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Sailboat Specifications

Irwin 37 3

Cutter · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Ted Irwin · Built by Irwin Yachts (Usa) · First built 1976

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LOA 37.00 ft  ·  Beam 11.50 ft  ·  Displacement 20,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 630.00 ft²  ·  Cutter  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Irwin 37 3 Sailboat

Designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts starting in 1976, this 37-footer represents the builder's approach to affordable cruising sailboats during the height of the fiberglass boat boom. The Irwin 37 3 features a cutter rig configuration that provides versatility for various wind conditions, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. With a fin keel and rudder-on-skeg configuration, the boat offers a good balance between performance and directional stability. The generous beam of 11.50 feet provides ample interior volume while maintaining reasonable sailing characteristics. At 20,000 pounds displacement with 7,800 pounds of ballast, the boat carries enough weight for stability in heavier conditions while remaining manageable for a small crew. The comfort ratio of 37.23 indicates a motion that favors seakindliness over speed, typical of cruising-oriented designs from this era. The capsize screening formula of 1.7 suggests reasonable offshore capability, though the boat is primarily suited for coastal and near-coastal cruising rather than extended blue-water voyaging. Irwin Yachts built affordable boats that appealed to sailors seeking solid construction and practical layouts, making this model a sensible choice for weekend cruising and short-term liveaboard situations.

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Known Issues View all 8 issues →
High
Irwin used a hull-to-deck joint that relied heavily on sealant rather than a robust mechanical connection with through-bolting. On the 37, this joint is prone to weeping and separation, particularly along the toerail, allowing water intrusion into the deck core.
High
Balsa core was used extensively in the deck construction. Around chainplates, stanchion bases, and hardware penetrations, the core is frequently found saturated or rotted due to inadequate original bedding and years of fastener weeping.
High
The fin keel attachment on early Irwin 37s used a relatively shallow keel sump with steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion and weeping. Keel bolt encapsulation makes direct inspection difficult; soft or stained areas in the bilge near the keel sump are a serious warning sign.
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Dimensions & Specifications
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) 630.00 ft² / 58.53 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts (USA)
First Built 1976
Associations Irwin Facebook Group
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-108
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 85 gals / 322 L
Water Capacity 180 gals / 681 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Irwin 37 3's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Irwin 37 3 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 13.73. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Irwin 37 3's comfort ratio?

The Irwin 37 3 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 37.23. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Irwin 37 3 safe for offshore sailing?

The Irwin 37 3 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.7. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Irwin 37 3?

The theoretical hull speed of the Irwin 37 3 is 7.34 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Irwin 37 3 weigh?

The Irwin 37 3 has a displacement of 20,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 37.00 ft.

Who designed the Irwin 37 3?

The Irwin 37 3 was designed by Ted Irwin, first built in 1976.