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Irwin 28
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1970
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About the Irwin 28

Built during Irwin Yachts' productive era in the 1970s and 1980s, this 28-foot sailboat represents the builder's commitment to creating affordable yet seaworthy cruising vessels for the growing recreational sailing market. Irwin established a solid reputation for building practical boats that offered good value for coastal cruising and weekend sailing adventures. The design reflects typical characteristics of its era, featuring a moderate beam and comfortable accommodations that make extended time aboard enjoyable for couples or small families. Like other Irwin models, the 28 was engineered with ease of handling in mind, making it accessible to sailors transitioning from smaller boats or those seeking a manageable size for shorthanded sailing. While detailed specifications remain limited, the boat's size and Irwin's design philosophy suggest it's well-suited for coastal cruising, protected water sailing, and serving as a capable weekend getaway vessel. The builder's focus on practical layouts and solid construction techniques earned their boats a following among sailors seeking reliable performance without excessive complexity. For those researching vintage cruising sailboats, the Irwin 28 represents an interesting option from a builder known for delivering functional sailing vessels during the recreational boating boom of the late twentieth century.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$2,200 – $2,200
typical asking price
Median $2,200  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$2,200 – $2,200 1
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 7,900.00 lb / 3,583 kg
Ballast 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 397.00 ft² / 36.88 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1970
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
234
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
16.07
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
31.67
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.61
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.36
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.6
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 643.16
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 35.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.3
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.3
SA Fore 204.13
SA Main 192.5
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