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Sailboat Specifications

Irwin 31

Masthead Sloop · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Ted Irwin · Built by Irwin Yachts (Usa) · First built 1968

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Irwin 31 sailboat — on the water
Photo: Ahunt / CC0
LOA 31.08 ft  ·  Beam 9.58 ft  ·  Displacement 9,600.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 448.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Irwin 31 Sailboat

Launched in 1968, this Ted Irwin design represents one of the earlier entries in the production cruising sailboat market that would flourish throughout the following decades. The Irwin 31 combines traditional proportions with practical features that made it an attractive choice for coastal cruising and weekend sailing. With a displacement of 9,600 pounds and substantial ballast of 3,800 pounds, this masthead sloop offers reassuring stability for cruising sailors. The 7.5-foot draft provides good upwind performance while remaining manageable for most harbors and anchorages. The fiberglass construction with balsa-cored decking reflects quality building practices of the era, delivering both strength and reduced weight aloft. The boat's sail area of 448 square feet and SA/Displacement ratio of 15.92 indicate moderate performance characteristics well-suited to comfortable cruising rather than racing. The comfort ratio of 29.37 suggests a motion that favors seaworthiness over speed, while the capsize screening value of 1.81 falls within acceptable ranges for coastal sailing. Built by Irwin Yachts in the USA, this design helped establish the builder's reputation for producing affordable, well-constructed cruising boats. The 25-horsepower auxiliary engine provides adequate power for maneuvering and charging systems during extended cruising.

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The balsa-cored deck is prone to water intrusion around deck hardware, chainplates, and stanchion bases, leading to core rot. Irwin's deck hardware installation practices of this era were not consistently well-bedded, making wet or punky core a very common finding on surveys.
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The centerboard trunk on the keel/centerboard configuration is prone to leaking where it meets the hull. The pivot pin and pendant hardware for the centerboard are also subject to corrosion and wear, and replacement parts can be difficult to source.
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The centerboard pendant and its attachment hardware inside the trunk are difficult to inspect and frequently deteriorate undetected. Failure of the pendant can result in the board dropping or becoming inoperable at sea.
+ 5 more issues — see full list →
Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$5,500 – $5,500
typical asking price
Median $5,500  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$5,500 – $5,500 1
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 31.08 ft / 9.47 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.25 ft / 6.78 m
Beam 9.58 ft / 2.92 m
Max Draft 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Min Draft 3.33 ft / 1.01 m
Displacement 9,600.00 lb / 4,354 kg
Ballast 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 448.00 ft² / 41.62 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts (USA)
First Built 1968
Associations Irwin Facebook Group
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Model Atomic 4
Engine Type Gas
Horsepower 25
Fuel Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Irwin 31's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Irwin 31 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.92. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Irwin 31's comfort ratio?

The Irwin 31 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 29.37. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Irwin 31 safe for offshore sailing?

The Irwin 31 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.81. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Irwin 31?

The theoretical hull speed of the Irwin 31 is 6.32 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Irwin 31 weigh?

The Irwin 31 has a displacement of 9,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 31.08 ft.

How much does a used Irwin 31 cost?

Based on 1 recent market listings, used Irwin 31 sailboats typically sell for between $5,500 and $5,500, with a median asking price of $5,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Irwin 31?

The Irwin 31 was designed by Ted Irwin, first built in 1968.