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Kirby 23
Designer: Bruce Kirby  ·  Builder: Ross Marine  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Kirby 23

With limited documentation available, the Kirby 23 represents one of the more elusive designs in the 23-foot sailboat category. This modest-sized vessel appears to have been produced in relatively small numbers, making it something of a rare find in today's used boat market. Based on its length and the typical design philosophy of boats from this era, the Kirby 23 would likely appeal to sailors seeking a manageable daysailer or light coastal cruiser. The 23-foot length suggests a boat that offers reasonable interior space for weekend getaways while remaining small enough for single-handed sailing or easy handling by a small crew. Without extensive production records or widespread ownership, the Kirby 23 hasn't developed the strong reputation networks seen with more popular designs. This obscurity can work both ways for potential buyers – while there's less collective wisdom about common issues or modifications, it also means finding parts or knowledgeable service providers could prove challenging. For sailors drawn to unique or uncommon designs, the Kirby 23 offers the appeal of sailing something distinctive. However, prospective buyers should carefully evaluate any example they encounter, paying particular attention to the condition of systems and the availability of replacement parts for future maintenance needs.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.80 ft / 5.73 m
Beam 7.75 ft / 2.36 m
Max Draft 3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 2,400.00 lb / 1,089 kg
Ballast 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 271.00 ft² / 25.18 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Kirby
Builder Ross Marine
First Built 1985
Related Sailboats ["Sonar" · "Sonic 23" · "Pearson 23" · "San Juan 23" · "Merit 23"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
180
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
24.25
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
12.08
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.32
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.81
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
4.13
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. 520.6
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 25.75
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.67
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.5
SA Fore 111.63
SA Main 161.0
How It Compares

vs. Pearson 23, San Juan 23, Sonic 23

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kirby 23 ★
23.0 ft
Pearson 23
23.0 ft
San Juan 23
23.0 ft
Sonic 23
23.0 ft
LWL
Kirby 23 ★
18.8 ft
Pearson 23
20.0 ft
San Juan 23
20.3 ft
Sonic 23
20.0 ft
Beam
Kirby 23 ★
7.8 ft
Pearson 23
8.0 ft
San Juan 23
8.0 ft
Sonic 23
7.6 ft
Displacement
Kirby 23 ★
2 lbs
Pearson 23
3 lbs
San Juan 23
2 lbs
Sonic 23
3 lbs
Ballast
Kirby 23 ★
900 lbs
Pearson 23
1 lbs
San Juan 23
960 lbs
Sonic 23
1 lbs
Sail Area
Kirby 23 ★
271 sq ft
Pearson 23
238 sq ft
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
242 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kirby 23 ★
180 s/nm
Pearson 23
240 s/nm
San Juan 23
236 s/nm
Sonic 23
227 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kirby 23 ★
24.3
Pearson 23
16.6
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
17.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kirby 23 ★
Pearson 23
37.1 %
San Juan 23
35.6 %
Sonic 23
44.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kirby 23 ★
12.1
Pearson 23
16.3
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
16.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kirby 23 ★
2.32
Pearson 23
2.11
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
2.02
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kirby 23 ★
Pearson 23
195
San Juan 23
143
Sonic 23
189
Hull Speed
Kirby 23 ★
5.8 kts
Pearson 23
6.0 kts
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
6.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kirby 23 ★
4.1
Pearson 23
2.6
San Juan 23
Sonic 23
2.9
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