Question 1

What are the specs of the KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

The KIRBY 8M has the following specifications: 26.33ft LOA, 9.5ft beam, 4.5ft draft, 5,050lb displacement, 2,449.8lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: Masthead Sloop. Keel: Fin.

Question 2

Who built the KIRBY 8M and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Evasion Sailboats (CAN), designed by Bruce Kirby, first built in 1978, 22 units were produced.

Question 3

Is the KIRBY 8M good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The KIRBY 8M is classified as a Coastal Cruiser. It has a comfort ratio of 17.04, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 2.22, which is best suited for coastal cruising.

Question 4

How fast is the KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

The KIRBY 8M has a sail area to displacement ratio of 17.88, which indicates moderate performance suitable for cruising. The displacement to length ratio is 232.31, making it a moderate displacement sailboat.

Question 5

How much does it cost to maintain a KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a KIRBY 8M is estimated at $1.1K – $3.0K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 6

How much does it cost to own a KIRBY 8M per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the KIRBY 8M (26.33ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $1.1K – $3.0K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $500-$2000/year (based on $unknown average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 26.33ft boat: Florida: $4,700-$12,600/year. California: $4,400-$11,100/year. Massachusetts: $3,300-$7,400/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,300-$9,200/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,200-$5,700/year. Texas: $1,900-$5,700/year. Washington: $3,800-$8,200/year. Michigan: $1,800-$4,100/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,800-$5,700/year. South Carolina: $4,100-$7,900/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $3K to $21K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 7

How much does it cost to dock a KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the KIRBY 8M (26.33ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $4,700-$12,600/year. California: $4,400-$11,100/year. Massachusetts: $3,300-$7,400/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,300-$9,200/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,200-$5,700/year. Texas: $1,900-$5,700/year. Washington: $3,800-$8,200/year. Michigan: $1,800-$4,100/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,800-$5,700/year. South Carolina: $4,100-$7,900/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 8

What are the common problems with the KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 1 issues reported for the KIRBY 8M by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in hull, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the KIRBY 8M.

Question 9

What should I look for when buying a KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

When buying a KIRBY 8M, SailPages.com has compiled 1 model-specific issues reported by owners across hull. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the KIRBY 8M includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 10

What are the sail dimensions of the KIRBY 8M?

Accepted Answer

The KIRBY 8M has the following rig dimensions: I=34.5ft (foretriangle height), J=10.8ft (foretriangle base), P=29.8ft (mainsail luff), E=9.5ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 339.2 sq ft. Jib area: 186.3 sq ft.

Question 11

How does the KIRBY 8M compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The KIRBY 8M is classified as a Coastal Cruiser by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 26.33ft LOA, comfort ratio 17.04, capsize ratio 2.22, SA/disp 17.88. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	26.33 ft
LWL	21.33 ft
Beam	9.5 ft
Draft	4.5 ft
Displacement	5,050 lb
Ballast	2,449.8 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.2 kn

Iforetriangle height	34.5 ft
Jforetriangle base	10.8 ft
Pmainsail luff	29.8 ft
Emainsail foot	9.5 ft
FLforestay	10.8 ft
Mainsail	339.2 sq ft
Jib (100%)	186.3 sq ft
Spinnaker	316.7 sq ft

KIRBY 8M

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

About the KIRBY 8M

Performance

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Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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