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Irwin 42
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Irwin 42

Built during Irwin Yachts' heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, this 42-footer represents the Florida builder's commitment to creating comfortable, seaworthy cruising vessels for the growing recreational sailing market. Irwin established itself as a manufacturer that prioritized interior volume and sailing ease over racing performance, making their boats particularly appealing to couples and families seeking extended coastal cruising capabilities. The design philosophy behind Irwin's larger models emphasized practical comfort and reliable performance in moderate conditions. These boats typically featured generous beam measurements that translated into spacious accommodations below decks, while maintaining hull shapes that could handle coastal passages with confidence. The construction quality, while aimed at the production market, proved adequate for serious cruising applications. Irwin's reputation centered on creating boats that sailed themselves well, with balanced helm characteristics that reduced fatigue during longer passages. The company's focus on the cruising market meant thoughtful attention to systems integration and interior layout, making their vessels popular among sailors transitioning from smaller boats to serious coastal cruising platforms. Today, these boats represent solid value in the used market for sailors seeking proven cruising capability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 35.08 ft / 10.69 m
Beam 13.33 ft / 4.06 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 29,000.00 lb / 13,154 kg
Ballast 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 899.00 ft² / 83.52 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1976
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
 168
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
 15.3
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
 38.32
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
 1.74
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. 7.94
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
 1.61
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) 50.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 43.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 19.5
SA Fore 475.0
SA Main 424.13
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