IRWIN 39 CITATION
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.75 ft |
| LWL | 31.17 ft |
| Beam | 12.17 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Displacement | 16,890 lb |
| Ballast | 6,499.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 52 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 795.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 429 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 729.3 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus, Ford |
About the IRWIN 39 CITATION
Fixed keel shoal draft: 4.3' Keel/CB - BU: 4.3'/BD: 9.5'
The Irwin 39 Citation is a classic American cruiser designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts (USA) in 1979. With a production run limited to that single year, this vessel represents a specific snapshot of late-70s yacht design, featuring a masthead sloop rig and a displacement of 16890.0 lb.
- Best for:
- This boat is well-suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.76 suggests it is manageable for short-handed crews seeking a relaxed cruising experience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.9 and a comfort ratio of 27.74, the Citation exhibits a heavy, stable hull form that is generally suitable for protected offshore passages. Its fin keel and substantial ballast of 6499.3 lb provide good righting moment, though its age requires careful structural assessment for serious bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Cal 40 and the O'Day 38, which share similar displacement ranges and cruising-oriented hull forms. These boats offer similar interior volumes and ease of handling, making them direct competitors for buyers seeking a 30-40 foot American-built cruiser.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the IRWIN 39 CITATION yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 reported issues across 2 systems for the IRWIN 39 CITATION, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 39 CITATION? 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 2 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 39 CITATION?
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 39 CITATION
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…