Irwin Avanti 42

Description

The Irwin Avanti 42 (1989–1991, fewer than 10 built) was Ted Irwin’s final, short-lived attempt at a modern performance cruiser before the company closed. Essentially an upscale, thoroughly redesigned successor to the Irwin 43/44 series, the Avanti 42 featured a sleek, low-profile deck-saloon hull with a long waterline (LOA 42′6″, LWL 36′0″), wide beam carried well aft (13′10″), and a choice of deep fin (6′9″) or shoal scheel keel (5′3″). Displacement is a moderate 22,000 lbs with 8,800 lbs ballast, giving a respectable 40% ballast ratio. The rig is a tall, fractional sloop (SA/D ≈19–20) with swept spreaders, no backstay, and a large roachy mainsail—noticeably quicker and closer-winded than any previous Irwin. Interior volume remains huge: raised deck-saloon with panoramic windows, a true walk-in aft owner’s stateroom with centerline queen, massive U-shaped galley, forward guest cabin, and superb ventilation, and high-quality cherry joinery throughout—easily the best finish Irwin ever delivered. On the water the Avanti 42 is easily the best-sailing large Irwin: light, responsive helm, 7+ knot averages, and genuine light-air speed. Construction quality is also a step up—vinylester resin below the waterline, balsa coring, and solid rod rigging. Because production stopped abruptly when Irwin Yachts folded in 1991, the boats are extremely rare and were expensive when new.