1978 Catalina 25 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1978 Catalina 25
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Catalina 25 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Irwin |
| Year | 1978–1991 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 748 kg (1,649 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.1 m² (281 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Catalina 25 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Catalina 25 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1978 Catalina 25 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1978 Catalina 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1983 Irwin 32 is 2.13m longer than the 1978 Catalina 25. The 1983 Irwin 32 displaces approximately 162% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Catalina 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 26.1 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 1978 Catalina 25 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Catalina 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 1978 Catalina 25 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Catalina 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 32 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 1978 Catalina 25 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1983 Irwin 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Catalina 25 · 1983 Irwin 32