Feeling 416 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Feeling 416 in 1991 emerged from Kirié's rich history, a shipyard that evolved from traditional wooden boat building in 1912 to becoming a pioneer in fiberglass construction by the late 1960s. During the era of the 416's inception, Kirié was at the forefront of marine construction, extensively utilizing polyester (fiberglass) to craft robust and practical vessels. The "Feeling" range, introduced in the early 1980s, became particularly iconic for its innovative designs that blended performance with comfort and often offered versatile keel options. While the provided data for the Feeling 416 specifies a fin keel, other Feeling models, and indeed versions of the 416 itself, were known to feature integral centerboards or lift keels, allowing access to shallower waters—a testament to Kirié's commitment to practical and flexible yachting solutions. The collaboration with designers Philippe Harlé and Alain Mortain ensured that the 416 embodied both elegant lines and sound hydrodynamic principles.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total sail area of approximately 667 square feet and a displacement of 17,416 pounds, the Feeling 416 presents a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of around 15.81. This indicates a moderately powered cruiser, suggesting solid performance in a good breeze rather than exceptional light-air speed. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at approximately 29.1%, and with a maximum draft of 6.33 feet and a deep fin keel, the yacht offers good stability and an ability to stand up to significant wind, contributing to a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 233 places the Feeling 416 squarely in the moderate displacement category, signifying a robust and capable cruiser designed for comfort during extended passages. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Feeling 416 as offering "smooth sailing comfort" and possessing excellent cruising possibilities, making it a reliable choice for long-distance endeavors. Its spade rudder further enhances maneuverability and responsiveness under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Feeling 416 is renowned for its spaciousness and comfortable, luxurious appointments, a key characteristic for a yacht intended for serious cruising. Typically featuring a four-cabin layout in addition to a main saloon, the vessel can accommodate eight or more berths, making it suitable for larger crews or families. The saloon is often highlighted by a comfortable U-shaped settee complemented by additional armchairs, creating a welcoming and expansive living area. The joinery is described as high quality, with interiors commonly finished in modern ash or elm in the form of solid timber, marine plywood, and bonded-laminated timber, providing a warm and enduring aesthetic. A practical pantry and ample storage throughout further underscore its design as a liveaboard or extended cruising yacht. While specific headroom figures are not always available, a 41-foot cruiser of this vintage would typically offer generous standing headroom throughout most of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 416 generally laud the yacht for its robust construction, comfortable accommodations, and solid sailing performance. The reputation of Kirié for building reliable vessels, combined with the thoughtful design by Harlé & Mortain, contributes to its enduring appeal on the used boat market. While specific, frequently cited common problems are not prominently noted in general reviews, like any yacht of its age, consistent and regular maintenance is key to preserving its performance and structural integrity. The Feeling 416 is often regarded as a well-maintained, long-distance sailing yacht, reflecting owner satisfaction with its capabilities for extended voyaging.