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Irwin 52 3
Designer: Ted Irwin  ·  Builder: Irwin Yachts  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Irwin 52 3

Designed as a performance-oriented cruising yacht, this Irwin model represents the builder's venture into larger offshore sailing vessels during their production years. The boat reflects Irwin's characteristic approach to blending cruising comfort with sailing capability, making it suitable for extended coastal passages and offshore adventures. Like other vessels in Irwin's lineup, this design likely emphasizes spacious accommodations below decks while maintaining respectable sailing performance. The hull form would typically feature moderate beam and displacement characteristics that balance speed with stability, creating a platform capable of handling various sea conditions with confidence. Irwin Yachts built a reputation for producing well-constructed fiberglass sailboats that offered good value for cruising sailors seeking reliable offshore capability. Their designs generally incorporated thoughtful deck layouts and rigging systems that could be managed by smaller crews, an important consideration for long-distance cruising couples or families. While specific technical details remain limited, boats of this size and pedigree from Irwin would traditionally appeal to sailors planning extended coastal cruising, island hopping, or even ocean passages. The design philosophy would emphasize seaworthiness and comfort over pure racing performance, making it an attractive option for serious cruising sailors seeking a proven platform for their adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 52.00 ft / 15.85 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
Beam 15.33 ft / 4.67 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 46,500.00 lb / 21,092 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,177.00 ft² / 109.35 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts
First Built 1987
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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
14.63
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
40.86
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
1.71
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. 8.89
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
1.99
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. 2.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 61.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 21.17
P (Mainsail Luff) 55.17
E (Mainsail Foot) 19.0
SA Fore 650.98
SA Main 524.12
How It Compares

vs. Endeavour 52, Irwin 52, Irwin 52 2

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Irwin 52 3 ★
52.0 ft
Endeavour 52
52.3 ft
Irwin 52
52.0 ft
Irwin 52 2
52.0 ft
LWL
Irwin 52 3 ★
44.0 ft
Endeavour 52
42.3 ft
Irwin 52
44.0 ft
Irwin 52 2
46.0 ft
Beam
Irwin 52 3 ★
15.3 ft
Endeavour 52
15.0 ft
Irwin 52
15.3 ft
Irwin 52 2
15.3 ft
Displacement
Irwin 52 3 ★
46 lbs
Endeavour 52
35 lbs
Irwin 52
55 lbs
Irwin 52 2
44 lbs
Ballast
Irwin 52 3 ★
Endeavour 52
14 lbs
Irwin 52
16 lbs
Irwin 52 2
Sail Area
Irwin 52 3 ★
1 sq ft
Endeavour 52
1 sq ft
Irwin 52
1 sq ft
Irwin 52 2
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Irwin 52 3 ★
14.6
Endeavour 52
16.7
Irwin 52
15.2
Irwin 52 2
14.5
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Irwin 52 3 ★
Endeavour 52
41.4 %
Irwin 52
29.3 %
Irwin 52 2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Irwin 52 3 ★
40.9
Endeavour 52
32.4
Irwin 52
48.3
Irwin 52 2
38.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Irwin 52 3 ★
1.71
Endeavour 52
1.84
Irwin 52
1.62
Irwin 52 2
1.73
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Irwin 52 3 ★
Endeavour 52
207
Irwin 52
288
Irwin 52 2
Hull Speed
Irwin 52 3 ★
8.9 kts
Endeavour 52
8.7 kts
Irwin 52
8.9 kts
Irwin 52 2
9.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Irwin 52 3 ★
2.0
Endeavour 52
2.6
Irwin 52
1.5
Irwin 52 2
2.5
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