Elite 326 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié Elite 326 began production in 1988, continuing until 1999, with approximately 335 hulls built during its run. The design, a collaborative effort by Harlé-Mortain, aimed to create a progressive and well-built French compact racer/cruiser. Kirié, a shipyard with a rich history of innovation from traditional wooden boats to pioneering fiberglass construction, applied its renowned manufacturing ethos to the Elite 326. During this era, Kirié was celebrated for producing robust and practical vessels that harmonized performance with comfort, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Elite 326. The boat was available in both deep draft and shoal draft configurations, with the latter featuring a draft of 4.33 feet, offering flexibility for various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elite 326 is generally regarded as a spirited performer for its size, with a reported hull speed of 6.97 knots. Its sailing characteristics can be interpreted through its design ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 18.38, the Elite 326 exhibits a healthy sail-to-displacement ratio, suggesting good performance in lighter winds and the ability to move efficiently through the water.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.358, the boat offers moderate stiffness and stability, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway typical of a well-behaved cruising yacht.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: Sailboatdata.com lists the Elite 326 with a D/L ratio of 161.86, placing it in the light to moderate displacement category for a boat of its length. This aligns with anecdotal descriptions of the boat being "relatively light" and a "compact lightweight racer/cruiser" for its time, contributing to its responsive handling and ability to perform well.

Owners often find that Kirié boats, including the Elite series, tend to outperform their theoretical ratings, indicating a satisfying sailing experience. The boat's comfort ratio is noted at 16.10, and its capsize screening formula at 2.28, suggesting it is adequately stable for coastal cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Elite 326 is designed for cruising comfort, featuring a closed aft cockpit. Below deck, the layout typically includes two cabins and can accommodate up to six berths, complemented by a single head. The boat offers a freshwater capacity of approximately 50 gallons, consistent with its cruising aspirations. While specific maximum headroom is noted at 5 feet 5 inches, the interior is often praised for its "good space aft," a hallmark of French yacht design. However, some owners have noted that the smaller windows can result in less natural light in the cabin. Generally, the Elite 326 is considered well-finished, emphasizing Kirié's reputation for quality construction and practical interiors.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kirié Elite 326 frequently commend the vessel for its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in varying sea states. Many appreciate the generous interior space for a boat of its size, describing it as "well finished." The performance under sail is often highlighted, with several owners noting that the "Feelings seem to outperform their ratings," suggesting a rewarding experience for those who enjoy sailing. On the maintenance front, a recurring point for some owners pertains to the original Volvo Penta 2002 engine, which, while reliable, can sometimes present issues typical of older marine diesel engines. The seaworthiness of a 32-foot boat for longer voyages, such as to the Bahamas, is a topic of discussion among owners, generally concluding that such trips are feasible with proper caution and common sense.