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74data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this KIRBY 36 buyer’s report
KIRBY 36

KIRBY 36

Scorpio Yachts🇨🇦· Design: Bruce Kirby
from 19836 built
$2.1K – $5.7K est. annual maintenance
Performance RacermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA35.9 ft
LWL30.3 ft
Beam11.5 ft
Draft6.8 ft
Displacement10,500 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.4 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height42.5 ft
Jforetriangle base12.5 ft
Pmainsail luff48.75 ft
Emainsail foot17.5 ft
FLforestay12.5 ft
Mainsail726.3 sq ft
Jib (100%)265.6 sq ft
Spinnaker451.6 sq ft

About the KIRBY 36

Thanks to Chuck Lanning for supplying photo and other info. on this yacht.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Kirby 36 is a rare, high-performance fractional sloop designed by Bruce Kirby and built by Scorpio Yachts in Canada, with only 6 hulls constructed in 1983. Its extremely limited production run and specialized design make it a unique collector's item rather than a mass-market cruiser.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced sailors seeking a fast, responsive coastal racer-cruiser with a fractional rig, particularly those who value performance over heavy bluewater comfort.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.1 and a comfort ratio of 19.62, the Kirby 36 is better suited for coastal cruising and protected waters rather than extended offshore passages, given its relatively light displacement and performance-oriented hull form.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include other Bruce Kirby designs like the Kirby 30 or 33, as well as contemporary performance cruisers from the early 1980s such as the O'Day 36 or Pearson 36, though the Kirby 36's fractional rig and lighter displacement (10500.0 lb) distinguish it from heavier displacement rivals.

Performance

Comfort19.6
Capsize2.10
SA/Disp23.2
Disp/Len169

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the KIRBY 36 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 35.9ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.1K – $5.7K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

22 reported issues across 9 systems for the KIRBY 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

8 critical7 major7 minor
Structural6Deck4Engine4Rigging2Rudder2Hull1Keel1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a KIRBY 36? 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 22 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 36?

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, Volvo Penta, Beta Marine, Kubota — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the KIRBY 36

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…