1965 Bristol 35.5 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1965 Bristol 35.5 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Irwin |
| Year | 1965–1972 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Halsey Herreshoff | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1965 Bristol 35.5 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is a classic design by Bristol from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 was penned by Halsey Herreshoff. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is 1.07m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.75 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 28.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.66). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1965 Bristol 35.5 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1965 Bristol 35.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1965 Bristol 35.5 · 1983 Irwin 32