1979 Irwin 25 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1979 Irwin 251979 Irwin 25
VS
Hanse 320Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Irwin 25Hanse 320
General
ManufacturerIrwinHanse
Year1979–19842005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerTed Irwinjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL6.10 m (20.0 ft)8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.14 m (3.7 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast816 kg (1,799 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area25.8 m² (278 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Irwin 25
16.30
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Irwin 25
39.98
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Irwin 25
0.82
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Irwin 25
20.55
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Irwin 25 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Irwin 25 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1979 Irwin 25 was penned by Ted Irwin. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1979 Irwin 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Hanse 320 is 2.30m longer than the 1979 Irwin 25. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 125% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Irwin 25 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 25.8 m² of sail area. The Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Irwin 25 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1979 Irwin 25 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Irwin 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Irwin 25 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 Hanse 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 320 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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