Fifty 23 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié Fifty 23 was born during a transformative era for the Kirié shipyard. Established in 1912, Kirié evolved from building traditional wooden boats to becoming one of the pioneers in fiberglass (polyester) construction in the late 1960s. This technological leap allowed the shipyard, under the leadership of Auguste Kirié and later his son Claude, to introduce innovative models Overview. The "Fifty" range, which included the Fifty 23, was a direct result of this evolution, designed to serve as "sailing fishing boats or motorsailers" that married sailing performance with spacious, comfortable interiors Overview, 3, 8.

Michel Joubert, a respected name in naval architecture, was instrumental in designing the Fifty 23. While specific details about his design philosophy for this particular model are limited in public records, the overall intent for the Fifty series was clear: to create robust and practical vessels that provided both good sailing characteristics and the convenience of reliable engine propulsion. The production run of 200 units between 1974 and 1979 speaks to the model's appeal and the builder's commitment to this hybrid design. No significant variations like MkI or MkII versions appear to have been extensively documented during its production run, though it was part of a larger "Fifty" range that included models from 21ft to 40ft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its small stature at just under 23 feet, the Kirié Fifty 23 is described as a moderate weight sailboat with reasonably good performance for its class. Its design as a motorsailer with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder suggests a focus on stability and ease of handling, rather than outright racing speed [1,. Owners and reviewers generally characterize the Fifty 23 as stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability, which contributes to a feeling of security underway.

While a motorsailer by definition balances sail and power, the Fifty 23's masthead sloop rig and reported sail area indicate it is capable of sailing effectively. However, its pilot house configuration and displacement point towards a design where comfortable cruising and engine-assisted passages are equally prioritized. Anecdotal evidence suggests it handles predictably, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a forgiving vessel for coastal cruising or extended weekends.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Kirié Fifty 23 is designed to maximize space within its compact hull, leveraging a "slightly more spacy hull design" to offer comfortable living quarters for its size. The layout typically includes one cabin with four berths, providing sleeping arrangements for a small crew or family. A galley is also standard, catering to basic culinary needs aboard.

As a pilot house motorsailer, a key feature of the Fifty 23 is its enclosed steering station, which offers protection from the elements and extends the cruising season. While specific details on interior finish materials are not widely detailed in common reviews, boats of this era from French builders like Kirié typically featured practical, durable fiberglass liners often complemented by some wood trim to enhance warmth. Storage is generally modest but functional for a boat of this length, and ventilation would likely rely on opening ports and hatches, consistent with designs of the 1970s. The emphasis is on functionality and comfort for its intended purpose as a versatile cruiser.