1971 Irwin 38

[dirtchickn]

There is an Irwin 38 for sale locally and I was trying to get any info on these boats. Checking around, the little bit of info that I find is that they are known to leak at the toerail. Other than that.... nothing. Anything good or bad is appreciated.

[Irwin32]

Mine is a 73 that I sail on L. Michigan. I like the boat, but it does have some things to think about. My boat was custom ordered with the hull and chain plates beefed up. Looking at the chain plates, they are good for this boat, but a size smaller (stock) would be marginal. I find that the deck and cockpit is very solid with no flexing of fibergalss anywhere. My hull does not oil can at the bow, though I cannot speak for stock boats.

I do have 2 leaks that I suspect are hull/deck joint related, but I have not been able to track them down. They are small.

Windows are a problem - they leak and it is hard to stop them from doing so - not bad - but a drop or 2 every minute during a rain storm.

Irwin did cut corners which you will see in joinery work, inside of cabinets, cabin floors, hatches, and opening ports.

Bottom line: I have had my boat 10 years and have had no major problems. L michigan is 80 miles across and I cross all the time no problem. I like this boat for my uses.