Found this forum through another, I think LA.
Grew up in the Chicago area and sailed dinghies, prams and Sunfishes. Moved to Mayport, FL for the Navy and got into 30'-40's sailboats that friends had. Moved to the west coast of Florida and between spouse, kids and life haven't been on a sailboat in about 10 years.
9 months ago got the itch back and three months later found the boat I was looking for.
I'll give a break down on why I picked it as I go along. Keep in mind I live in Largo, FL now and coastal cruising/gunkholing is the future for this boat.
-It's a 28 Irwin with swing centerboard. 3'0" draft when the board is up.
-Extended boom on main by ~4' with new sail to match, 150 Genoa
-Inboard seized and was swapped for a 9.9 Nissan longshaft OB with a lowering transom mount. I tore out the old inboard fuel tank in lieu of a 5 gallon portable.
-9' beam means for $20 I can pay for a one year permit to trailer it in FL. Which means I can bring it home for painting/other stuff.
-That model was made heavy with lots of glass in the bottom layers. It's no race boat.
-Cheap, so I don't feel bad about modifying it for my own needs.
Great and Welcome aboard. Lots of places on the West Coast of Fl.
Welcome aboard this is a great place to get info and there are a few old navy guys that pop up in here
Welcome, sounds like you are on your way!
The Irwin 28 is is a great boat...We bought a fixer upper a few years back as insurance in case anything were to happen to our CAL 34. They sail really well and for a pocket cruiser you'd be hard pressed to find a better boat!
Bob
http://boatbits.blogspot.com/
http://fishingundersail.blogspot.com/
http://islandgourmand.blogspot.com/