Irwin 32-1/2 Ketch

Description

The Irwin 32½ Ketch (1987–1989) is a rarely seen, late-model offering from Irwin Yachts, built in very small numbers (fewer than 30 hulls) as a stretched and ketch-rigged derivative of the popular Irwin 31/32 center-cockpit line. With an LOA of 32 ft 6 in, beam 11 ft 0 in, and a long, shallow fin keel drawing only 4 ft 0 in (3,800 lb ballast), she carries a conservative divided ketch rig totaling about 540 sq ft—designed for easy short-handed sailing and excellent heavy-weather balance rather than outright speed (PHRF typically 180–200). Displacement is a moderate 11,800 lb. Below, she is pure 1980s American cruiser: full 6 ft 4 in headroom, huge aft owner’s stateroom with centerline double berth and en-suite head/shower, walk-through passageway, spacious U-shaped galley, large saloon with convertible dinette, and a forward V-berth with second head—genuinely sleeping six in separate cabins. Marketed as a “go-now” Bahamas and Caribbean snowbird boat that could be handled by a couple, the 32½ Ketch found favor with older cruisers who valued the low sail loads, multiple reefing options, and cavernous storage. Although production ended abruptly with Irwin’s financial troubles in 1990, surviving examples remain highly regarded on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast for their room, shoal draft, and bullet-proof construction.