Blazer 23 vs Kirby 23
How do the Blazer 23 and Kirby 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Blazer 23 
Kirby 23 | Blazer 23 | Kirby 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Waterline length | 18.8 ft5.71 m | 18.8 ft5.73 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 7.8 ft2.36 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.14 m | 3.9 ft1.19 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 2,400 lb1,089 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 260 ft²24.2 m² | 273 ft²25.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.59 | 24.37 |
| Displacement / Length | 149 | 161 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.8 | 12.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.44 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Blazer 23 vs Kirby 23: the short version
- The Blazer 23 and Kirby 23 are close in length (23.0 ft7.01 m vs 23.0 ft7.01 m ).
- The Kirby 23 is heavier, displacing about 9% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Blazer 23 carries the more powerful rig (24.6 vs 24.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Kirby 23 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Kirby 23 rates better for offshore work (2.32 vs 2.44).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.