also not a lot of money, I´m trying to get something around 35 feet...or less to reduce the price tag... if you can suggest any other brands more suitable and with a reasonable price...... the "blue water" boats are really out for me...
Can we talk about the T-shirt? Need some new Lady K sailing merch :)
Hey I just haven't had time or the creative drive to make more sorry. I do plan to!
You stated the Irvin 41 isn't heavy enough to be a safe blue water boat but you previously recommended the Hunter 466 that's weighs 25K which is about the same. Does a true blue water boat really need to weigh 40K?
Is bluewater really about weight or is it safety equipment, keel length, strength in glass, rigging...? Bluewater is tricky, the more things we have the safer it is to cross an ocean. Bluewater is just risk mitigation in my opinion.
You may already know... the Hunter HC 50 from episode 26 is for sale as of November, 2020 asking $125,000 - price reduced. Good luck!
Hi Tim, I love these "brand" videos, a great source of info for someone not being able to afford a newer boat and looking for something older, are you considering doing one on Nonsuch sailboats?
Would love to see one on Nonsuch
Another great video! Southern Cross next?......;)
I looked at a 45' a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit too much of a project boat for me. I am looking for something that does not need as much work as the one I toured. But, had she been in better shape I would have bought her in a second.
Interested in S2 and Erickson reviews/thoughts/background??
I personally grew up on a Irwin they are very well built vessels. I have been half way around the world. They are awesome built boats. I personally prefer the center cockpit instead of the racing Cruiser I grew up on the 38th but it was not as good as the center cockpit which reminds me more of a motor sailboat and as much more space built in 1980 Perkins 80 horsepower instead of a Yanmar 30 horsepower big difference but that's if you like sailboats I have moved on and I would like to have a grand Banks or a Katiecrogin
Always loved the I-41‼️
Tim, are you losing your bananas? Check the couch!
I have an Erwin 31 Citation with the fixed keel 4 foot draft. Feels very solid. I’ve seen what look like lesser boats to Pacific crossings frequently on RUclips. Any reason my Erwin wouldn’t make it if I ever get the chance? Of course if I would ever attempt it, I would make sure all she and all her systems are in tiptop condition.
are you sure about the 4 foot draft?. I have a 31 citation with a 6 foot
disregard my other comment. i didn't realize they came out with a shoal keel a bit later. i have an 83
We know in the future we want to upgrade to a 40ft.
Wound love your opinion on the Sirius 40 DS
I found an IRWIN 34" FT Asking $6000.00. Will go Check it out.
Elizabeth NJ is in the the landing/takeoff zone of Newark airport now. The pits.
How is formosa 41 as an ocean crossing boat?
Tim, I have a question I hope you can answer. I get conflicting opinions from some of the more experienced salts I have spoken to about this. I want to operate my electrical needs using a portable generator. I want to use my 30 amp shore cord to plug into a generator that has a 30 amp outlet. Can this be done or can I only charge my batteries using the 110 option with an extension cord and a charger. Thanks
As long as the terminal wiring is the same, it should work. If there is a mismatch, there are power cord adapters to work around that.
Great video, but I see the bananas are multiplying.
Would you consider an Erwin 52 to 78 to be sufficient in a force 8?
Friends don't let friends sail Irwins
Irwin = Winning
You should be in charge of finding the right sailboat for people like me. The more I look into it, the more I get confused. #SideBusiness
Good video but when are you getting back on the water???
When the boats go back in April 17
What's your thoughts on Hylas Yachts?
when are you gonna get back to sailing?
Probably when the temperature rises out of freezing. He lives in southern Ontario, near Detroit.
That^^
There were oranges last week
My guess is mango 🥭 next week
The real question is: Is the Banana an SCP?
Did you do a video Colombia boat is it a brand worth rebuilding
Haven't yet. My boat is actually a Columbia
There one in my area for sale to finish refitting for 7000$
So, about that Irwin 41.... Great boat in so many ways. But, butt ugly center console (every inch raised above the freeboard looked like an ugly super structure.) It may be the very first boat I loved....to hate. It was so safe as a genuine blue water boat- in every regard. I just couldn't get over the center cockpit. Heartbreaking. Really.
I can't lie , I did forget about the pineapple
SEND ME ONE! They're out of season here
They never even grow in the UK :(
interesting
When you you sailing again?
Soon as the boat goes in. April 17
What about the banana?
Why were the 80's so hard on the sailboat industry?
I think it was the oil prices and the use in fiberglass as cost sky rocketed.
Also in 1989 there was a stock market crash and hard recession
And yes those bananas.... is it true they’re not to be on boats during passages...
That is the superstition yes
Why not?
@@michynature Bananas give off ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits to ripen. Also IMO there are stories of spiders in them... JK lol
Ah yes, the running gag.👍
Cheers.
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