Hunter 36 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
Hunter 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 36 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Irwin |
| Year | 1996–2001 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 170 L (44.9 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 36 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 36 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The Hunter 36 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the Hunter 36 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 0.76m longer than the Hunter 36. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 27% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 36 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Hunter 36 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Irwin 38 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 Hunter 36 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 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: Hunter 36 · 1985 Irwin 38