Kirby 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Kirby 36 in 1983 marked a notable collaboration between two prominent figures in Canadian boat building: Bruce Kirby and Haydn Gozzard. Bruce Kirby, widely recognized for his highly successful Laser dinghy design, brought a clear performance orientation to the Kirby 36., 9, 11] His design philosophy for this model aimed to combine impressive sailing capabilities with practical and comfortable living spaces.

Scorpio Yachts, under Haydn Gozzard's direction, contributed its established ethos of robust construction and thoughtful design. Having co-founded Bayfield Boat Yard, Gozzard brought extensive experience in building fiberglass cruising sailboats, emphasizing quality and innovative interior layouts. The Kirby 36, built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, reflects Scorpio Yachts' commitment to durable and reliable vessels. While only a limited number of Kirby 36s were constructed—approximately six—each benefited from this meticulous approach to craftsmanship.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kirby 36, with its fin keel and spade rudder, is designed for responsive handling and spirited performance. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 23.04 is quite high, indicating that the boat is well-powered and capable of excelling in lighter wind conditions. This generous sail plan contributes significantly to its overall speed potential.

Despite its performance orientation, the Kirby 36 is also known for its stability. While a precise ballast weight isn't widely published, anecdotal evidence suggests a ballast-to-displacement ratio exceeding 50%, which is remarkably high. This substantial ballast ratio points to a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind and maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 168.18, the Kirby 36 falls into a lighter, performance-cruiser category, suggesting it is agile and efficient through the water. Owners frequently praise its handling, noting that the boat "handles well in all weather conditions," providing a secure and enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance pedigree, the Kirby 36 surprises many with its remarkably spacious interior, especially for a boat of its length from the early 1980s. Owners frequently comment on the "loads of room down stairs," with ample headroom that can comfortably accommodate individuals up to 6'2" tall.

While specific interior diagrams are not readily available, the design philosophy of Haydn Gozzard, the founder of Scorpio Yachts, often leaned towards optimizing interior space for comfortable cruising, even moving away from traditional V-berths in some of his designs to create more unconventional and spacious layouts. The general consensus among those familiar with the Kirby 36 is that its interior layout and cockpit offer considerable space, making it a viable option even as a liveaboard home. The finish quality and materials, consistent with Scorpio Yachts' reputation, would typically include durable fiberglass surfaces complemented by practical joinery, focusing on longevity and functionality for extended time aboard.