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Irwin 33
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Irwin 33

Designed during the 1970s by Ted Irwin, this 33-foot cruiser represents the era's focus on comfortable family sailing with moderate performance capabilities. The Irwin 33 emerged from a builder known for creating affordable fiberglass sailboats that prioritized interior volume and ease of handling over racing pedigree. Built with a traditional full keel configuration, this vessel offers predictable sailing characteristics that appeal to cruising sailors seeking stability and comfort over speed. The design emphasizes practical features for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, with accommodations that typically maximize living space within the hull's dimensions. Irwin Yachts developed a reputation for producing boats with generous beam measurements relative to their length, resulting in spacious interiors that feel larger than their actual size suggests. While not considered a performance-oriented design, the Irwin 33 delivers steady progress under sail with forgiving handling characteristics that suit intermediate sailors. The boat's construction reflects 1970s production boat standards, featuring solid fiberglass laminate and straightforward systems. For sailors prioritizing comfort, affordability, and ease of maintenance over cutting-edge performance, the Irwin 33 continues to attract attention in the used boat market as a capable coastal cruiser.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 11.17 ft / 3.40 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 10,950.00 lb / 4,967 kg
Ballast 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 514.00 ft² / 47.75 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1974
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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
159
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
16.74
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
23.33
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
2.02
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. 7.03
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
2.29
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 37.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.0
SA Fore 308.0
SA Main 206.25
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