Design and Construction
The Feeling 226 displaces 2,105 pounds and carries 838 pounds of iron ballast, giving it a ballast ratio of 39.8 percent. Its beam is 8.14 feet, with a length-to-beam ratio of 2.50.
The fin keel draws between 3.48 and 3.78 feet, depending on load. Alternative keels draw from 3.94 to 4.24 feet, allowing the boat to enter even shallow marinas. A transom-hung rudder completes the underbody.
With roughly 150 square feet of wetted area, the boat remains light for its length. Its sinkage is 483 pounds per inch, indicating how steadily the hull settles as weight is added.
Rig and Handling
The 226 has a masthead rig carrying 250 square feet of sail, for a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 24.44. Its displacement-to-length ratio of 188 places it among moderate racers, while its theoretical hull speed is 5.5 knots.
The jib and genoa sheets are 20.3 feet long and 3/8 inch in diameter. The mainsheet is 50.9 feet long, and the spinnaker sheet is 44.8 feet.
A capsize screening value of 2.54 means the Feeling 226 wouldn’t be accepted for participation in ocean races.
Accommodations and Intended Use
The Feeling 226 has a comfort index of 10.9. Its broad beam, moderate ballast, and fin keel suit daysailing and weekend cruising in sheltered waters.
Verdict
The Feeling 226 is a compact, beamy Harlé design from Kirié, with a fin keel and documented keel alternatives. Its moderate-racer ratio and shallow-draft options make it a credible small-boat daysailer.
Pros
- Beamy hull with a 39.8 percent ballast ratio
- Fin and alternative keels permit access to shallow marinas
- Masthead rig carrying 250 square feet of sail
Cons
- Capsize screening value of 2.54 excludes it from ocean racing
- Draft increases with load
