1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 vs 1985 Irwin 52 — Comparison
1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 | 1985 Irwin 52 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Wauquiez | Irwin |
| Year | 1992–2000 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Ketch | Ketch |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean-Marie Finot | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.11 m (43.0 ft) | 15.85 m (52.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 4.42 m (14.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,793 kg (25,999 lbs) | 17,237 kg (38,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 6,350 kg (13,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) | 104.0 m² (1,119 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 568 L (150.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 and 1985 Irwin 52 represent two takes on ketch-rigged sailing. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 is a 1990s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 1985 Irwin 52 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The 1985 Irwin 52 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 measures 13.11m (43.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 52 at 15.85m (52.0ft) with a 4.42m beam. The 1985 Irwin 52 is 2.74m longer than the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43. The 1985 Irwin 52 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.08 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 52, with an SA/D of 15.83 and 104.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1985 Irwin 52 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 and 36.8% for the 1985 Irwin 52, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 52 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 568L water and 340L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 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 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Irwin 52 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: 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 · 1985 Irwin 52