IRWIN 46
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.5 ft |
| LWL | 37.58 ft |
| Beam | 13.5 ft |
| Draft | 10.92 ft/ 4.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 33,000 lb |
| Ballast | 11,998.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 47 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.5 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 28.75 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 884.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 516.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 878.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Vetus, Westerbeke, Ford |
About the IRWIN 46
The Irwin 46 is a substantial cruising ketch designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts (USA) in 1980. With a production run of ? hulls, this vessel represents a specific era of American yacht building, characterized by its robust construction and staysail ketch rig.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for extended offshore passages, given its high comfort ratio and substantial displacement.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 33000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.69, the Irwin 46 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and seakeeping abilities typical of heavy-displacement ketches.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other large American ketches from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Tartan 4400 or O'Day 42, which share similar displacement characteristics and cruising-oriented layouts.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 45.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 6 systems for the IRWIN 46, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 46? 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 10 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 46?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins, Yanmar, Vetus, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the IRWIN 46
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