S/V Perception is a Beaufort, North Carolina based 1989 Irwin 54 For Sale By Broker. Responses to inquiries may come from a broker who is representing the owner as a fiduciary. This owner requires financial settlement only. No trades.
IRWIN 54 – Notable Points
The “wide-body” design creates a salon and galley area comparable to much larger yachts.
It typically features a palatial master aft stateroom with a walk-around queen bed and private ensuite head.
The center cockpit provides a high, dry, and safe vantage point for the helmsman with excellent visibility.
The wing keel version offers a shallow draft ideal for exploring the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.
The boat is often rigged for short-handed sailing with furling systems and well-placed winches.
The encapsulated lead keel eliminates keel bolts and provides a very stable, low center of gravity.
The raised deck profile creates massive headroom, often over 6’6″, throughout the main salon.
Wide side decks ensure safe movement forward even in rough seas.
An integral swim platform provides easy access to the water and dinghy.
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 |
| 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





















































