IRWIN 38-2
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40 ft |
| LWL | 32.5 ft |
| Beam | 12.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 20,000 lb |
| Ballast | 7,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 49.75 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 42.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 798.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 429.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 729.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus, Ford |
About the IRWIN 38-2
Keel-centerboard version - BU:4.5' BD:9.67'. Also available with a 44 HP Yanmar 4JHBE.
The Irwin 38-2 is a classic American cruising sloop designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts (USA) between 1984 and 1988. With a displacement of 20000.0 lb and a beam of 12.25 ft, this vessel represents a substantial, comfortable platform from the mid-80s era, though specific hull build counts are not definitively recorded in the source data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize interior volume and comfort over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.81 and comfort ratio of 31.62 indicate it is designed for stable, relaxed passagemaking rather than speed.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.81 and a displacement of 20000.0 lb, the Irwin 38-2 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering significant stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Cal 40 and the Tartan 40, which share similar displacement ranges and full-keel or modified fin configurations. These boats are comparable because they all target the same market of serious cruisers seeking robust, traditional layouts with ample storage.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the IRWIN 38-2yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a IRWIN 38-2? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your IRWIN 38-2?
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 38-2
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…