IRWIN 37 COMPETITION
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 11.67 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Displacement | 15,500 lb |
| Ballast | 7,500.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 48 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.7 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 42.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 647.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 376.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 640.6 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus, Ford |
About the IRWIN 37 COMPETITION
Designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts (USA) in 1973, the Irwin 37 Competition is a performance-oriented cruiser with a displacement of 15500.0 lb and a beam of 11.67 ft. While the exact hull count is unknown, this model is characterized by its masthead sloop rig and fin keel, offering a balance of speed and comfort with a comfort ratio of 28.29.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and active racers who prioritize performance and are willing to manage significant maintenance, particularly regarding deck integrity and rigging.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 15500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.88, the boat is structurally capable of offshore passages, though critical deck core moisture issues reported by owners necessitate thorough surveying before bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s performance cruisers like the O'Day 38 or Pearson 36, the Irwin 37 Competition shares a similar era and role but distinguishes itself with a higher sail area/displacement ratio of 16.22 and a lower capsize ratio of 1.88.
Direct variant of the IRWIN 37 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
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the IRWIN 37 COMPETITION, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 37 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 11 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 37 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?
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Used sails that fit the IRWIN 37 COMPETITION
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…