Elite 326 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Elite 326 is widely recognized for its balanced and responsive helm, a hallmark of the Philippe Briand design office. With a hull shape that features relatively fine entries and a moderate beam carried well aft, the boat displays impressive stability and speed for its class. The Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio is high enough to allow the boat to perform admirably in light airs, while the fin keel configuration—drawing roughly 5' 5"—provides the lift necessary for efficient upwind work.

Under sail, the boat is known for its "stiff" behavior, meaning it resists excessive heeling in moderate breezes, allowing the crew to maintain comfort without constant reefing. Unlike some of its heavier contemporaries, the Elite 326 utilizes its light-to-moderate displacement to accelerate quickly out of tacks. Owners often note that the boat tracks well, though like many French designs of the period with high-aspect rudders, it requires a attentive hand when pushed hard off the wind in a following sea. The deck layout is optimized for short-handed sailing, with a cockpit that allows the helmsperson easy access to the primary winches.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Elite 326 was revolutionary for the late 80s, primarily due to the "panoramic" coachroof windows that flood the salon with natural light. This design choice, a signature of the Kirié/Feeling line, eliminates the "cave-like" atmosphere found in many 32-footers of the era. The woodwork is typically light-toned—often ash or elm—which further enhances the sense of space.

The layout is a classic two-cabin configuration. The aft cabin is surprisingly large for a 32-foot boat, featuring a double berth that extends under the cockpit sole, providing ample room for a cruising couple. The forward V-berth is standard, though more suited for children or guest use. A key highlight is the L-shaped galley situated to port, which offers decent storage and workspace for extended coastal trips. The Elite 326 was built on the same hull as the Feeling 326, and while the "Elite" badge was often marketed with higher-spec trim for the American market, the fundamental structural variants included a shallow-draft wing keel and a lifting-keel (daggerboard) version, though the latter is significantly rarer in the Elite-branded fleet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Elite 326 with a focus on its age-related structural maintenance. The most significant area for inspection is the panoramic window seals. These large acrylic panels are prone to crazing and leakages over time; resealing them is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized marine adhesives to maintain the structural integrity of the coachroof.

Additionally, while the hull is solid fiberglass, the balsa-cored deck should be thoroughly checked for moisture intrusion, particularly around the stanchion bases and the windlass area. Like many Kirié models of this period, the interior headliners are known to sag as the foam backing degrades. This is a cosmetic issue but a frequent "gotcha" that can be expensive to professionally remediate. Finally, the rudder bearings should be inspected for play; the high-aspect spade rudder puts significant leverage on the upper and lower bushings, which may require replacement to restore the boat's signature "fingertip" steering feel.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Elite 326 benefit from the broader "Feeling" community, as the boats are technically identical. The Association des Propriétaires de Feeling is the primary technical repository for these vessels, offering extensive documentation on hull maintenance and rigging specifications. While much of the primary literature is in French, the international reach of Kirié means that technical support and parts cross-referencing are widely available through European brokerage networks.

The Verdict

The Elite 326 is a stylish, light-footed cruiser that offers a modern, airy interior rarely found in boats of its vintage. It is an ideal choice for a small family or couple looking for a coastal cruiser that can hold its own in a club race.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior light and "open" feel due to panoramic windows.
• Spacious aft cabin that rivals 35-foot competitors.
• Excellent light-wind performance and nimble handling.
• High-quality design pedigree by Philippe Briand.

Cons:

• Windows are prone to leaks and require careful maintenance.
• Aged interior headliners often require replacement.
• Light displacement can lead to a "lively" motion in heavy offshore conditions.