Fifty 21 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié Fifty 21 entered production in 1977, with approximately 150 units built before its run concluded in 1980. This period marked a significant era for Kirié, as the shipyard, having expanded in the late 1960s, was at the forefront of extensively utilizing polyester (fiberglass) in boat building. Overview The "Fifty" range, including the Fifty 21, was introduced as an innovative series of motorsailers, showcasing the shipyard's versatility in blending power and sail capabilities. Overview

The design of the Fifty 21 is attributed to Michel Joubert, a notable naval architect. His vision for the Fifty 21 aimed to create a robust and habitable cruiser that offered the best of both sailing and motor yachting within a compact footprint. The emphasis was on practicality and comfort, providing a sheltered environment for cruising regardless of weather conditions, a key advantage offered by its pilothouse configuration. The solid fiberglass hull and deck construction, typical of Kirié's methods during this time, contributed to the boat's reputation for durability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its overall length of just over 20 feet, the Kirié Fifty 21 is best understood through qualitative descriptions rather than traditional performance ratios, which are less applicable to boats of this size. Designed primarily as a motorsailer, its performance under sail is balanced with its motoring capabilities. With a reported sail area of 263 square feet, the Fifty 21 is equipped as a masthead sloop. While it may not offer the exhilarating speed of a dedicated racing yacht, its design prioritizes stability and ease of handling, making it a forgiving vessel for cruising.

The boat's fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to a predictable and controlled motion through the water. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.51 knots, suggesting a comfortable cruising pace. The robust construction and design elements point to a vessel capable of handling various sea states with a reassuring motion, typical of a well-built motorsailer of its vintage.

Accommodations and Layout

The defining feature of the Kirié Fifty 21's accommodations is its pilothouse, which provides an invaluable sheltered helm position and enhances the interior living space. As an "habitable cruising monohull," the Fifty 21 is designed to offer practical living quarters for its size.

While specific detailed diagrams are scarce, the layout typically features a forward V-berth for sleeping, a compact galley area for meal preparation, and a saloon space that often includes convertible berths, maximizing the sleeping capacity. The pilothouse itself serves as a bright and airy command center, likely offering a dinette area with excellent visibility. Interior finishes would generally reflect the practical and robust aesthetic common in Kirié's boats of that era, combining fiberglass liners with functional wood trim. Although max headroom information is not explicitly available, it would be typical for a boat of this size, with potentially more generous headroom within the pilothouse area compared to the forward cabin. Storage would be utilitarian, designed to accommodate the necessities for coastal voyages.