kirie sailboat

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

Kirié Feeling 396 DI

• By Quentin Warren
• Updated: August 5, 2002

kirie396.jpg

Most people aboard a ballasted 38-foot monohull tend to leave the boat on a hook in 10 or more feet of water and take a dinghy to the beach. Not when sailing the Kirié Feeling 396 DI; it’s designed to slip onto that beach like a catamaran – on purpose, mind you.

The magic is accomplished by means of a large, lifting, keel-like centerboard that reduces 7’4″ of upwind draft to a beachable 2’11″. Hull sections are basically flat from stem to stern to minimize the depth of the underbody. Structural skegs on either side of the centerboard trunk and at the propeller protect those critical areas. In lieu of one high-aspect, balanced-spade rudder are two shallower elliptical foils canted port and starboard; each one is engineered to accept the weight of the whole boat when on the hard.

Of course, for those who truly appreciate the deepwater sailing sensation of a performance cruiser and don’t require the landing-craft option, the 396 is available alternatively with a fixed 5’11″ ballasted fin. So configured, the boat prices out at approximately $10,000 less.

The hull is fabricated of solid glass with chopped strand mat and woven roving in a polyester resin matrix. The deck is cored with end-grain balsa. Longitudinal stringers and athwartship frames are glassed in for structural rigidity. Hull thickness at the bottom of the boat is one inch to support beaching, and the lifting-keel version includes a cast-iron belly pan affixed externally into a recess in the underbody; it is fair with the bottom and provides 6,860 pounds of ballast. The lifting foil is constructed of fiberglass and weighs less than 300 pounds; it pivots around a heavy-duty stainless pin secured through bushings. The fixed-keel version of the 396 features a 5,400-pound cast iron foil externally affixed to the hull with conventional keelbolts.

We have some concern over the suitability of cast iron as belly ballast in the shallow-draft 396; it is vulnerable to rust and corrosion in the marine environment. Kirié appears to have covered its bases with regard to this issue, by keeping the metal external and beefing up the hull schedule where it attaches.

The interior is available in two versions — a two-stateroom version with a double berth in the bow and another double berth in a full-width cabin aft, and a three-stateroom version in which port and starboard cabins occupy the space in the stern. Woodwork is rendered in elm for that light, airy look, and there’s enough of it below to impart a bit of elegance too. Both versions include two heads with showers, one forward and one aft, each with its own dedicated stainless steel holding tank.

The main saloon features L-shaped settees port and starboard with a central dinette that folds out to accommodate both seating areas. A very secure galley with everything from double stainless sinks to a microwave is tucked in on the port side to the left of the companionway; to the right sits the after head and a well-appointed forward-facing nav station and electrical/electronics control center. There are three decent hanging lockers in the boat.

Access to the 40-horsepower Yanmar is through convertible front and side inspection hatches below the companionway. Underneath the cabin sole in this area is the battery bank in a custom-fabricated fiberglass casing – one battery for engine starting, two deep-cycle units for house current. Electrical distribution is organized at a panel in the nav station and includes 16 12-volt breakers and six European 220-volt breakers. Pressurized hot and cold water is available in the galley and heads; a deck shower is provided in the cockpit.

Topside, the 396 has a low-profile cabintop and flush foredeck. The mast is deck-stepped, with lines led aft through organizers and stoppers to cabin-mounted self-tailers. Forward are double anchor rollers and a generous chain locker with a mechanical windlass installed. The cockpit features a removable helmsman’s seat that opens onto a swim platform. The cockpit itself is rather small, compromised by a wide bridge deck that occupies the space between the cockpit and the main hatch designed, presumably, for fairweather lounging. We question the shrewdness of infringing on cockpit volume and encouraging idle activity in such a high-traffic area. Going below becomes a climb-out-of-the-cockpit maneuver, leaving a crewmember vulnerable in rough offshore situations.

We went sailing aboard the 396 DI in light air on flat water. The boat moved along effortlessly in these benign conditions, tracked well and dug to weather nicely with the board deployed. Connected to the wheel by means of a Whitlock rack-and-pinion system, the dual canted rudders provide excellent response at the helm.

The issue of stiffness and stability aboard a monohull with virtually all of its ballast in the hull (e.g. higher up than normal) is worth addressing here; however, a look at the numbers and a comparison with the conventional-keel version of the vessel sheds positive light. The conventional keel tips in at 5,400 lbs., giving that version a 35-percent ballast ratio and a respectable SA/Disp figure of 16.9. To compensate for the elevated center of gravity aboard the 396 DI, Kirié has jacked belly ballast way up to 6,680, resulting in a 39-percent ballast ratio and a more conservative SA/Disp of 15.4. Clearly the design process has taken into account the stability trade-off involved with shoal draft and has calculated a solution.

Offshore sailors without the need for reduced draft would do well to consider as much draft as they can possibly accommodate. But anybody keen on poking into shallow backwater haunts has to think along opposite lines. To that end, the 396 DI is certainly an intriguing alternative.

Kirié 396 DI Specifications:

• LOA: 38’6″ (11.7 m.)
• LWL: 33’9″ (10.3 m.)
• Beam: 12’6″ (3.8 m.)
• Draft (fin): 5’11” (1.8 m.)
• Draft (lifting): 2’11″/7’4″ (0.9/2.2 m.)
• Ballast (fin): 5,400 lbs. (2,450 kgs.)
• Ballast (lifting): 6,680 lbs. (3,030 kgs.)
• Foil weight (lifting) 286 lbs. (130 kgs.)
• Disp (fin): 15,470 lbs. (7,017 kgs.)
• Disp (lifting): 17,680 lbs. (8,020 kgs.)
• Sail area: (100%) 654 sq.ft. (60.8 sq.m.)
• Mast above water: 54’0″ (16.5 m.)
• Ballast/Disp: .35 (fin); .39 (lifting)
• Disp/Length: 180 (fin); 205 (lifting)
• SA/Disp: 16.9 (fin); 15.4 (lifting)
• Fuel: 66 gal. (250 ltr.)
• Water: 105 gal. (397 ltr.)
• Holding: 2 x 18 gal approx. (136 ltr.)
• Auxiliary: 40-hp Yanmar diesel
• Cabin headroom: 7’0″ (2.1 m.)
• Designer: Gilles Vaton
• Base price: $223,500

Kirié USA Gratitude Yachting Center 5990 Lawton Ave. Rock Hall, MD 21661 Phone: (410) 639-7111

• More: 31 - 40 ft , before 2000 , centerboarder , Coastal Cruising , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Lagoon 60 Prepares for World Premiere

Now For Sale: Leopard 45

Sailboat Review: Rapido 40

For Sale: 2002 Hylas 46

The Long Way Around

Sailing to the Land of Shrimp

Swallow Tattoos and Sailors

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Kirié fifty 27

The kirié fifty 27 is a 26.9ft masthead sloop designed by michel joubert and built in fiberglass by alliaura marine (kirie) since 1978., it accomodates 6 people in 1 cabins plus salon..

The Kirié fifty 27 is a moderate weight sailboat which is under powered. It is stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a very short water supply range.

Kirié fifty 27 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, modal title.

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Kirie Elite 326

The Kirie Elite 326 sailboat is a stunning vessel that combines elegance, performance, and comfort, making it a top choice for sailing enthusiasts. This 32-foot yacht is designed with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring a pleasurable sailing experience. The Kirie Elite 326 features a sleek hull shape and a spacious deck layout, providing ample room for relaxation and entertaining. With its efficient rigging system and excellent stability, this sailboat offers impressive speed and handling, making it suitable for both cruising and racing.

Inside the Kirie Elite 326, you'll find a beautifully appointed interior that maximizes comfort and functionality. The carefully designed layout offers generous headroom and an abundance of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The boat features a spacious saloon with comfortable seating, a well-equipped galley, and a dining area. There are also two private cabins, including a comfortable owner's suite with its own ensuite bathroom. The high-quality finishes and attention to detail throughout the interior make the Kirie Elite 326 a luxurious and inviting place to spend time on the water.

Safety and performance are paramount in the Kirie Elite 326. The boat is built with high-quality materials and incorporates advanced engineering techniques to ensure durability and seaworthiness. The sailboat features a deep keel and a balanced rudder, providing excellent stability and maneuverability. The rigging system is designed for easy handling and efficient sail control, allowing for effortless sailing in various weather conditions. Whether you're embarking on a coastal cruise or participating in a regatta, the Kirie Elite 326 delivers an exceptional sailing experience that will satisfy even the most discerning sailors.

LOA: 31.33 ft LWL: 27.08 ft Beam: 11.00 ft Draft: 5.42 ft Displacement: 7200.00 lbs Ballast: 2580.00 lbs Hull type: Fin w/spade rudder Hull construction: FG Rigging type: Masthead Sloop

Kirie Elite 326 for sale in the last 12 months

Below you'll find the latest Kirie Elite 326 listings for the last 12 months. We compare the listing price with boats listed in the past and the color coding indicates if the price is good (green = below the average listing price) or more on the expensive side (red = seller is asking more than the average listing price).

Listing details

Elite 37 Fin keel

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 3rd April 2020

Elite 37's main features

Elite 37's main dimensions, elite 37's rig and sails, elite 37's performances, elite 37's auxiliary engine, elite 37's accommodations and layout, elite 37's saloon, elite 37's fore cabin, elite 37's aft cabin.

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Fifty 21 is a 20 ′ 6 ″ / 6.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Joubert-Nivelt and built by Kirie between 1977 and 1980.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Pilot house motor sailor with inside steering.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.