Feeling 1350 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Feeling 1350 in 1986 marked a significant point in Wauquiez's production, aligning with the shipyard's established ethos of durability and quality. The design, primarily attributed to Ron Holland, aimed to blend high performance with the practicalities of a comfortable cruising yacht. Wauquiez, known for its meticulous construction, notably utilized solid fiberglass for the hull and often the deck in boats from this era, ensuring a robust build designed for a lifetime of sailing. During its production run, the Feeling 1350 was offered with different keel alternatives, including a shoal draft option for the ELITE 45 version, and a tall rig variant, providing flexibility for various sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 1350's design ratios underscore its blend of performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.49, the yacht is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions while still being capable in a breeze. Its ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio, around 208.95, classifies it as a moderately heavy performance cruiser, striking a balance between swiftness and the solid feel of a bluewater boat. Owners and reviewers often describe the Feeling 1350 as a fast monohull that is well-mannered and balanced, suitable for blue water cruising. The deck layout is clear and uncluttered, facilitating easy short-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not readily available, the Feeling 1350, with its length overall of 44.29 feet and a substantial beam of 14.08 feet, offers a spacious interior for a yacht of its size and era. The general interior layout typically features multiple berths, ranging from four to ten depending on the configuration, and is described as attractive, if somewhat utilitarian. Owner versions commonly featured a three-cabin layout, providing exceptional storage flexibility. Wauquiez's general design philosophy prioritizes refined interiors with high-grade materials, resulting in comfortable and warm living spaces., 11] The generous volume allows for typical cruising amenities, including a salon, galley, and head, making it suitable for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Feeling 1350 as a proven offshore cruiser. Its robust construction, a hallmark of Wauquiez yachts, is consistently praised, contributing to a sense of security and durability. The yacht is often seen as a smart investment for discerning cruisers due to its capabilities and inherent quality. The uncluttered deck layout is appreciated for its contribution to easy handling, even for those sailing short-handed. While no pervasive common problems are highlighted in general reviews, the strong community of Wauquiez owners reflects the enduring passion and collective support for these distinctive yachts.