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Irwin 37 2
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Irwin 37 2

Built during Irwin Yachts' active production years, this 37-footer represents the company's approach to combining performance with practical cruising capabilities. The design reflects the era's emphasis on versatile boats that could handle both coastal adventures and longer passages with equal competence. Known for their solid construction and thoughtful layouts, Irwin sailboats developed a reputation among cruising sailors who valued reliability over flashy performance numbers. The hull form typically featured moderate proportions that balanced sailing ability with interior volume, making these boats appealing to couples and small families looking for a capable cruiser. The cockpit design prioritized comfort during extended sailing sessions, while the cabin arrangement maximized livability without sacrificing seaworthiness. These characteristics made Irwin yachts popular choices for Great Lakes sailors and coastal cruisers who appreciated the blend of sailing performance and onboard comfort. While not designed as racing boats, these vessels offered respectable sailing qualities that made them enjoyable to sail in various conditions. The construction quality and sensible design choices have helped many examples remain actively sailing decades after their launch, testament to the builder's focus on creating boats meant for real-world cruising adventures rather than showroom appeal.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 20,000.00 lb / 9,072 kg
Ballast 7,800.00 lb / 3,538 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 589.00 ft² / 54.72 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1976
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Performance Ratios
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
12.84
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
37.23
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
1.7
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. 7.34
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
1.22
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) 42.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 35.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.5
SA Fore 367.5
SA Main 221.88
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