IRWIN 30 COMPETITION
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30 ft |
| LWL | 26.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 ft |
| Displacement | 10,000 lb |
| Ballast | 4,600 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 41.7 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 489.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 281.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 478.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus, Ford |
About the IRWIN 30 COMPETITION
IOR 1/2 ton based on IRWIN 30. Shoal draft version also available.
Designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts (USA) in 1972, the Irwin 30 Competition is a performance-oriented masthead sloop with a displacement of 10000.0 lb and a beam of 10.17 ft. While the exact hull build count is unknown, this model represents a specific iteration of the popular Irwin 30 line, characterized by its fin keel and 5.33 ft max draft.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and club racers who prioritize speed and handling over heavy bluewater comfort, given its relatively low D/L ratio of 228.84 and SA/D ratio of 16.39. It is well-suited for active sailors willing to maintain older fiberglass construction and manage common age-related wear.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.89 and a comfort ratio of 25.27, the boat is capable of offshore passages but is better suited for coastal and nearshore cruising due to its moderate displacement and fin keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Pearson 303 and O'Day 302, which share similar dimensions and eras but often feature heavier displacement and different keel configurations. The Irwin 30 Competition distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and a more performance-focused hull form compared to these heavier cruising counterparts.
Direct variant of the IRWIN 30 COMPETITION
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1973–1976 · median $3,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 9 systems for the IRWIN 30 COMPETITION, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 30 COMPETITION? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 22 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your IRWIN 30 COMPETITION?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the IRWIN 30 COMPETITION
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…