Irwin 65'

[wingover]

Hi,

Looking for info on the Irwin 65' or 52' from owners in regards to blue-water sailing.

I understand that it is not a Hinckley but would like to hear how those 2 models handle the seas.

Thanks

Phil

[RickLaPaz]

You'll find a lot of different opinions on Irwins. I won't bore you with my ramblings about our own 52--suffice to say we love it. Here's some links to peruse. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have........

Rick


(Caution!---The last link is our own personal website. It is nothing if not a totally self-serving attempt to generate extra income on our part. Being the capitalistic whore that I am. You have all been suitably warned).............

http://groups.msn.com/IrwinOwners


http://www.irwinyachts.com/Centercoc...20Mag%2005.pdf



http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_pos...56065&get=last



http://www.irwinyachts.com/Marine_Links/Links.htm





http://www.sherekhansailing.com/

[Jeff_H]

At this point, I have talked to a number of owners of these boats. In a general sense they were built quite poorly and intended to big inexpensive boats used for the trade wind charter trade. They reach quite well, but sail poorly at light or heavier end of the wind range. As originally constructed the glass work was dismal, hardware was undersized, electrical and mechanical systems poorly executed, structural elements marginal at best and the connections to bulkheads fragile for a boat this size.

As a result, over the years quite a few of these boats have had massive amounts of money poured into them to beef them up, and bring the construction and systems up to a reasonable standard. Once reworked many of the build quality issues can be overcome, but they still offer pretty poor sailing capabilities.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[camaraderie]

Wing...I would classify the 52' as a coastal/carribbean cruiser with excellent liveaboard ameneties at a very attractive price. Build quality is modest and with the board she was designed for trade winds in shoal waters...not gales. Problem areas are decks and chainplates and mast step during survey. Get a POST 1982 model if possible.

My impression of the 65' is that it is more heavily built and while still modest in terms of fitting out, she may be a better sea boat. Her deck is also foam rather than plywood cored. (Hull is foam cored ABOVE the waterline.)
Both were designed with the charter trade in mind and later versions were made with interiors to suit individual owners.

[RickLaPaz]

The hot tub alone is worth the price of admission......

[JohnRPollard]

And check out the fixed-grill on the deck!!! CruisingDad will have to upgrade now!

[AlpineSailor]

That's a very well done website Rick, looks like you've got a good gig there. Frankly, I'm jealous. Have you been able to make a go of it?

[GySgt]

I know of one client he will have in the up coming year

[RickLaPaz]

Originally Posted by AlpineSailor

That's a very well done website Rick, looks like you've got a good gig there. Frankly, I'm jealous. Have you been able to make a go of it?

Whoops, missed this one. Yeah, Alpine, it's starting to take off after a bit of work. We found a little niche that's different from the other 3-4 charters there. It's still kind of wide open down there but the cruising grounds are very nice, it's tons less expensive than the Carib and from what I have heard over the years, the people are a lot more friendlier than those you meet in some of those islands. Especially the officials. Just practice your Spanish and smiling skills and you're home free.

And it'll be a lot easier when I move down there full time and get the other biz going. Then I can give it and the boat my undivided attention. Can't wait for New Years.........

Rick