IRWIN 43 (1971)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.5 ft |
| LWL | 32 ft |
| Beam | 11.5 ft |
| Draft | 8 ft/ 4.25 ft min |
| Displacement | 23,000 lb |
| Ballast | 10,499.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 51 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 19 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 905.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 446.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 758.6 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Vetus, Ford |
About the IRWIN 43 (1971)
A fixed keel version was also available, as was a yawl rig. Diesel available as an option.
The Irwin 43 is a classic 1971 design by Ted Irwin, built by Irwin Yacht & Marine Corp. in the USA with a production run limited to that single year. As a heavy-displacement cruising sloop with a LOA of 43.5 ft and displacement of 23000.0 lb, it represents a robust, traditional build from the early 1970s.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a solid, heavy-displacement platform for protected waters, given its age and specific structural maintenance requirements.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a high displacement of 23000.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.62, and a full/long keel, the boat possesses the inherent stability and sea-keeping ability for offshore passage making, provided critical structural integrity is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 40 and O'Day 40, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and masthead sloop rigs, though the Irwin 43 is distinct in its specific hull form and builder reputation.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the IRWIN 43 (1971) 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 43.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the IRWIN 43 (1971), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 43 (1971)? 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 14 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 43 (1971)?
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 43 (1971)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…