Kirby 23 vs Marlin 23
How do the Kirby 23 and Marlin 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Kirby 23 
Marlin 23 | Kirby 23 | Marlin 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Waterline length | 18.8 ft5.73 m | 16.9 ft5.16 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.36 m | 7.2 ft2.19 m |
| Draft | 3.9 ft1.19 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 2,400 lb1,089 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 1,400 lb635 kg |
| Sail area | 273 ft²25.4 m² | 259 ft²24.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.37 | 19.92 |
| Displacement / Length | 161 | 276 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.1 | 17.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.32 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.8 | 5.5 |
Kirby 23 vs Marlin 23: the short version
- The Kirby 23 and Marlin 23 are close in length (23.0 ft7.01 m vs 23.0 ft7.01 m ).
- The Marlin 23 is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Kirby 23 carries the more powerful rig (24.4 vs 19.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlin 23 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlin 23 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.