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Sailboat Specifications

Irwin 40 Mkii

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by Ted Irwin · Built by Irwin Yachts (Usa) · First built 1980

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LOA 40.83 ft  ·  Beam 12.17 ft  ·  Displacement 16,890.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 737.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Irwin 40 Mkii Sailboat

Built from 1980 by Irwin Yachts, this 40-footer represents the Florida builder's focus on creating affordable cruising sailboats for American sailors. Designer Ted Irwin crafted a practical coastal cruiser that prioritizes comfort and ease of handling over racing performance. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with spade rudder configuration, providing good maneuverability in tight quarters while maintaining adequate directional stability. With a displacement of 16,890 pounds and 6,500 pounds of ballast, the boat offers a reassuring feel underfoot without being overly heavy. The masthead sloop rig keeps sail handling straightforward, making this an appealing choice for couples or small crews. Her comfort ratio of 27.47 indicates a motion that favors relaxed cruising over spirited sailing, while the capsize screening value of 1.9 suggests reasonable stability for coastal and near-offshore passages. The generous beam of over 12 feet translates to spacious accommodations below, a hallmark of Irwin's designs. This boat excels as a coastal cruiser for sailors seeking value and practicality. While not built for serious offshore passages or racing, the Mark II provides a solid platform for weekend cruising, extended coastal voyages, and learning the ropes of sailboat ownership without breaking the budget.

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Known Issues View all 10 issues →
High
Irwin boats of this era are known for relatively thin hull layups with minimal secondary bonding of interior furniture and bulkheads to the hull. Bulkhead-to-hull tabbing can crack and separate, particularly in the forward cabin area, leading to structural looseness and water intrusion.
High
The deck-to-hull joint on Irwin 40s uses an outward-turned flange that is through-bolted and bedded, but the bedding compound frequently fails, allowing water to migrate into the joint and cause core delamination in the toerail area. Check the entire perimeter for soft spots and separation.
High
Irwin used balsa core extensively in decks during this period. Chainplate and hardware deck penetrations were often inadequately resealed, leading to widespread balsa core rot, especially around the mast base, stanchion bases, and chainplate areas. Probe all hardware mounting locations for soft or wet core.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 40.83 ft / 12.44 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.17 ft / 9.50 m
Beam 12.17 ft / 3.71 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 16,890.00 lb / 7,661 kg
Ballast 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 737.00 ft² / 68.47 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ted Irwin
Builder Irwin Yachts (USA)
First Built 1980
Associations Irwin Facebook Group
Related Sailboats Irwin 40 Citation · Irwin 41 Citation · Caliber 40 Lrc · Offshore 41 Cheoy Lee · J/40
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 2QM20
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Irwin 40 Mkii's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Irwin 40 Mkii has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.98. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Irwin 40 Mkii's comfort ratio?

The Irwin 40 Mkii has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.47. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Irwin 40 Mkii safe for offshore sailing?

The Irwin 40 Mkii has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.9. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Irwin 40 Mkii?

The theoretical hull speed of the Irwin 40 Mkii is 7.48 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Irwin 40 Mkii weigh?

The Irwin 40 Mkii has a displacement of 16,890.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 40.83 ft.

Who designed the Irwin 40 Mkii?

The Irwin 40 Mkii was designed by Ted Irwin, first built in 1980.