Feeling 1090 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié shipyard, with roots tracing back to 1912, embraced fiberglass construction in the late 1960s, a technological leap that allowed for innovative designs like the "Feeling" range Overview. The Feeling 1090, launched in 1987, was a significant development in this line, building upon the success of earlier models like the Feeling 1040. Production of the Feeling 1090 continued until 1997.

Philippe Harlé, the boat's designer, is noted for valuing comfort on board and excellent seakeeping, with the aim of creating a yacht that is seaworthy, fast, safe, easy to handle, attractive, and comfortable. Kirié, as a builder, cultivated a reputation for producing robust and practical vessels, integrating innovative designs, and offering flexibility such as lift keel and fin keel options within their Feeling range Overview. The Feeling 1090 was offered with different keel configurations, including a shoal draft version of 4.5 feet (1.37 meters), alongside the standard 5.75-foot draft, catering to diverse cruising needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 1090, with a length overall of just over 36 feet and a waterline length of 28.75 feet, presents a profile of a capable cruising yacht. Its design features a fin keel and a spade rudder, contributing to good maneuverability.

Analyzing its performance ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): With a SA/D of approximately 25.12, the Feeling 1090 indicates strong light-air performance. This suggests the boat is responsive and can maintain good speeds even in lighter winds, a desirable trait for many cruisers.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): The B/D of around 0.38 points to reasonable stability. While not exceptionally stiff, it provides a comfortable motion in a seaway, allowing the boat to stand up to moderate winds without excessive heeling.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A D/L of approximately 219.34 places the Feeling 1090 in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly vessel that will offer a comfortable ride in various conditions, rather than a lightweight racer.

Owners and reviewers often praise the Feeling 1090 for its good sailing performance and responsiveness, even in light breezes. It is described as a boat that sails well in light to moderate conditions, though some owners note it may require reefing comparatively early in stronger winds compared to some similar French boats of its era. Overall, it offers a balance of comfort and performance, making it suitable for a variety of sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

The Feeling 1090 is well-regarded for its spacious interior and practical layout, prioritizing comfort for extended cruising. The design benefits from the builder's focus on maximizing internal volume, resulting in an exceptionally spacious central part of the interior.

While specific details on headroom are limited in the provided data, one listing indicates a headroom of 190 cm (approximately 6.2 feet). The typical interior arrangement generally includes two cabins, often with a V-berth forward, a spacious salon, a functional galley, and a head. Descriptions frequently highlight the generous amount of space and comfort, making it a good option for families or those undertaking longer voyages. The interior is characterized by a practical layout, and details like beige curtains and grey/white interior finishes have been noted.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 1090 consistently praise its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and the practical, spacious layout. Many appreciate its good build quality and equipment specification for a boat of its age. The boat is often chosen for its combination of good performance and ample living space, making it a popular choice for comfortable cruising. The large amount of space and comfort, along with the practical layout and good sailing characteristics, are frequently highlighted as defining features.

A dedicated online forum, the "Club Feeling," exists for owners of the Feeling 1090 and other Feeling models, providing a platform for discussions, modifications, and shared experiences. Common topics among owners include maintenance, such as renewing windows and seals, and addressing potential issues with keel bolts on older models. However, overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction with the yacht's capabilities and its suitability as a comfortable and capable cruising vessel.