The Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 vs Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 at 29,4 ft versus Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983 at 27,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983 tips the scales at 6 173 lbs — 661 lbs less than the Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 at 5 512 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 carries a rated maximum of 18 hp. Engine data for the Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 9 gal and 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 5 512 lbs for the Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 and 6 173 lbs for the Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,7 ft and 5,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 uses Sloop rigging. The Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 6,7 knots for the Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 and 6,6 knots for the Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983.
Bottom line: The Kirie Elite 286 - Fin keel Fin keel 1986 at 29,4 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Kirie Elite 30 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1983 at 27,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.