Feeling 396 DI Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié shipyard, with roots tracing back to 1912, embraced fiberglass construction in the late 1960s, a pivotal shift that set the stage for its innovative "Feeling" range. The Feeling series, launched in the early 1980s, became synonymous with habitable cruising yachts offering flexible keel options, a hallmark of the brand's design philosophy. The Feeling 396 DI, designed by Gilles Vaton in the mid-nineties, embodies this ethos, entering production around 2002 under the Kirié brand, which was then part of Alliaura Marine 1, 3, 5, Builder Article. Vaton's design for the Feeling 396 DI focused on creating a vessel that could comfortably navigate offshore while providing ample space and the unique advantage of its integral lifting keel. This allowed sailors to access shallow anchorages and dry out with ease, a feature highly valued by cruisers exploring diverse coastal environments. The boat was also available in a fixed fin keel version, offering a deeper draft for those prioritizing maximum upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 396 DI is designed to offer a balanced and responsive sailing experience. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.4, it indicates a boat capable of respectable performance, especially in light to moderate winds, without being overly burdened by sail area in heavier conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) is exceptionally high at around 83.3%, which contributes to tremendous initial stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up well to a breeze and handle challenging sea states with confidence. This high fixed ballast is a critical component of its integral centerboard design, providing stability even with the lifting foil retracted.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) for the Feeling 396 DI is approximately 204.6, classifying it as a moderately heavy cruiser. This translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, suitable for offshore passages, while still being responsive enough for enjoyable coastal cruising. The boat's hull speed is calculated at approximately 7.8 knots. Anecdotal descriptions suggest the Feeling 396 DI handles well, with its dual rudders providing excellent control and steering authority, particularly beneficial in various sea conditions and when maneuvering in tight spaces.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Feeling 396 DI is designed for comfort and practicality, making it well-suited for extended cruising. With an impressive maximum headroom of 7 feet, the cabin feels remarkably spacious. The layout typically offers two or three stateroom configurations, providing versatile accommodation options. Common arrangements include comfortable V-berths forward, a spacious salon area with seating and a dining table, a well-appointed galley for meal preparation, and often multiple heads. Owners consistently praise the interior, noting its quality and how it surpasses that of many contemporary boats in its class. The design emphasizes ample storage throughout, crucial for provisions and gear on longer voyages, and robust construction materials ensure durability and a pleasant aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 396 DI generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently commending the boat's solid construction and its comfortable, steady motion, particularly in a seaway. The innovative integral centerboard system is a highlight, offering unparalleled access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out, significantly expanding cruising grounds. The spacious and well-finished interior is another recurring point of praise, often cited as a major advantage for liveaboard or extended cruising.

However, some owners have noted potential maintenance considerations. The cast iron used for the belly ballast in the shallow-draft version has been identified as vulnerable to rust and corrosion, an area that may require attention over time. As with any boat of its age, routine maintenance of original deck fittings to prevent leaks is a common task, although not specifically cited as a widespread flaw for this model. Overall, the Feeling 396 DI is highly regarded by its community for its blend of innovative design, robust build, and comfortable cruising capabilities.