On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 09:21:56 -0700, "Gordon"
wrote:

Talking to a very knowledgeable surveyor here, without looking at the
particular boat, says that Irwins were roomy and make great liveaboards, but
were not to be trusted offshore. They were a cheaply made boat to fit a
particular market and not for the serious cruiser.
That seems to fit what many of you have said.

They were actually designed and layed out for the Carribean charter
business. Cruising the BVIs, etc. They're great for that. For
instance, my 37 CC had two complete and private staterooms, each with
a head with shower. And a large main salon, large galley (3 burner
stove, oven, large sink) had 2 large coolers and a fridge, ample
storage space, etc. etc. You have full size walkthrough passage from
the inside to the aft stateroom, which a lot of center cockpit boats
that size don't have (you have to go through the cockpit on a lot of
them.)

It was set up so two couples or a family with kids could cruise
comfortably for a few weeks on the calm seas of the Carribean. And it
does that very well. It's also very comfortable and perfect for the
Chesapeake and for coastal cruising. But I wouldn't want to circumnav
in mine without some modifications/upgrades.

Steve