IRWIN 45
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45 ft |
| LWL | 32 ft |
| Beam | 11.5 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Displacement | 23,000 lb |
| Ballast | 10,000.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.17 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.83 ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Vetus, Westerbeke, Ford |
About the IRWIN 45
Keel/CB version available as well as ketch rig.
The Irwin 45 is a rare, single-year production vessel designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts in 1970, with an unknown total hull count. As a large, heavy-displacement masthead sloop, it represents a distinct era of American yacht design characterized by substantial build quality and conservative performance metrics.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed, given its high comfort ratio of 38.28 and heavy displacement of 23000.0 lb.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 23000.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.62, and a fin keel with 6.5 ft max draft, the Irwin 45 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering excellent stability and seakeeping characteristics.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-1960s to early-1970s heavy American cruising sloops such as the O'Day 42 or Pearson 42, which share similar displacement ranges and fin-keel configurations aimed at comfortable offshore passage making.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the IRWIN 45 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 45ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the IRWIN 45, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 45? 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 1 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 45?
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, Vetus, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the IRWIN 45
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…