Pearson 39 or Irwin 37 ?

[sailer48]

I'm looking at a 1971 Pearson 39 and a 1977 Irwin 37 center cockpit this week -end. Any advise about the two would be helpful. Thank you

[Eleanna]

I would have to say that the Pearson is more of a sailboat then the Irwin. But the Irwin has more comfort then the Pearson.
Also be aware the Irwin was built as a affordable boat for the not so rich. So some of them aren't exactly as sound as you would wish.

Good luck
E.

http://pearsoninfo.net/index.cfm
http://www.irwinyachts.com/

[SailorMitch]

I know two people with P-39's of that vintage so if you want their email addresses, please send me a private message. On the whole, I'd take the Pearson, but then I've owned two of them.

[camaraderie]

The Irwin 37 is a decent performing coastal cruiser with great accomodations and live-abord ameneties. Production quality was variable but many boats have been extensively re-fitted by prior owners...others are sink-holes! It all depends on which one you are looking at which is why there is a wide variation in asking prices.
P-39's are better built and sail better but are far less roomy. It kinda depends on what your plans are which one is the better choice for you.
Get a good survey AND diesel maechanic for either boat before you buy!

[chicolimo]

I have worked on them all. IMHO, the Pearson is a much better built boat than an Irwin. Details on request.
Tom

[CaptainMicktheSaltySailor]

Originally Posted by sailer48

I'm looking at a 1971 Pearson 39 and a 1977 Irwin 37 center cockpit this week -end. Any advise about the two would be helpful. Thank you

Well, Like Chico, I've worked on both, though in my case it's because I've owned both. Not at the same time, mind You; we had the Irwin(tub) when we still had 2 kids at home and needed a bonafide "split plan" floorplan where they were in the bow and we were in the stern...the dogs hogged the salon.

I absolutely, positively HATED that boat, built like a piece of crap, TONS of aftermarket upgrades I did, and it stil couldn't get out of it's own way...a hull speed of about 5kts.

We now own the Pearson P39, though a slightly later year(&layout) than You are looking at...the Pearson is worth Twice the money of the Irwin, all things being equal...that ought to tell You something.

Pearson Performance, ease of maint.(&lack of need for same), hull speed, hull lines(You do have to LOOK at them, so does everybody else), engine compartment layout, galley layout, massive storage in the cockpit (not AFT of the cockpit), a heck of a lot more Deck to enjoy, more headroom...alas, I ramble;

Consider it this way...If You plan to liveaboard and never sail anywhere(the Irwin is best motored rather than sailed, or motorsailed...like the out-island Morgan Tubs they were modeled after)...the Irwin is the ticket.

IF You actually want to sail and go someplace, some time...anywhere, anytime...think P39.

Do You need a Chevy Suburban, or a Corvette. That's a good comparison for a guy who despised time on the helm of the Irwin, and thinks he's in Heaven on the Pearson....

my 2cents,