1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Irwin |
| Year | 1997–2007 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 measures 10.35m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.34m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 1.23m longer than the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.68 and 53.0 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 · 1985 Irwin 38