Feeling 286 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the accomplished Gilles Vaton, the Feeling 286 quickly established a reputation for being an easy yet rewarding vessel to sail, making it a popular choice for both coastal excursions and broader European charter operations.

The Kirié Feeling 286 was produced during a significant era for the French builder, running from 1986 to 1995, with a total of 283 hulls launched. Kirié, having transitioned from traditional wooden boats to becoming a pioneer in fiberglass construction, imbued the Feeling line with innovative features. The design philosophy behind the Feeling range, including the 286, focused on creating habitable cruisers that blended performance with comfort and offered flexibility for diverse cruising grounds.

A notable aspect of the Feeling 286's design was its availability in multiple keel configurations, including a fin keel and a shallow draft wing keel, with some versions even offering a lifting keel, catering to sailors desiring the ability to navigate shallower waters. Furthermore, Kirié offered the 286 with two accommodation layout options. The "Feeling 286 S" or "Feeling 286 Special" variations, for instance, were distinguished by an expanded aft cabin space, sometimes achieved by relocating the engine forward beneath the saloon table.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kirié Feeling 286 is regarded as a light and high-performing sailboat, described as a fast family cruiser/racer. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.74 suggests that the Feeling 286 is well-powered, indicating good performance even in lighter air conditions. With a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.316 (31.6%), the boat offers moderate stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 190.69 further categorizes the Feeling 286 as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size.

Anecdotal reports from owners and reviews consistently praise the Feeling 286 for being quick and easy to handle, achieving typical passage speeds of 5 to 6 knots. Its stable and stiff nature contributes to its reputation as a capable performer in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details can vary between the standard and "Special" versions, the Feeling 286 typically offers an attractive and light interior, often featuring beech wood finishes. The saloon provides a comfortable headroom of approximately 1.85 meters (about 6 feet, 1 inch).

The standard layout generally includes one cabin, one head, and provides berths for up to six people. In the "Special" or "Owner's Version," the design optimizes the aft cabin, offering a particularly large double berth to port, sometimes achieved by repositioning the engine. Other common interior features include a V-berth in the forepeak and twin extendable settee berths in the saloon. The boat typically features a closed aft cockpit.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 286 often highlight several strengths of the vessel. It is frequently praised for its solid construction, robust hull, and overall good performance. Many find it easy to handle and comfortable for extended living aboard.

However, some recurring issues have been noted by owners. A common concern is the tendency for the side windows to develop leaks, which may require attention. Deterioration of the headlining over time is another issue that has been mentioned. While some owners have reported "crap sails", this is often a maintenance or age-related issue rather than a fundamental design flaw.