Irwin 37 Mk V Sloop

Description

The Irwin 37 Mark V Sloop (built 1980–1984) marks the final, most polished iteration of the storied Irwin 37 series, blending the model's hallmark center-cockpit spaciousness with a refined sloop rig for enhanced sailing dynamics over earlier marks. Retaining the core hull evolution from the Mk V ketch—a sharper entry, small sugar-scoop transom extending on-deck length to ~37′10″, improved skeg-hung rudder for better tracking and reduced weather helm, and increased displacement (~21,000–22,000 lbs) with ~9,000 lbs ballast for superior stiffness—the sloop version features a tall masthead rig (I ~47′, J ~15′) with a high-aspect mainsail and large roller-furling genoa (SA/D ~17–18), delivering livelier upwind performance, quicker acceleration in light airs, and simpler tuning/maintenance than the split ketch setup, though it lacks the mizzen's heavy-weather balance. Below decks, it upholds the legendary volume: private aft stateroom with en-suite head and direct cockpit access, expansive U-shaped galley, walkthrough nav station, airy saloon with 6′6″+ headroom, and roomy forward V-berth with second head, all upgraded with finer teak joinery, better ventilation, and modernized styling for liveaboard comfort. A coastal cruiser at heart—best for couples or families in protected waters—the Mk V Sloop offers respectable offshore legs when equipped, earning praise as the sweet spot in the 37 line for budget-conscious sailors seeking Irwin's unmatched interior without the ketch's complexity,