I've heard that some of the Kirie Elite series were not well built, I
know of a 30 footer down here that is reputed to oilcan badly (although

it sails fast)... haven't seen it myself but it's also reported to have

suffered some structural mishap.


Doug, you're quite right. Some Elites oilcanned and build quality
varied greatly by the late 80s. The 326 we looked at was very sloppy
build quality and there's almost no resale on them here. None of the
French forums thought the Elites were better build than the Beneteaus's
of the late 80's and early 90's. Later we learned the they were only
finishing boats on order and dropping and hiring crews in between.
Quality dropped badly. I got this info from three owners and a fellow
who passed on the Elite for that very reason.
Stepping aboard the 1990 326 we found that the pedestal wobbled because
this cockpit glass was thin. Same for the stanchions. Fit and finish
below was sloppy and cheap. The layout was excellent however.
As usual Loco makes broad statements about boats with no real
knowledge. The First 35s5 is built better than ANY of the Elites.



RB
35s5...the best quality boat here
NY

"Capt." Rob wrote:
.... The First 35s5 is built better than ANY of the Elites.

I'm glad to hear you say that, as it confirms what I said- anyone with
sense would rather have a Kirie.

DSK

I'm glad to hear you say that, as it confirms what I said- anyone with
sense would rather have a Kirie.


???? Unfortunatley not one owner I spoke to agreed with you. In fact
the owners said things like, "only buy the kirie if you can get it
cheap." Even the broker of the 326 said it was lightly built compared
to the First series. I'm glad to see you makie posts like this Doug.
Anyone is welcome to research the 90's Elites and find out what I did.
I also seriously doubt you inspected ANY post 1990 Elite as they are
VERY lightly built and mostly saw use in charter. Again...it helps to
check into the French forums. Oh and Donal reported sturdier build on
his First series, but I guess he's a liar!

RB
35s5...better than any Kirie by a mile...and faster!
NY