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Blazer 23 Kirby
Designer: Bruce Kirby  ·  Builder: Ontario Yachts Co. Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Blazer 23 Kirby

Sailboat enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry into coastal sailing often discover this compact vessel represents solid value in the small boat market. Named for its association with the Kirby design lineage, this 23-footer emerged during an era when builders focused on creating accessible sailboats for weekend warriors and sailing families. Built with practical coastal cruising in mind, the design emphasizes seaworthiness over pure performance, making it well-suited for day sailing, short coastal hops, and learning the fundamentals of sailing. The boat's modest proportions translate to manageable handling characteristics that don't overwhelm novice sailors, while still providing enough capability for more experienced sailors seeking a simple, no-frills sailing experience. While detailed specifications remain scarce, the Blazer 23 Kirby appears to follow conventional small boat design principles of its era, likely featuring a fin keel configuration and standard sloop rig. The cockpit arrangement prioritizes functionality over luxury, reflecting the boat's positioning as a practical sailing platform rather than a floating living space. For sailors prioritizing affordability and straightforward sailing characteristics over speed or extensive amenities, this model offers a pathway into boat ownership without the complexity or expense associated with larger vessels.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.75 ft / 5.72 m
Beam 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Ballast Type lead
Sail Area (Reported) Similar to the KIRBY 23.
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Kirby
Builder Ontario Yachts Co. Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1988
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40.91
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
148.99
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 3.18 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 25.60
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.90 ft / 2.71 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 270.00 ft² / 25.08 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 148.99
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