Fifty 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Fifty 23 are defined by its high displacement-to-length ratio and its long-keel hull form. In the water, the boat feels significantly "heavier" than its 23-foot length suggests, offering a stable and predictable motion that minimizes the snappy rolling often associated with modern light-displacement hulls. It is not a windward performer; the relatively small sail plan and the drag of the fixed propeller mean that tacking angles are wide, and the boat requires a stiff breeze to overcome its own inertia.

Under power, the Fifty 23 behaves more like a traditional launch. The long keel provides excellent directional stability, allowing the boat to track straight for long periods with minimal helm correction. However, this same characteristic makes maneuvering in tight marinas a challenge, particularly when backing up, as the boat is slow to respond to the rudder until it has significant sternway. According to historical design overviews provided by the shipyard's lineage, the boat was intended to be sailed "with the engine at the ready," allowing owners to motor-sail through lumpy seas where a pure sailboat of this size might be stalled by the chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 25 feet, the Fifty 23 offers a remarkably functional interior, largely due to its generous beam and high freeboard. The layout typically centers around a compact saloon with a small galley to one side and a V-berth forward. The integration of the cockpit and the interior space is a hallmark of the Fifty range; many hulls featured a raised helm position or a deep, sheltered cockpit that allowed the skipper to remain protected behind a wrap-around windscreen.

Materials used in the interior are characteristic of the 1970s French "marine" style, utilizing dark woods and molded fiberglass liners. While the headroom is limited compared to its larger siblings like the Fifty 27, the 23 manages to feel spacious by avoiding unnecessary bulkheads. Variations of the model were produced with different engine options, though most were fitted with small diesel inboards such as the Volvo Penta or Yanmar series. The sibling Fifty 27 offered a much more substantial "aft-cabin" feel, but the 23 remained the preferred choice for those who needed a boat that could be easily handled by a single person or a couple.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Fifty 23 should prioritize a professional hull and engine survey, as these boats have now exceeded 40 to 50 years of age.

• Osmotic Blistering: Early Kirié fiberglass construction from the 1970s is known to be susceptible to osmosis. Hull inspections should look for blistering, particularly in areas where the boat has been kept in the water year-round.
• Engine Service Life: Because the Fifty 23 is a motorsailer, the engine often has more hours than a standard sailboat of the same age. Original Volvo Penta MD series engines may suffer from internal cooling passage blockages due to salt-water calcification.
• Window Seals: The large acrylic or glass panes in the wheelhouse/cockpit area are prone to leaking over time. Check for water staining on the interior woodwork directly below the windows, which can lead to localized rot.
• Rudder and Steering Linkage: The steering system on the Fifty range often utilizes cables or mechanical linkages that can stiffen or corrode if not regularly greased. Ensure there is no significant "play" or dead-zone in the wheel.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Fifty 23 benefit from the broader Kirié and Feeling community. While no dedicated "Fifty 23 International Association" exists, technical support and historical documentation are often shared through the Association des Propriétaires de Feeling (AP Feeling), which maintains archives for many of the shipyard’s older models. Information regarding the evolution of the yard and its shift from the Fifty to the Feeling line can be found through the historical records maintained by Bateaux.com, which documents the Kirié family's impact on French naval construction.

The Verdict

The Kirié Fifty 23 is a specialized craft for the sailor who values comfort and mechanical reliability over racing performance. It remains a sturdy, "little-big boat" that punches above its weight in sea-kindliness.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and motion for a 23-footer.
• Sheltered cockpit/wheelhouse design is ideal for northern climates or foul weather.
• Rugged fiberglass construction and a simple, robust long-keel design.

Cons

• Poor windward sailing performance compared to modern fin-keel cruisers.
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the long keel.
• Interior headroom and storage are limited for extended cruising.