What to look for on Irwin 37CC

[SCoffshore]

I am looking at making the plunge into buying a 37CC. I am very familiar with boats and their systems, but when I go to look at some of the boats I am interested in, what in particular problems should I look for? Any particular areas that deck tends to get soft? Any help would be appreciated. The boats I am looking at are 76-80 range.

[MIKEMCKEE]

I've had a 1976 37CC for about 5 years and my wife and I love it, BUT, (yes there's always a BUT in the somewhere). Although I still think it's a great boat to sail around in local near shore waters, I wouldn't think about going off shore to far though. I think that the one major problem I've had is with the 12VDC lines. All of the previous owners had done there thing is regards to running various line through out the boat.
I've got a few pictures of it at this web site under Mike & Glindas 37cc. lhttp://groups.msn.com/IrwinOwners.
Drop me a line if you have any other questions at mmckee52@cs.com

Good luck,

Mike
s/v Blue Bayou

[camaraderie]

Things which tend to be troublesome on Irwins but which may have already been dealt with by PO's.
Leaking Deck/Hull Joint, Leaking Ports, bad aluminum fuel tanks, soft decks particularly foredeck, encapsulated keel damage/water inrusion, rudder water intrusion.
All manageable and not fatal...just worth checking carefully. I too hope your screen name does not reflect what you intend to do with this coastal cruiser/liveaboard.

[SCoffshore]

No, we plan on enjoying the coastal crusing characteristics of the Irwin. Cruising Long Island Sound when there is wind, and in the long run cruising back home to SC coastwise and then the carribean. The layout works good for us with a little one and another couple as does the price. And, we aren't afraid of a little, or even a lot of work. The entire 12v system will in all probability be replaced at some point in the near future.

[camaraderie]

That's what they were built for...you should be good to go! Good luck.

[MIKEMCKEE]

I forgot to let you know that the 37CC DOESN'T go to windward very well, try as I might. If you get above 35 degrees your lucky. They are a very heavy boat (20K) without, all your stuff onboard and with a wide beam.
But even with all of that we still love her.

Chief

[dweymer]

I just bought one a few months ago and have not stopped working on her(Not complaining). I knew the boat was rough.

Fuel and water tanks are aluminum, to replace them you have to cut out the floor.

Prop shaft-stuffing box- Mine has some type of plastic nuts instead of brass. Replace these while out for the survey if you can.

A LOT of the panelling has rotted underneath the paint so it looked good until I poked it. It is fairly expensive for replacement wood.

Propane system-figure on 150 to replace everything.
Portlights and windows leak.

Good thing-Vetus still carries parts for the hatches including new gasket material.

Good luck, and enjoy it.

Donnie