I am interesed in purchasing an 1986-87 vintage Irwin Citation. 1.) what is the difference between a 31 and a 31 citation if any? 2.) I have owned O'days and Catalina's how do Irwin's match up? 3.) how do they stack up as compared to Hunter? This one is a CB version..any thought on that issue? Finally, at 11' Wide can it be towed over the road by me and my truck without a lot of hoopla? Help?
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Define Hoopla
When I worked in traffic for US Steel 25 years ago I arranged over width loads most every day. No hoopla. If I try today, I would consider it hoopla At 11 feet you will need an overwidth permit and have to travel during daylight hours. Check with the states you are crossing as to whether they require an escort. I believe in most states you don't need an escort until you get over 12'. As far as an Irwin compared to Hunter, Oday, and Catalina, Irwin is the only one not still in business.
When I worked in traffic for US Steel 25 years ago I arranged over width loads most every day. No hoopla. If I try today, I would consider it hoopla At 11 feet you will need an overwidth permit and have to travel during daylight hours. Check with the states you are crossing as to whether they require an escort. I believe in most states you don't need an escort until you get over 12'. As far as an Irwin compared to Hunter, Oday, and Catalina, Irwin is the only one not still in business.
Just a point of interest
Though Irwin made over 600 37 footers like I have, their primary involvement unless I am wrong, was in the big Irwins, those over 50 feet. I believe they got hammered by the luxury tax fiasco that the government enacted to rip off the buyers of the bigger boats. Lots of very big boat builders went bust at that time, and the government finally rescinded the tax, too late for most of the big boat builders. I'l let some others comment on the comparisons. Joe S
Though Irwin made over 600 37 footers like I have, their primary involvement unless I am wrong, was in the big Irwins, those over 50 feet. I believe they got hammered by the luxury tax fiasco that the government enacted to rip off the buyers of the bigger boats. Lots of very big boat builders went bust at that time, and the government finally rescinded the tax, too late for most of the big boat builders. I'l let some others comment on the comparisons. Joe S
I am not trying to be an Irwin Basher
but............almost every Irwin I have seen has serious issues with soft decks and rotting bulkheads. If the P.O. took care of these in the beginning and re-sealed/caulked all deck fittings and intrusions you should be OK. Do a thorough inspection of all these areas. I personally found that if I walk with stocking feet, i can feel any spongyness better than if I am barefooted. Me personally, I opt for the Catalina. I had a Catalina 25 and a Catalina 30 and loved them both. Go to the Irwin website and they can help you with Irwin issues and solutions. Tony B
but............almost every Irwin I have seen has serious issues with soft decks and rotting bulkheads. If the P.O. took care of these in the beginning and re-sealed/caulked all deck fittings and intrusions you should be OK. Do a thorough inspection of all these areas. I personally found that if I walk with stocking feet, i can feel any spongyness better than if I am barefooted. Me personally, I opt for the Catalina. I had a Catalina 25 and a Catalina 30 and loved them both. Go to the Irwin website and they can help you with Irwin issues and solutions. Tony B
O'Day still in business?
With all due respect, last I knew they went out of business circa 1989. Did I miss something? Are you talking about O'Day of Japan?
With all due respect, last I knew they went out of business circa 1989. Did I miss something? Are you talking about O'Day of Japan?
Charters?
I think a lot of the Irwins were in the charter service areas when they were in production. My impression is they are like the Morgan Out Islands, but that is just my impression, I have no experience. There is one in my marina, never goes out, never see anyone on it.
I think a lot of the Irwins were in the charter service areas when they were in production. My impression is they are like the Morgan Out Islands, but that is just my impression, I have no experience. There is one in my marina, never goes out, never see anyone on it.
I'm just throwin an opinion in the wind here.
Of those four brands, what will enhance your ownership experience the most, is the quality of care the boat has had for the last 20 years. Not which company built it in a week. Look around a bunch and shop smart. Find a "cream puff". A few hours spent prepurchase will save days or weeks or even months later. Good luck.
Of those four brands, what will enhance your ownership experience the most, is the quality of care the boat has had for the last 20 years. Not which company built it in a week. Look around a bunch and shop smart. Find a "cream puff". A few hours spent prepurchase will save days or weeks or even months later. Good luck.
Lance!
That might just be the smartest advice ever given on this site. Buy the boat, not the brand. Radical! I find myself wondering whether this might even apply to new boats.
That might just be the smartest advice ever given on this site. Buy the boat, not the brand. Radical! I find myself wondering whether this might even apply to new boats.
John!
Why thankyou. But I only know this from having done it wrong before. Anyway Saberlin goodluck to you and get sailing! We are all lucky to partake of this site. Fantastic info, even better people!
Why thankyou. But I only know this from having done it wrong before. Anyway Saberlin goodluck to you and get sailing! We are all lucky to partake of this site. Fantastic info, even better people!
Only Irwin I looked at...
had the jack stands screwed so tight the hull was pushed in. I did go aboard. It was a fix'er up'er. Boat is still at the guys house... 2 years later.
had the jack stands screwed so tight the hull was pushed in. I did go aboard. It was a fix'er up'er. Boat is still at the guys house... 2 years later.
Irwin
Yes I agree to check the decks. But my father has a Irwin 30 and it not a bad boat. Less room inside than a Catalina 30. I feel it is faster and better sailing boat than a Catalina or Hunter.
Yes I agree to check the decks. But my father has a Irwin 30 and it not a bad boat. Less room inside than a Catalina 30. I feel it is faster and better sailing boat than a Catalina or Hunter.
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