Kirby 25 vs Kirby 30
How do the Kirby 25 and Kirby 30 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Kirby 25 
Kirby 30 | Kirby 25 | Kirby 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.2 ft7.67 m | 29.7 ft9.04 m |
| Waterline length | 20.8 ft6.32 m | 23.5 ft7.16 m |
| Beam | 8.8 ft2.67 m | 10.3 ft3.12 m |
| Draft | 4.2 ft1.27 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 3,150 lb1,429 kg | 5,350 lb2,427 kg |
| Ballast | 1,150 lb522 kg | 2,300 lb1,043 kg |
| Sail area | 289 ft²26.8 m² | 434 ft²40.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.52 | 22.70 |
| Displacement / Length | 157 | 184 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.3 | 14.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.39 | 2.34 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.1 | 6.5 |
Kirby 25 vs Kirby 30: the short version
- The Kirby 30 is the larger boat at 29.7 ft9.04 m LOA versus 25.2 ft7.67 m for the Kirby 25.
- The Kirby 30 is heavier, displacing about 70% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Kirby 30 carries the more powerful rig (22.7 vs 21.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Kirby 30 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Kirby 30 rates better for offshore work (2.34 vs 2.39).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.