1979 Irwin 37 -- Thoughts?

[Jamesiv1]

I found a 1979 Irwin 37' selling for $9,575.00 by owner.

What do you folks think about it?

This would be my first boat, and she looks in pretty good shape.

Irwin 37
-Ketch
-all lines ran to cockpit
-twin berth (aft and V)
-twin head
-Perkins Marine Diesel (1450 hours)
-Simrad auto pilot/marine radio
-manual windless
-chart plotter not provided
-Recent Gel Coat
-iso therm fridge
-gimble stove
-marine ac
-Maintained in private marina

Owner says he's had a recent survey done... I've asked to see it.

[Sailmonkey]

?? Maintained in private marina? Meaning?

The photo looks good, but there isn’t enough info here to say one way or another

[Jamesiv1]

Thanks for replying @Sailmonkey.

Yeah, I'm not sure what that means LOL (private marina)

Until I get some more details, I'm just looking for general opinions on Irwin boats, and maybe some things to look for when I take a look at her next week (if she's still for sale).

[Sailmonkey]

Irwin boats are fine.

At that age and price point, check everything carefully. Understand that if the sails are shot you may need to spend a substantial percentage of the purchase price on sails. Likewise if there is the typical hodgepodge of batteries, you may need to again spend a significant percentage of the purchase price to get a functional battery bank (if the boat is used at all by the current owner the existing equipment may be fine for light local use).

[MGRodems]

I have a friend with the same model & year. He has taken care if it and I was very impressed with the interior. She sails slowly and needs a fresh breeze to get going, but is quite comfortable under way.

I have an '88 Irwin 43 and have also had a '69 Irwin 27. Both have been very good to me. Very solid, quite seaworthy and both sail quite well. The 70s version of the 37 probable suffered a bit on sailing, but made up for it in comfort. It may depend con your priorities. It will be better at crusing than PHRF racing.

[DeValency]

Originally Posted by Jamesiv1

Thanks for replying @Sailmonkey.

Yeah, I'm not sure what that means LOL (private marina)

Until I get some more details, I'm just looking for general opinions on Irwin boats, and maybe some things to look for when I take a look at her next week (if she's still for sale).

Irwin core built is known to be very good and the photo looks good too - considering the age. If all is generally ok, the price is very reasonable.

You may know more after you see the survey - check carefully the date and ask why the survey has been taken.

Try to look at the systems, open ALL floor boards, engine compartment and engine - how clean it is and take as many pics of it from all around. Look at the chain plates etc. See the plumbing, turn sea cocks - take photos - as many as possible. - you can post here and be amazed with the number of comments you'll get.

Check what you can with the standing rigging - look for rust and any wires damage, visual fatigue, stiffness etc.

Check sails and running rigging, winches and deck/mast hardware.

Try to feel any possible soft deck areas.

Not yet referring to the underwater hull, keel, rudder, prop etc... - she need to be hauled out for a survey if you find the above things in a good shape.

Even if everything is in a reasonable working order, be prepared for at least additional $10K in repairs, upgrades and refit. - true with any boat, so never use your last funds for the purchase alone but consider the total cost own ownership for at least one year.

Best of luck!

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Jamesiv1

I found a 1979 Irwin 37' selling for $9,575.00 by owner.

What do you folks think about it?

This would be my first boat, and she looks in pretty good shape.

Irwin 37
-Ketch
-all lines ran to cockpit
-twin berth (aft and V)
-twin head
-Perkins Marine Diesel (1450 hours)
-Simrad auto pilot/marine radio
-manual windless
-chart plotter not provided
-Recent Gel Coat
-iso therm fridge
-gimble stove
-marine ac
-Maintained in private marina

Owner says he's had a recent survey done... I've asked to see it.

Looks fairly good for the price. Did you get inside to take a look/more photos?


Would take the recent survey by the owner w/a grain of salt, but w/that said look to see if they fixed any deficiencies listed. The survey "value" is typically over inflated.
The big ticket items will be the motor and sails. Also with any of these vintage boats ck. chain plates, tanks, rigging and for deck moisture. Since this is your first boat, find your own survey person (someone different than who the owner used) if you think you want to move forward w/ the deal.


Before you go too far talk to Gene Gammon (Mr. Irwin) to find out the issues/what to look for w/that model. He's very knowledgeable and easy to talk with about Irwins. Irwin Yachts - Gene Gammon


Also post more pics, as I'm certain many would like to give their $0.02 appraisal of the boat.

[surazo]

Hi , I have an Irwin exactly the same as you show .great boat !! . All the comments are quite straightforward .
First and the most important made your own survey by an experienced surveyor .
second : compare with other boats because it's an old boat with a lot of possible problems , mainly rigging, engine , wires , spar , sails , chain ,etc .
The value is for sailboat without problems and it could be a extreme experience for your first boat .Indeed all the sailor Know that never we finish to mantain a boat .
Good luck

[SV__Grace]

Sweet deal for what is typically a solidly built boat.

My best advice is to add up what's needed for you to get it to where you want it to be- electronics, sails, repairs, upgrades, etc., which will be the REAL purchase price!

[slowpoker]

A friend had an Irwin 37, anchor dragged and boat pounded on shallow sand,( don't know how long or how hard ). His well equipped but now damaged boat that by now had a cracked bottom from the keel pounding, was professionally "repaired" and repainted through his Boat Insurance paying the bill. Immediately when splashed back in the water with the travel lift, again water poured into the interior.
I believe the boat had a centerboard slot that also had cracked inside but not repared because the crack was not visible or accessible inside the slot.
His whole boat was scrapped for parts and equipment. Since the one you are considering should be surveyed well, ask the Surveyor to tell you if it is strong enough to survive some pounding if aground. Nice, roomy boat but maybe not solid enough, not if; but when, it runs aground. Merry Christmas and be safe.

[GordMay]

Irwin 37 Review
➥ https://www.spinsheet.com/boat-revie...ed-boat-review
➥ https://www.practical-sailor.com/sai...views/irwin-37

[PuttingDoctor]

It seems on face value and info presented to be a great place to start. As mentioned above do pay for a professional survey.

If you move forward do come join us on Facebook Irwin Sailboats. We are almost 1800 members and a very different experience than some of the sailing groups.
We also have Irwin Sailboats For Sale but join the main group for automatic inclusion there.

Good luck.

[Cadence]

Irwin as I recall made a damn good boat. Spring for a survey.

[sailor_ed]

Don't want to be a Grinch but when the Irwin 37 was built it was one of the cheapest boats in its class. When I found out that all the stanchions were simply screwed into the toe rail I ran the other way. Get a GOOD surveyor that is familiar with the Irwin 37. As an aside: when all is said and done buying a poor condition good quality used boat will ultimately be a better investment than a good condition poor quality one. IMHO.


Best of luck Ed

[floydmiami1]

I have lived and sailed a 37 for 10 years in the 90’s,served me well S Florida,keys and Bahamas and all in all had a lot of fun with her. but they are probably one of the worst built boats in that era. Don’t sail well,hull to deck joints were pathetic,stantions we’re just screwed in,keel was encapsulated but glass was very thin and had to repair that and also the rudder.The price was right and the room for living aboard is probably better than any other boat that size,no regrets