S/V Perception — a 1989 Irwin 54 located in Beaufort, North Carolina, for sale by broker. Responses to inquiries may come from a broker who is representing the owner as a fiduciary.
The Irwin 54 is a legendary blue-water cruiser, famed for its massive interior and wide-body design. Featuring a palatial master aft suite and shallow draft, this center-cockpit ketch balances luxury living with offshore capability. A true gentleman’s yacht for serious voyaging.
Features
- Massive wide-body interior with headroom ~6'8" and palatial full-beam aft master stateroom (centerline queen, en-suite)
- Center-cockpit ketch with cutter rig, stack-pack mainsail and roller furling headsails — short‑handed friendly
- Encapsulated lead keel (no keel bolts) with shallow-draft/wing-keel option
- Fiberglass hardtop over cockpit with canvas enclosure
- Cummins 4BT diesel, stainless steel shaft and cutlass bearing
- Undergoing full refit by current owner; systems updated include PEX plumbing, water heater, HVAC, electric heads, updated running rigging
Specifications
| Name | S/V Perception |
| Make | Irwin |
| Model | 54 |
| Year | 1989 |
| Type | Monohull Sailboat |
| Builder | Irwin |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| Cabins | 3 |
| Heads | 2 |
| Galley | Down to starboard |
Dimensions
| Loa | 54ft / 16.46m |
| Lwl | 44ft / 13.41m |
| Beam | 15ft 3in / 4.65m |
| Headroom | 6 ft 8 in |
| Draft | 5ft 6in / 1.68m |
| Mast Height | 64ft 0in |
Performance
| Engines | 0HP Cummins 4BT |
| Generator | Onan |
| Displacement | 46000 lbs |
| Sails | Cutter rig, mainsail with stack pack, roller furling headsails |
Layout Diagram
Inventory
IRWIN 54 - Notable Points
- Massive interior: "wide-body" design creates salon and galley area comparable to larger yachts
- Tri-cabin layout: palatial master aft stateroom with walk-around queen and private ensuite head
- Center cockpit: high, dry, safe vantage with excellent visibility
- Shallow-draft options: wing keel version suitable for Bahamas and Florida Keys
- Ease of handling: rigged for short-handed sailing with furling systems and well-placed winches
- Encapsulated lead keel: no keel bolts; provides a stable, low center of gravity
- Raised deck profile: massive headroom often over 6'6"
- Wide side decks: safe movement forward in rough seas
- Integral swim platform: easy access to water and dinghy
Foredeck
- Massive foredeck with 11+ Lewmar hatches for light and ventilation
Anchoring and Ground Tackle
- Dedicated bow platform with dual anchor rollers
- Heavy-duty electric windlass for primary and secondary anchors
Sailing Hardware
- Cutter rig with custom stack-pack for the mainsail
- Roller furling for headsails to simplify short-handed sailing
Cockpit
- Center cockpit positioned high for a dry ride and excellent visibility; functions as helm station and social hub
- Walk-through gates on port and starboard leading to cockpit with full wrap-around seating
- Molded pedestal helm with large stainless wheel, electronics, and controls for bow thruster and windlass
- Custom fiberglass hardtop with canvas enclosure for weather protection
Aft Deck and Lazarettes
- Large aft sun deck ("back porch") for lounging or storage
- Opposing raised lazarettes for gear storage
- Deep aft lazarette for bulky items like sails or fenders
Swim Platform and Stern
- Folding transom platform that lowers to the waterline for dinghy access and swimming/diving
- Integrated stern rail seats for best view underway
- Dinghy rack on stern
Interior General
- Headroom approximately 6'8" throughout
- Extensive custom woodwork
Main Salon
- Large L-shaped leather sofa with double-leaf dining table
- Soft leather seating
Galley
- Located down a step to starboard
- Large refrigerator/freezer
- Propane oven/stove
- Space for small appliances and ample pantry storage
Workbench and Project Area
- Positioned opposite the galley to port
- Ample room for storage and projects
Master Stateroom (Aft)
- Full-beam suite with centerline queen bed
- Separate seating area and abundant storage
- En-suite head with small tub and electric toilet
Guest Accommodations
- VIP cabin forward with centerline queen V-berth
- Bunk cabin to starboard forward of the salon
- Shared guest head forward with extra-large shower stall
Upgrades and Systems
- Cummins 4BT engine
- Stainless steel shaft
- Cutlass bearing and propeller
- PEX plumbing throughout
- Water heater
- Refrigerator
- HVAC units
- Electric heads
- Fiberglass hardtop for the cockpit
- Windlass
- Stack pack and other canvas
- Painted non-skid
- Hatches
- Updated running rigging
Current Status
- Vessel undergoing full refit by current owner; remaining projects to complete
- Capable of coastal and Bahamas travel as currently configured
- Ready for customization and finishing touches by new owner
Mechanical Disclaimer
- Engine and generator hours are as reported on the original listing and may represent owner-provided or hour meter readings
- Broker cannot guarantee true hours; purchaser/agent must verify engine hours, warranties, major overhauls, and other representations
Disclaimer
- Details offered in good faith; accuracy and vessel condition not guaranteed
- Buyer should instruct agents or surveyors to validate desired details
- Vessel offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice
Listing
- Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
Exterior Photos
Deck Photos
Interior Photos
Cabin Photos
Other Photos
