IRWIN 54
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 54 ft |
| LWL | 44 ft |
| Beam | 15.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 46,000 lb |
| Ballast | 15,998.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 56.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 21.17 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 50.17 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 19 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 30 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 12 ft |
| FLforestay | 21.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,112.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 598.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,016.7 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Yanmar, Vetus, Westerbeke, Ford |
About the IRWIN 54
The Irwin 54 is a substantial staysail ketch designed by Ted Irwin and built by Irwin Yachts/American Yachts in 1988. With a displacement of 46000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 39.9, this vessel represents a heavy, stable platform from a single production year.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater passagemakers who prioritize seakworthiness and comfort over high-speed performance, particularly those comfortable with ketch rig management.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.72 and a high displacement-to-length ratio of 241.07, the Irwin 54 is well-regarded for offshore stability and heavy-weather performance.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 54 and the O'Day 54, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and ketch or cutter configurations from the late 1980s era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1989–1990 · median $229,900
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 54ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the IRWIN 54, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a IRWIN 54? 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 7 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 54?
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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 54
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