Feedback on Irwin 43

[KevinEarly]

I'm considering purchasing an Irwin 43 (1987) sloop. Are there any trouble spots peculiar to this model that I should be aware of? Are current and pst owner of this boat satisfied with its performance and comfort level?
Thank you,
Pearl in Maine

[camaraderie]

Pearl...We lived and cruised the East Coast and Bahamas for 2 years in our Irwin44 which is a very similar boat and had lots of room and ameneties and good (not great) sailing performance and great performance under power with the Yanmar44 which is a very reliable engine. She is NOT built for long bluewater passages but does very nicely in short offshore (3-4 days) passages in reasonable weather.
Irwins have a reputation for inconsistency in build quality. Most well cared for boats have had any problems (like deck voids or blisters) taken care of by now and you should have no worries on that score, but getting yourself a good surveyor and mechanical guy will be worthwhile as these are all 20 year + old boats and you need to know what you are getting in to. They are excellent values if you don't have circumnavigation type goals.
We've since stepped up in size and my 44 is for sale @ $129k (without a broker) in case you want to take a look...here.

[boreas84]

pearl ,i own 1983 irwin 41c/c ketch with 25000+ miles on it [ 3000 of which is open ocean] . this boat is less work to keep up than most other boats that my friends own.