Dufour 1800 vs Kirby 25
How do the Dufour 1800 and Kirby 25 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dufour 1800 
Kirby 25 | Dufour 1800 | Kirby 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.1 ft7.65 m | 25.2 ft7.67 m |
| Waterline length | 21.9 ft6.68 m | 20.8 ft6.32 m |
| Beam | 8.9 ft2.71 m | 8.8 ft2.67 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 4.2 ft1.27 m |
| Displacement | 3,969 lb1,800 kg | 3,150 lb1,429 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | 1,150 lb522 kg |
| Sail area | 252 ft²23.4 m² | 289 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.08 | 21.52 |
| Displacement / Length | 168 | 157 |
| Comfort ratio | 14.6 | 12.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.25 | 2.39 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.1 |
Dufour 1800 vs Kirby 25: the short version
- The Dufour 1800 and Kirby 25 are close in length (25.1 ft7.65 m vs 25.2 ft7.67 m ).
- The Dufour 1800 is heavier, displacing about 26% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Kirby 25 carries the more powerful rig (21.5 vs 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dufour 1800 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dufour 1800 rates better for offshore work (2.25 vs 2.39).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.