Kirby 1/4 T Information, Review, Specs

The Kirby 1/4 Ton design originated in 1975 under the hand of Bruce Kirby, a designer whose career spanned over four decades and included notable contributions to both dinghy and offshore racing. Kirby's design philosophy often emphasized simplicity and effective performance, a trait evident in his work on the Laser. The Kirby 1/4 Ton was specifically crafted to compete within the International Offshore Rule (IOR) Quarter Ton class, a popular division for smaller, high-performance yachts. While the design first appeared in 1975, the specific iteration built by New Orleans Marine commenced production in 1984 and continued until 1987. New Orleans Marine, founded by B. Thomas Dreyfus, focused on fiberglass construction, aligning with the prevalent trends of performance-oriented cruisers and racers of the mid-1980s. Only 26 units of the Kirby 1/4 Ton were produced by New Orleans Marine, making it a relatively rare find today. While there is no evidence of significant Mark I or Mark II variations, some custom-built versions of the Kirby 1/4 Ton design using cold-molded construction also exist, showcasing the flexibility and appeal of Kirby's original lines.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a Quarter Ton class yacht, the Kirby 1/4 Ton was unequivocally designed for racing, prioritizing speed and agility on the course. With a length overall of nearly 26 feet and a waterline length of just over 20 feet, she boasts a relatively high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.44. This figure suggests a boat that is quite responsive and capable of performing well in lighter air, while still having enough sail to be engaging in moderate breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 46.9%, indicates a stiff and stable boat for its size, capable of standing up to significant wind and carrying its canvas effectively without excessive heeling. This high ratio points to a design that prioritizes stability, a desirable trait for maintaining speed and control, especially when pressed. The displacement to length ratio of around 234 indicates a moderate displacement for a performance yacht of its size, balancing the need for speed with a degree of structural integrity. Quarter Ton yachts from this era were known for their competitive nature, capable of achieving lively speeds, particularly downwind. The Kirby 1/4 Ton, with its fin keel and spade rudder, is designed for efficient hydrodynamics, offering sharp steering and nimble handling characteristic of a dedicated racing machine.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a Quarter Ton racer, the interior accommodations of the Kirby 1/4 Ton are necessarily compact and geared towards functionality rather than extensive comfort. While specific interior layouts can vary between individual boats, especially for a class that encouraged some customization, a typical arrangement for a boat of this size and purpose would include a basic V-berth forward, suitable for sleeping two. The main cabin area would likely feature simple settees that could serve as additional berths, potentially with a small table. A compact galley area, if present, would be minimal, perhaps comprising a small sink and a space for a portable stove. Headroom is limited, consistent with its racing pedigree, and there is no maximum headroom specified in the boat's data, suggesting it's not a standing-headroom vessel. Storage would be modest, often utilizing under-berth and locker spaces. The emphasis would be on keeping weight down and maximizing usable deck and cockpit space for sailing, rather than luxurious living. Materials would typically be fiberglass with some wood trim, durable and easy to maintain, reflecting the functional requirements of a racing boat.