I am researching purchasing an Irwin 30, racing model. Just wanted to see the layout. Plus, Is she a good boat. I want to cruise for several weeks at a time. What problems are inherent with the I-30?
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Irwin 30 competition
Monica, Look at www.irwinyachts.com/ for a general layout. My 1977 version is not quite the same as the drawing. I think many of the boats built were sold bare of interior finish and owners did their own things. In my case I changed the interior again, moving the head from next to the mast facing fwd (racing position weight near centreline) to the more normal cruising position on the port side facing stbd. I made several other changes too, all in wood - there is no moulded liner. Disadvantages for cruising - low headroom, huge but unusable space in stern, T cockpit lacks benches, traveller location in cockpit awkward for moving about - etc (also I had to install a hawse pipe for the anchor rode). No roof liner (you can line with wood or vinyl or whatever). Interior seems small for a 30 footer. Lacks cockpit accessible lockers - quite important for cruising (stowage for lines, fenders, crab traps etc) Quite lightly rigged - not for offshore. Advantages - sails beatifully, balanced helm, points high, good acceleration! Many features (like the traveller that gets in the way) work extremely well - shows the design emphasis of performance over comfort!
Monica, Look at www.irwinyachts.com/ for a general layout. My 1977 version is not quite the same as the drawing. I think many of the boats built were sold bare of interior finish and owners did their own things. In my case I changed the interior again, moving the head from next to the mast facing fwd (racing position weight near centreline) to the more normal cruising position on the port side facing stbd. I made several other changes too, all in wood - there is no moulded liner. Disadvantages for cruising - low headroom, huge but unusable space in stern, T cockpit lacks benches, traveller location in cockpit awkward for moving about - etc (also I had to install a hawse pipe for the anchor rode). No roof liner (you can line with wood or vinyl or whatever). Interior seems small for a 30 footer. Lacks cockpit accessible lockers - quite important for cruising (stowage for lines, fenders, crab traps etc) Quite lightly rigged - not for offshore. Advantages - sails beatifully, balanced helm, points high, good acceleration! Many features (like the traveller that gets in the way) work extremely well - shows the design emphasis of performance over comfort!
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Sold my 1973 Model years about 10 ago and concur with Nick about sailing performance. Huge "J" Dimension 14' 6". Had difficulty seeing around deck sweeper 163% Genoa without getting in the leeward "T" of the cockpit. Mine had pressure water system w/50 gals of water (25 under each settee). I upgraded the Galley to a Gymboled 3 burner Propane Stove with oven, added a smart battery charger, Increased the battery Storage capacity and moved it Fwd of the mast, converted the salt water cooled Atomic 4 to a fresh water cooled engine and added a thru hull for water supply to the head. The only problem I ever had was tryinh to flush the head when the engine was running. Both intakes originally came off the intake thru hull for the engine cooling. My fuel tank rusted out and had to be replaced before I sold the boat but all told I liked the boat (But I'm an old Racer). It worked good for us for 2 week cruises but I sold it and Bought an Irwin 37 for more extended cruising. Its a lot more comfortable but a turtle in performance next to the 30.
Sold my 1973 Model years about 10 ago and concur with Nick about sailing performance. Huge "J" Dimension 14' 6". Had difficulty seeing around deck sweeper 163% Genoa without getting in the leeward "T" of the cockpit. Mine had pressure water system w/50 gals of water (25 under each settee). I upgraded the Galley to a Gymboled 3 burner Propane Stove with oven, added a smart battery charger, Increased the battery Storage capacity and moved it Fwd of the mast, converted the salt water cooled Atomic 4 to a fresh water cooled engine and added a thru hull for water supply to the head. The only problem I ever had was tryinh to flush the head when the engine was running. Both intakes originally came off the intake thru hull for the engine cooling. My fuel tank rusted out and had to be replaced before I sold the boat but all told I liked the boat (But I'm an old Racer). It worked good for us for 2 week cruises but I sold it and Bought an Irwin 37 for more extended cruising. Its a lot more comfortable but a turtle in performance next to the 30.
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