KIRBY 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.67 ft |
| LWL | 23.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.25 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 5,350 lb |
| Ballast | 2,300 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.6 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 37.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 454.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 182.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 310.8 sq ft |
About the KIRBY 30
Thanks to Jeff H. for providing corrections.
Designed by Bruce Kirby and built by Mirage Yachts Ltd. in Canada, the Kirby 30 is a compact cruiser with a production run of 195 hulls completed in 1981. Owner reports highlight a mix of performance-oriented upgrades and significant structural maintenance needs, particularly regarding deck integrity and keel stress.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a responsive, fractional sloop rig and are prepared to manage extensive deck and keel maintenance. It is less ideal for those seeking a turn-key vessel due to the high frequency of reported structural repairs.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 5350.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.35, the Kirby 30 is generally considered suitable for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages, as its relatively light displacement and fin keel design prioritize speed over heavy-weather stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1980s Canadian-built fractional sloops like the Contender 30 or early O'Day models, the Kirby 30 shares a similar displacement and beam but distinguishes itself with a higher sail area-to-displacement ratio (22.77) for better light-air performance.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 75° | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 90° | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.1 |
| 110° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.6 |
| 120° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.7 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.2 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.5 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the KIRBY 30 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
28 reported issues across 9 systems for the KIRBY 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KIRBY 30? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 28 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your KIRBY 30?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, BMW, Volvo Penta, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the KIRBY 30
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…