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Irwin 46
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Irwin 46

Built during Irwin Yachts' production era in the 1970s and 1980s, this 46-foot sailboat represents the company's approach to practical cruising vessels designed for comfortable long-distance sailing. Irwin developed a reputation for building affordable fiberglass boats that prioritized interior volume and ease of handling over racing performance. The design philosophy behind this model emphasized coastal and offshore cruising capabilities, making it well-suited for couples or families planning extended voyages. Irwin boats from this period typically featured spacious accommodations relative to their length, achieved through generous beam measurements and intelligent interior layouts that maximized livability below decks. Known characteristics of boats from this manufacturer include solid fiberglass construction, moderate displacement hulls that provide a comfortable motion at sea, and practical deck layouts designed for shorthanded sailing. The company's focus on value-oriented cruising boats made them popular among sailors seeking capable offshore vessels without premium pricing. While not considered performance-oriented by racing standards, these boats earned respect for their seaworthiness and comfort during long passages. The design strikes a balance between sailing ability and cruising amenities, making it appropriate for serious coastal exploration and ocean crossing adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.50 ft / 13.87 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.58 ft / 11.45 m
Beam 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Max Draft 10.92 ft / 3.33 m
Min Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 33,000.00 lb / 14,969 kg
Ballast 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 858.00 ft² / 79.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1980
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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
138
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
13.4
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
39.87
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
1.69
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. 8.21
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 53.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.5
SA Fore 516.75
SA Main 340.75
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