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Kirby 8M
Designer: Bruce Kirby  ·  Builder: Evasion Sailboats  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Kirby 8M

Originally developed as a meter boat design, this sleek sailing yacht represents the classic elegance of traditional racing craft adapted for modern sailing enthusiasts. The Kirby 8M embodies the distinctive characteristics of meter rule boats, featuring a narrow beam, deep keel, and refined lines that prioritize sailing performance over interior volume. Built primarily for coastal sailing and club racing, this yacht appeals to sailors who appreciate responsive handling and spirited performance in moderate conditions. The design emphasizes sailing purity, with a cockpit and deck layout focused on efficient sail handling rather than lounging comfort. Her traditional construction and proportions reflect the meter boat heritage, delivering the kind of sailing experience that connects crews directly to wind and water. While not suited for extended offshore passages or family cruising due to limited accommodations, the Kirby 8M excels as a day sailor and weekend racer. Her classic aesthetic and sailing characteristics attract purists seeking an authentic sailing experience reminiscent of racing's golden age. For sailors prioritizing performance and traditional sailing qualities over modern conveniences, this design offers a compelling blend of heritage and capability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.33 ft / 8.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.33 ft / 6.50 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 5,050.00 lb / 2,291 kg
Ballast 2,450.00 lb / 1,111 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 328.00 ft² / 30.47 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Kirby
Builder Evasion Sailboats
First Built 1978
Related Sailboats ["Tanzer 26" · "Ranger 26 Mull" · "J/80" · "First 26 Beneteau" · "Marieholm 26"]
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
 210
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
 17.88
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
 17.04
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
 2.22
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. 6.19
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
 2.44
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. 724.04
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 29.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.5
SA Fore 186.3
SA Main 141.55
How It Compares

vs. First 26 Beneteau, J/80, Ranger 26 Mull

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kirby 8M ★
26.3 ft
First 26 Beneteau
26.3 ft
J/80
26.3 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
26.3 ft
LWL
Kirby 8M ★
21.3 ft
First 26 Beneteau
22.9 ft
J/80
22.8 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
21.8 ft
Beam
Kirby 8M ★
9.5 ft
First 26 Beneteau
9.2 ft
J/80
9.4 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
8.7 ft
Displacement
Kirby 8M ★
5 lbs
First 26 Beneteau
4 lbs
J/80
3 lbs
Ranger 26 Mull
5 lbs
Ballast
Kirby 8M ★
2 lbs
First 26 Beneteau
1 lbs
J/80
1 lbs
Ranger 26 Mull
2 lbs
Sail Area
Kirby 8M ★
328 sq ft
First 26 Beneteau
291 sq ft
J/80
338 sq ft
Ranger 26 Mull
322 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kirby 8M ★
210 s/nm
First 26 Beneteau
—
J/80
129 s/nm
Ranger 26 Mull
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kirby 8M ★
17.9
First 26 Beneteau
16.4
J/80
24.8
Ranger 26 Mull
15.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kirby 8M ★
—
First 26 Beneteau
30.2 %
J/80
42.7 %
Ranger 26 Mull
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kirby 8M ★
17.0
First 26 Beneteau
16.2
J/80
17.9
Ranger 26 Mull
22.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kirby 8M ★
2.22
First 26 Beneteau
2.18
J/80
1.80
Ranger 26 Mull
1.93
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kirby 8M ★
—
First 26 Beneteau
178
J/80
70
Ranger 26 Mull
—
Hull Speed
Kirby 8M ★
6.2 kts
First 26 Beneteau
6.4 kts
J/80
6.9 kts
Ranger 26 Mull
6.3 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kirby 8M ★
2.4
First 26 Beneteau
2.9
J/80
—
Ranger 26 Mull
2.0
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