Feeling 920 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Kirié shipyard, with its roots in traditional wooden boat building, made a significant technological leap in the late 1960s by embracing fiberglass construction. This innovation paved the way for iconic lines like the "Feeling" range, to which the 920 belongs, launched in the early 1980s. The Feeling 920 was produced between 1981 and 1986, with approximately 370 hulls completed, solidifying its presence in the sailing community.

Philippe Harlé, the designer behind the Feeling 920, was known for creating boats with intelligent layouts and good sailing characteristics. A key innovative feature of the Feeling range, including the 920, was its availability in both fin keel (deep draft) and swing keel (keel and centerboard) versions, offering sailors unparalleled flexibility. This design choice catered to a broad audience, from those seeking the performance of a deeper keel to those desiring the ability to explore shallower waters and access restricted anchorages. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized innovative design and durable construction, hallmarks evident in the enduring quality of the Feeling 920.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 920 is characterized as a cruiser-racer, and its design ratios reflect a balanced approach to performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 181, she suggests good light-air performance, allowing her to move well even in lighter breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 37.5% indicates a moderately stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 238 places her in the heavier end of the moderate displacement category, suggesting a solid, seakindly motion in various sea states.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Feeling 920 for its above-average sailing characteristics and its seaworthiness. The cockpit is frequently described as spacious and comfortable, contributing to a pleasant sailing experience. Her skeg-hung rudder further enhances directional stability, particularly when cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Feeling 920 is noted for a significantly spacious hull design for its era. The interior layout is typically described as open-plan, making effective use of the available volume. Many models feature simple elm joinery, which, coupled with materials like hessian-style upholstery, created a warm and functional cabin.

The common interior arrangement includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, and an aft heads compartment. A notable feature is often a two-person cabin located in the aft section of the vessel. The galley is typically equipped with essentials such as an oven, gas stove, sink, and a cooler, providing adequate facilities for coastal cruising. Owners appreciate the multiple storage spaces integrated throughout the interior, which are crucial for extended trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 920 generally commend the vessel for its quality of construction and seaworthiness. The spacious and comfortable cockpit is a frequently highlighted strength, enhancing the on-deck experience. The innovative option of a swing keel, while offering access to shallow waters, has been noted by some owners as a potential area for maintenance, with instances of the lifting keel mechanism refusing to drop requiring attention. However, the overall consensus points to a robust and capable cruiser that continues to provide reliable service to its owners.